Timeless Beauty: A Look Back at the Nissequogue Pool and Travertine Patio by Gappsi

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A travertine pool is a timeless beauty.  When you can look back at a project like this, Nissequogue Pool and Travertine Patio, and not see it age, you know it can stand the test of time. There’s something incredibly satisfying about revisiting a project many years after its completion and finding that it still stands strong in structure and style. That’s precisely the case with this stunning backyard in Nissequogue, a project Gappsi designed and built 15 years ago. Time has passed, seasons have come and gone. This backyard oasis remains as beautiful and functional as the day it was completed.

a-look-back-at-the-nissequogue-pool-and-travertine-patio-by-gappsiThis comprehensive backyard project combined all the essential elements of luxury outdoor living. Every detail was thoughtfully designed and expertly built to provide years of enjoyment, from the pool, patio, water features, and outdoor kitchen. And it has done just that—fifteen years later, the homeowners are still enjoying every inch of their backyard paradise.

The Heart of the Backyard: A 25×50 Vinyl Travertine Pool

At the center of this serene retreat is a sizeable 25×50-foot vinyl swimming pool. The pool was constructed with sturdy concrete walls, providing durability and longevity. An automatic pool cover was installed to enhance safety and convenience, offering protection from debris and an added layer of security and energy efficiency.

One of the standout features of this pool is its classic and elegant look, achieved through the use of 2-inch thick travertine pool coping. This detail gives the pool a timeless, high-end aesthetic that perfectly complements the natural surroundings. Travertine is beautiful and practical—it’s cool underfoot even on hot days, making it ideal for poolside use.

A Travertine Patio in a French Pattern

Surrounding the pool is an expansive patio paved with golden travertine and a French-patterned layout. This design choice adds visual interest and a touch of Old World charm to the space. The warm tones of the travertine blend beautifully with the natural environment, while its textured surface provides a slip-resistant surface perfect for entertaining, relaxing, or simply enjoying the view.

Using a consistent material throughout the coping and the patio creates a seamless flow that elegantly ties the space together. This kind of design unity is one of the reasons this backyard has aged so gracefully.

a-look-back-at-the-nissequogue-pool-and-travertine-patio-by-gappsi1Retaining Walls, Columns, and Custom Stonework

We constructed retaining walls and columns throughout the landscape to manage the backyard’s natural grade and add architectural interest. These structures were veneered with split-face travertine, a finish that adds depth, character, and rustic elegance to the space. Using natural stone brings a grounded, earthy element to the design that enhances the outdoor living experience.

One of the visual highlights is the intricate column work, which serves a structural purpose and adds a classical design element that elevates the entire yard’s aesthetic.

A Natural Stone Water Feature

No backyard retreat is complete without the soothing sounds of flowing water. For this project, we built a custom natural stone and rock water feature that appears to flow straight out of the hillside. This cascading water feature adds a dynamic, tranquil focal point to the backyard, further blurring the lines between the built environment and natural beauty.

What’s more impressive? After 15 years, the water feature is still fully operational and just as captivating as the day it was installed. That kind of long-term performance speaks volumes about the craftsmanship and quality of the build.

a-look-back-at-the-nissequogue-pool-and-travertine-patio-by-gappsi2Outdoor Living at Its Finest: Fireplace, Kitchen, and Raised Patio

Beyond the travertine pool and patio, the outdoor space was designed for year-round enjoyment. A wood-burning fireplace was constructed as a cozy gathering spot for cooler evenings, perfect for family nights or entertaining guests. There’s nothing quite like the ambiance of a real fire under the stars.

Next to the fireplace is a fully equipped outdoor kitchen with a dedicated sitting area. This makes it the ideal space for summer barbecues, weekend brunches, or casual weeknight dinners. The functional cooking space and comfortable seating transform the backyard into a valid home extension.

We also built a raised patio adjacent to the house, creating a transitional space that ties the home and the backyard together. It’s the perfect place to relax with a coffee or enjoy the sunset over the pool.

The Spa Experience: Catalina Spa

No luxury backyard is complete without a spa, and we installed a Catalina Spa for this project. Known for their performance and durability, Catalina Spas are built to last—and this one certainly has. Even after 15 years of use, it’s still in excellent condition, delivering the same relaxing hydrotherapy experience it did on day one.

