Build It Once, Build It Right, Enjoy It Forever!

SSwimming pools and south Texas go together like chips and queso – that’s right, they are a match made in heaven! There is no better way to beat the Texas heat than a refreshing dip in your very own backyard oasis. Nobody knows this better than Gary Pools, the largest family owned and operated pool builder in central and south Texas. Started in 1954 by Leif Zars, Gary Pools has built over 24,000 swimming pools in their 69 years in business!

In 1953, Zars noticed that vinyl swimming pools were gaining in popularity across the country. With a $600 cash investment, he started a business selling vinyl and fiberglass pools out of Scrivener’s department store on the North side of San Antonio. His business began to grow and he opened his first stand-alone location in 1955. Mr. Zars soon realized however, that the soil conditions in central Texas were not ideal for these types of pools. After three years in business, he made a change to pneumatic concrete (gunite) pools,