Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Pool Builder in San Antonio Since 1954
Gary Pools has been building custom residential and commercial pools since 1954, establishing itself as the highest-rated family-owned pool builder in South Texas. Our legacy of innovation includes pioneering structural solutions for Texas soil conditions and developing energy-efficient pool systems. With over 25,000 custom builds and a team of 100+ knowledgeable professionals, we deliver comprehensive services including construction, remodeling, maintenance, and repairs. Our commitment to quality is demonstrated through industry-leading warranties, including a Lifetime Structural Warranty and Platinum 2-Year Warranty. We utilize advanced technologies like ozone sanitation systems that reduce chlorine use by 65% and proprietary Gary Vanaloy Steel reinforcement for superior durability.Our team maintains active leadership roles in national pool industry organizations, ensuring adherence to the highest safety standards. Customer satisfaction remains our priority, evidenced by 500+ five-star reviews and a 70-year reputation for excellence. We offer flamed finish installations, the most advanced surface treatment in the industry, and provide 12 weeks of complimentary pool cleaning with new builds in eligible areas. Our service area spans San Antonio and surrounding regions, serving both residential and commercial clients. Through multi-generational leadership, we continue to innovate while maintaining the core values established by our founder in 1954.
Services
Pool Construction
Pool Remodeling
Pool Cleaning
Pool Repairs
Pool Covers
Pool Inspection
Flamed Finish Installation
Leak Detection
Commercial Pool Services
Residential Pool Services
Details
- Year established: 1954
Highlights and features
- 70 years of experience in custom pool construction since 1954
- Lifetime Structural Warranty on all pool builds
- Ozone sanitation systems reduce chlorine use by 65%
- Proprietary Gary Vanaloy Steel reinforcement for superior durability
- 500+ five-star reviews from satisfied customers
What people say
Professional and efficient
Delighted with the results
Excellent project manager
Finished right on time
Flawless tile work
Services
Pool Construction
Gary Pools specializes in custom residential and commercial pool construction using proprietary engineering techniques. Our pools feature monolithic wall-to-wall cantilever structures designed for Texas soil conditions and Gary Vanaloy Steel reinforcement for exceptional durability. Each project includes a Lifetime Structural Warranty and Platinum 2-Year Warranty.
Pool Remodeling
We offer comprehensive pool remodeling services to modernize aging pools with the latest technologies and finishes. Our team handles complete renovations including structural upgrades, new filtration systems, and flamed finish installations. Recent projects include expanding decking areas and updating outdated pool systems to meet current safety standards.
Pool Cleaning
Our professional pool cleaning services include routine maintenance and chemical balancing to keep pools in optimal condition. New pool customers receive 12 weeks of complimentary cleaning in eligible areas. We use advanced ozone sanitation systems that reduce chlorine use by 65% while maintaining water quality.
Pool Repairs
We provide timely pool repairs for structural issues, equipment failures, and water leaks. Our technicians use specialized leak detection equipment and offer emergency repair services during regular business hours. Services include filter replacements, tile repairs, and safety drain upgrades using our patented Primus Safety Drain system.
Flamed Finish Installation
Gary Pools offers flamed finish installation, the most advanced pool surface treatment available. This proprietary finish provides a non-porous, stain-resistant surface that maintains uniform color without fading. As the largest flamed finish installer in the U.S., we guarantee a durable, low-maintenance finish that requires no brushing.
People
Leif Zars
Founder
Leif Zars, founder of Gary Pools, holds an engineering degree from Georgia Tech and completed Harvard's Advanced Management Program. He pioneered innovative pool construction techniques for Texas soil conditions and developed energy-efficient pool systems. With 64 years of leadership, he established industry safety standards and holds multiple patents in pool technology.
Leif Zars II
New Ownership
Leif Zars II now leads Gary Pools as the second-generation owner, continuing the family tradition of innovation in pool design and construction. He maintains active involvement in national pool industry organizations while expanding the company's service capabilities and commitment to quality that has defined the business since 1954.
Questions
What services does Gary Pools offer?
Gary Pools provides custom pool construction, remodeling, cleaning, repairs, leak detection, pool covers, and inspections. We also offer flamed finish installations and commercial pool services.
Do you provide warranties on pool construction?
Yes, we offer a Lifetime Structural Warranty and a Platinum 2-Year Warranty on all new pool builds.
How long does a pool construction project take?
Project timelines vary by complexity, but our team completes most builds efficiently while maintaining quality standards. Your project manager will provide specific timelines during consultation.
Do you offer financing options?
Yes, we provide financing options for new pool construction projects to qualified customers.