A Backyard That Stands the Test of Time

Perhaps the most rewarding part of revisiting this Nissequogue backyard is seeing how well it has held up over the years. The structures are solid, the materials have aged beautifully, and every feature works exactly as intended. It’s a testament to quality craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and the use of premium materials.

At Gappsi, we believe that a well-designed outdoor space should look amazing when it’s first completed and continue to serve and delight its owners for years—if not decades—to come. This project is a perfect example of that philosophy in action.

a-look-back-at-the-nissequogue-pool-and-travertine-patio-by-gappsi3This Nissequogue backyard is more than just a space—it’s a lifestyle. It’s where memories are made, holidays are celebrated, and quiet moments are cherished. Fifteen years later, the pool still sparkles, the patio still shines, and the water feature still flows. That’s the kind of lasting quality that Gappsi is proud to deliver.

If you’re dreaming of your backyard transformation, let us help you design a space that will bring joy not just today, but for years into the future. Whether it’s a pool, patio, outdoor kitchen, or full landscape design, we’re here to build something timeless—just like we did in Nissequogue.

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Gunite Pool Renovation and Redesign in East Islip NY

gunite-pool-renovation-and-redesign-in-east-islip-nygunite-pool-renovation-and-redesign-in-east-islip-ny1gunite-pool-renovation-and-redesign-in-east-islip-ny2gunite-pool-renovation-and-redesign-in-east-islip-ny3

This backyard and pool renovation was done by Gappsi in East Islip NY. This job was originally done by Gappsi 30 Yrs ago in 1993, it is now 2023. The new renovation project consists of rebuilding the outside wall with all-natural stones.  The patio pavers we used were full-color NY Bluestone flagstone random sizes. The original pool was a 20×40 with an extended swing lane on this side. For the renovation that we did, we made the pool square kept one side of the swim lane, and built a sundeck within the pool.

Your swimming pool is a key part of your home. It’s where you spend quality time with your loved ones, wind down after work, and exercise, so it pays to ensure it perfectly meets your needs and preferences.

The basis of any poolscape is the existing location. It can mean disguising between an exciting party spot or a relaxing spa scene. We consider the architecture of the home and the living spaces, as well as the existing landform and landscape.

Why Gunite Pools Have the Most Longevity?

Choosing between gunite and vinyl pools can be difficult, but there are some differences in the longevity of each pool. The longevity of your pool depends on the maintenance, cleaning, and chemicals you use.

Gunite is a specific type of concrete, a blend of cement, sand, and water, sprayed through a hose. The dry mix of cement and sand is mixed with water as it’s being applied. Typically, the gunite is sprayed onto a framework of steel reinforcing bars that comprise the pool structure.

Unlike vinyl liner pools, concrete pools are not premade. You can customize your concrete pool right down to the color of the water.  Not only are concrete pools the most popular and highly customizable, but they have the longest lifespan compared to a vinyl liner pool. Concrete pools require a little more maintenance than the vinyl options, but these pools will last much longer with proper care.

In the latest Gappsi pool renovation in East Islip NY, we designed and built this pool over 30 years ago.  We reshaped the gunite pool and changed the pool decking.  The original pool was built in 1993 over 30 years ago by Gappsi showing the timelessness and longevity of choosing a Gappsi Gunite pool.

gunite-pool-renovation-and-redesign-in-east-islip-6

Can You Redesign an Existing Pool by Changing the Shape or Size of the Pool?

Yes, you can redesign the pool and add to it, that is the beauty of a concrete pool.  Our gunite pool renovation included reshaping the pool and adding a sundeck.  Whether you’re unhappy with the size, the shape, the depth, or maybe just the overall look of the pool, you might be interested in a swimming pool remodel. Whether you inherited this pool upon buying a home or you had it installed many years ago, and it’s become dated there are options for you.

During this latest pool restoration, our team acid-washed the pool and removed all the old pavers.  Acid washing a pool removes stains, mineral deposits, algae, and other buildup from the pool’s surface. It can also remove chlorine and dirt stains.

The porous nature of concrete allows for algae to grow quickly, so it is important to clean the pool walls and floor regularly. Acid washing is one form of maintenance for concrete pools.  This is typically only done every 3-5 years to prevent algae and bacteria buildup on the surface of the pool.

Natural Stone Wall

The project consisted of rebuilding the outside wall with all-natural stones. The clients love the natural stone look. It’s a dry stacked natural stone wall built all around the pool. The pool was raised out of the ground originally because it is on a bay and the water table is high. The patio pavers we used were full-color NY Bluestone Flagstone in random sizes.

The original pool was a 20×40 with an extended swim lane on one side. For the pool renovation, we made the pool square but kept one side of the pool with a swim lane.

gunite-pool-renovation-and-redesign-in-east-islip-ny4Sun Deck, Sun Shelf, Tanning Ledge, or Baja Shelf They are All the Same

We built a sun deck, with curb steps in the upgraded pool design.  A tanning shelf or tanning ledge is the perfect feature to add to an existing swimming pool while under renovation.  A tanning shelf is an area inside the pool perimeter that sits just about 6-8″ below water. The area is larger than your entry steps, usually running about 5-6′ in length and width, commonly featuring a bubbler or umbrella.  Being one of the most prevalent add-ons to a pool design, the function of a tanning shelf stretches from child’s play to adult relaxation. The family dog even appreciates a cool place to escape the New York heat.

gunite-pool-renovation-and-redesign-in-east-islip-7Porcelain Tile Accents For Your Pools Waterline

The clients chose to add porcelain tiles to the waterline of the pool.  Choosing the right tile can enhance the visual appeal of your pool while providing durability and ease of maintenance.  Porcelain tile is known for its strength, resistance to fading, and low maintenance requirements. With a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to choose from, porcelain tile offers versatility and durability for waterline applications. It’s an excellent choice for achieving a timeless and sophisticated look for your pool.

We installed 2×2 tiles to accent the edges of the steps and sundeck.

Gulfstream Hydrazzo Finish

This polished pool surface creates a finish unlike any other pool plaster available on the market.  Hydrazzo was the first polished pool finish in the industry. For over 20 years the company has produced the product in the USA. A silky smooth polished texture combined with the proven durability of exposed aggregates are prime features of this state-of-the-art pool plaster finish.

With 15+ unique color options and a natural variegated appearance, Hydrazzo compliments all poolscape designs. The polished pool surface creates a finish unlike any other pool plaster available on the market today. It is naturally resistant to spot etching, topical stains, permanent scale & algae adhesion.

Some of the most beautiful pools in the world are surfaced with the hand-polished magic of Hydrazzo. It is the smoothest, richest, and most luxurious surface available. Hydrazzo combines naturally beautiful coarse-graded crystalline and colored marble, along with white Portland cement and a host of other performance-enhancing ingredients. The results are like no other.

Automatic Saftey Covers for Pools Saves Time and Money

During the renovation, we added an automatic pool safety cover.  Our under-track automatic pool cover is the top choice for new pool and spa installations and pool remodeling projects. The cover’s tracks are installed under the pool’s coping during the construction process, giving you the most seamless and aesthetically pleasing installation possible. The under-track model is compatible with any rectangular pool and can also be designed to work with some custom pool shapes and features.

4 Reasons to Add an Automatic Safety Cover

  • Keep your pool clean: Your automatic pool cover will keep dirt and debris out of your pool, greatly reducing the amount of time you’ll spend skimming and vacuuming. When you’re ready to use your pool, your retractable cover will roll open with just the touch of a button to reveal sparkling clean water!
  • Conserve water. Pools that aren’t covered can lose as much as 2” of water per week. As water rates continue to rise, your automatic pool cover can save you hundreds of dollars every year by preventing evaporation and helping you conserve every precious drop of water in your pool.
  • Maintain your ideal water temperature. A few chilly nights can bring your pool water’s temperature down. Your automatic pool cover will help maintain your pool water at the ideal temperature, so it’s swim-ready, whenever you are. Not only does it retain heat but it can also be used to add heat to your pool water.
  • Conserve chemicals. When water evaporates from your swimming pool, those expensive chemicals added to the water evaporate with it. Your automatic pool cover will help you keep those chemicals in your pool water, where they belong, allowing you to spend less time and money on your pool and more time in your pool!

Bringing you from the past to the present this is the latest backyard pool renovation in East Islip NY showcasing the timelessness of a Gunite Pool by Gappsi.

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Freeform Gunite Swimming Pool

Freeform-Gunite-Swimming-Pool1Making the decision to build a custom freeform gunite swimming pool in your own backyard is exciting! Imagine a beautiful oasis with custom water features for relaxing and spending time with family and friends.

Gappsi specializes in gunite pool construction in Smithtown NY and surrounding areas. From initial consultation and coming up with your backyard design to completing the project in a timely manner, we promise excellent service and quality work every step of the way.