What areas do you serve?
We serve San Antonio and surrounding areas including Boerne, New Braunfels, Bee Cave, and other communities in Central and South Texas.
What makes Gary Pools different from competitors?
With 70 years of experience, proprietary construction techniques, industry-leading warranties, and 500+ five-star reviews, we combine innovation with proven reliability for every project.
Reviews (6)
Deborah M.
Jun 20, 2022
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We recently started the process to get an in-ground pool. I have always wanted to get a pool but we were unsure if the slope and size of our yard would allow for it. Joe B. has been amazing. He spent more than the average amount of time with us. He was patient, answered all questions and most importantly, he really listened. He sent our design plans and it was exactly what I wanted! It was very impressive.
We didn't really make any changes. I'd also like to mention that Ethan has been great too! He assisted with getting the area (and us) prepared for the process to begin. Both of these gentleman have been a pleasure to work with. We are still in the early stages but feeling GREAT with how it is going so far. I'll update photos as we go!
We didn't really make any changes. I'd also like to mention that Ethan has been great too! He assisted with getting the area (and us) prepared for the process to begin. Both of these gentleman have been a pleasure to work with. We are still in the early stages but feeling GREAT with how it is going so far. I'll update photos as we go!
Sarah H.
Jun 15, 2022
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James M does an outstanding job cleaning and servicing our pool. He is very kind and communicates well when he is coming and answers my many questions I have and has fixed any issues we had that were his responsibility with which to assist us. We appreciate the great service he provides.
David L.
Jun 14, 2022
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How bad is Gary Pools? Stunningly. If choice is between Gary and not getting a pool, do not get a pool. Seriously, if you know a horse is definitely going to lose the race, pick any other horse and your chances of success go up infinitely.
James
May 31, 2022
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Used Gary for our pool construction. This is a big project for anyone, so I will give my honest feedback. During the plumbing stage, the contractors were using heat to bend the pipe. This was explicitly called out in Gary's docs that they don't do this. I txt my pm and they swapped it out the same day. I feel that he would of called it out when visiting, but I figured sooner the better. Also, I feel that the sales designer and pm should meet before signing off. Gary pools ate the cost of adding another retaining wall and extra drain after the construction started as.
They wanted to ensure the structure of the pool would be good. I could see most builders charging you extra, but Gary pools did what was right. Excellent customer service. 30 days into pool being filled, it started losing an inch a day. We had constant communication and we resolved it by repairing a crack near the main drain. This part is super important because I could of been left high and dry, but they really do care and fixed it. I would use them again in a heart beat and highly recommend. No build is perfect, but the communication they provide makes you feel at ease knowing things will be fixed.
They wanted to ensure the structure of the pool would be good. I could see most builders charging you extra, but Gary pools did what was right. Excellent customer service. 30 days into pool being filled, it started losing an inch a day. We had constant communication and we resolved it by repairing a crack near the main drain. This part is super important because I could of been left high and dry, but they really do care and fixed it. I would use them again in a heart beat and highly recommend. No build is perfect, but the communication they provide makes you feel at ease knowing things will be fixed.
Team G.
May 24, 2022
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Average service. We had (and still do have) some cosmetic issues with our pool and are pretty much resigned to the fact that this is what we will have to deal with or take care of it ourselves. The finish on our tanning deck does not come close to matching the finish we purchased for the pool. Despite numerous efforts from Gary's employees to rectify the situation, the tanning deck will never match or look close to the rest of the pool's finish due to the initial application of the finish. Also, the concrete is cracking in several areas - we haven't had our pool even a year and the concrete is cracked on the decking in several spots.
Additional minor inconveniences include the vacuum which really doesn't function well. We've made adjustments, had Gary's employees make some adjustments and it still does not effectively clean the pool. I know they're busy & have a lot of customers to keep happy, but we're underwhelmed by the customer support now that the pool is completed.
Additional minor inconveniences include the vacuum which really doesn't function well. We've made adjustments, had Gary's employees make some adjustments and it still does not effectively clean the pool. I know they're busy & have a lot of customers to keep happy, but we're underwhelmed by the customer support now that the pool is completed.
S. Brad
Mar 25, 2022
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After researching and meeting with many local pool builders we landed on Gary Pools. Our sales rep Joe B. was the face of the company for us and from day one he has delivered amazing service. He was extremely knowledgeable and provided perspective on all of the things to be considered. His willingness to work with us to design a pool that provided us the features best suited for our family while remaining in budget was above and beyond anything we experienced with other builders. Coupled with the proven history and construction quality of Gary Pools we are extremely pleased.