What Pool Shapes Are Available? Geometric and Freeform

A lot of thought should go into your pool shape and style. There are several factors that will play a part in determining that shape. Function is a big factor. It’s important to know what you want to be able to use the pool for and to consider all the users. Will it be a family-oriented pool that will incorporate a diving board, slide, grotto or other features your kids may enjoy? Or, maybe the pool’s primary function is to provide an oasis from the New York heat, someplace to unwind from a busy week where every feature revolves around escape and relaxation.

If that’s the case you may want to incorporate features like a shallow tanning reef, swim-up bar, or a relaxing water feature. It is easy to extend the use of your pool into the cooler months by adding a spa, fire pit, or outdoor kitchen area and incorporating it into the design.

Yard space is an important consideration when adding a pool to your property.  You may need a strategic pool design to make the most of a small or oddly shaped yard, or perhaps you have more space than you literally know what to do with. Both are scenarios that our experienced designers and pool builders at Gappsi know how to deal with.

Freeform Pools Gunitre Pool

Freeform custom pools are those taking on any shape and form. There’s no certain geometric shape such as a square or rectangle. Instead, freeform design (sometimes also referred to as a radius pool), has no set rules or shapes.  It can take on any curvilinear form.

Freeform-Gunite-Swimming-PoolWhen you start to plan out your swimming pool installation with Gappsi, you will have the option of creating a freeform design for your pool area. Unlike traditional swimming pools, which contain rigid, geometric shapes, freeform pools have an organic look and feel. Gappsi has plenty of experience with pool installation and will be able to help you plan out a freeform pool that matches beautifully with your backyard.

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There are a few terrific benefits to the freeform swimming pool. When you create a freeform pool, you will be able to create a one-of-a-kind design for your backyard. Small pools are particularly suited to a freeform design because they can be crafted to look like natural water elements. You may also find that your swimming pool maintenance requirements are lower when you create a freeform design. Overall, planning a freeform pool will allow you to express your personality and sense of style.

Freeform pools are made up of soft curves. These gunite pools can be built in an infinite amount of pool shapes. Contemporary freeform pools often have natural rock or waterfall features that are designed to resemble a natural lake, lagoon, or oasis. They are usually surrounded by lush landscaping and blend seamlessly with the rest of the yard.

Gunite freeform pools can be built into almost any yard including those oddly shaped, limited space, or homes that have a sloping landscape. Our gunite pools can be built with a wide range of features that can include:

  • Beach entry or built-in steps
  • Deeper areas for diving pools
  • Built-in seating
  • Built-in tables or bar areas
  • Tanning reefs
  • Waterfalls, fountains and bubblers
  • Spas & Grottos

Freeform-Gunite-Swimming-Pool2Freeform Gunite Swimming Pool Built in East Northport NY

Gappsi designed this freeform gunite swimming pool in East Northport NY. This is a very large swimming pool with a 9-foot deep end. In the shallow area, we built a sundeck with steps across in twelve-inch deep water. We used porcelain tiles, a very close combination of colors. Our team built a natural-looking waterfall at the deep end of the pool using moss rocks.  We made the moss rocks to also double as the diving rock. In addition, the shelf to the waterfall can be used as a diving board to jump into the pool. Around the pool area, we installed Blue Limestone on the patio in a French pattern and finished the pool is white quartz.

The pool coping is 12-inch by 2-inch thick limestone selected from the Gappsi Natural Stone Collection. The customer has a very large patio which includes a Breeo Fire Pit on one side of the yard. The Breeo Fire Pit is perfect for summer night fires while enjoying the view of the pool. This is the latest Gappsi backyard project in East Northport NY.


review-from-a-customer-whiteI highly recommend Gappsi! Giuseppe designed our entire backyard and we couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. I love the automatic cover for our pool and our synthetic turf grass. Anytime we have anyone come over, they always compliment our marble stone patio and retaining wall. Giuseppe was great to work with and would answer all of our questions so quickly – there was always an open line of communication throughout our backyard renovation. Looking forward to creating many memories in our new backyard thanks to Gappsi!


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Timelessness Of Travertine Pavers

Timelessness-Of-Travertine-Pavers-Sands-Point-NY1The timelessness of travertine pavers makes them worth it. A travertine paver pool deck offers a range of benefits. The benefits include aesthetic appeal, slip resistance, heat reflectivity, durability, and natural drainage.

Although some trends can come and go, others stay around for the long term. Despite the abundance of choices available regarding tiles, one of the most popular has always been the travertine tile.

The characteristic weathered look of this natural stone adds warmth to any space. While you may often see it featured as flooring for patios and pool surrounds.  This durable stone is the perfect material to install throughout your home’s interior and exterior. Install it as a kitchen backsplash, living room flooring, or fireplace feature.

Durable and Cost-Effective Travertine Pavers

Although many would like to work with an infinite budget, this is rarely the case. Those wanting to make a difference to their home or business can always rely on travertine regarding value for money.

Travertine is an extremely durable stone.  These pavers offer a beautifully varied natural look, with colours ranging from a light Ivory and Walnut to a rich Beige and Cream hue.  This beautiful sedimentary rock is characterized by its natural surface which is full of pits and voids.  In addition to its unique lines and patterns. It is this tumbled finish that provides a non-slip surface.  When combined with their incredible heat resistance, our quality travertine pavers become the ultimate outdoor solution.  It is both slip resistant and cool underfoot. This makes them especially popular around pools and spas.

It is important to note that the main attraction of natural stone is the unique design of each individual piece.  There are no two pieces of natural stone are identical.

Timelessness-Of-Travertine-Pavers-Sands-Point-NY2Should Travertine Pavers Be Sealed?

Travertine is known for its durability and ruggedness as a natural stone.  Even the toughest materials need TLC. Take good care of your outdoor travertine tile by sealing it every one to two years to keep it protected from damage and looking fresh.

There are three main types of sealers for travertine the type of sealer you choose really depends on the look you want to achieve:

  1. Enhancing Stone Sealers – Enhancing stone sealers penetrate into travertine and enhance the natural colors found in the stone while protecting it from staining and acid discoloration that can easily occur in this calcium-rich stone. Enhancing sealers are a great way to refresh older pavers, or bring out vibrant colors in travertine.
  2. Impregnating Sealers – Impregnating sealers are very similar to enhancing sealers, but they can deposit solid particles into the pores of stone while preventing water, dirt, and oil from penetrating the surface of your tile.  This is a great choice for hardscaping.
  3. Topical Sealers Glossy Finish – Topical Glossy Sealers give your travertine a lustrous, gleaming appearance while sealing out oil and grease that can stain and discolor porous travertine tile.  Glossy sealers also prevent the color of your tile from fading.  Protect your investment by sealing your stone regularly, and researching the best sealant for your tile.

Timelessness-Of-Travertine-Pavers-Sands-Point-NYAutomatic Swimming Pool Covers

An automatic swimming pool cover is hands down the best option to protect young children from the hazards of open water but also offers you so much more. Pools equipped with an automatic pool cover are clearer, warmer, and simply more efficient than one without. In fact, the initial cost of the cover is recouped through energy savings and chemical retention.

Whether you need an automatic pool cover installed as part of new pool construction or want to add a cover to an existing pool, our goal is to make the entire installation process as convenient as possible. Whether it’s a small, medium, or large in-ground pool, our automatic safety covers are safe, reliable, and can be adapted to fit ANY shape or size.

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Walnut Travertine Backyard Patio Complete Design By Gappsi

Gappsi used walnut travertine in this residence located on Long Island in Sands Point NY. We used this color travertine throughout the entrance way starting with the front entrance stairway.  We continued with the copings, treads, pavers for the platforms, and veneers for the rises were all in walnut travertine.

Gappsi extended the columns for the light features to illuminate the backyard.  On the home, the house veneers were all split-face travertine veneers. The entrance to the backyard was also all in a travertine walnut color combination of beige browns and whites.

Timelessness-Of-Travertine-Pavers-Sands-Point-NY3The stairway to the backyard leads to the synthetic wood deck. The backyard patio sitting areas, and pavilion area were all in walnut travertine. The pavilion was custom built, finished with wood planks installed on the ceiling, and the outdoor kitchen was built in u shape with DCS appliances. The pool area is very large and includes a fireplace.

Gappsi built the gunite pool that is equipped with an automatic swimming pool cover. The landscape included a natural stone waterfall with sitting walls. This project was built by Gappsi approximately 12 years ago. Still, in great shape, we recently cleaned and sealed all the travertine with a natural clear sealer that does not enhance or change the color of the stones but prevents them from absorbing water. This is the latest Gappsi Project in Sands Point NY.

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