About us

It all began with a simple idea fueled by a deep passion. As a small business, we pride ourselves on personal attention and dedication to every detail. Our approach is rooted in quality and integrity, ensuring that everything we do reflects our commitment to excellence.

In 1981, Walt and Nancy Gerken decided that they wanted a swimming pool in their own backyard. So Walt, purchased a pool kit for a mere $2,800.00. Walt and his father-in law, Jim got to work and installed a 16x36, 3'-8' deep and no steps. Only ladders. In 1998, their daughter Amy purchased the house and now owns the pool today.

Because Walt and Nancy loved their pool so much, they decided to start their own business selling swimming pools. They found themselves a space at 927 E. Main St in Lancaster, Ohio. Right beside Pink Cricket. January 1, 1982 they opened their doors for business with their two young children, Amy and James in tow. They stayed at this location until 1991. Walt was employed at Lancaster Mold working full time at night, and working Rainbow Pools during the days. Walt continued to do this until 1993. They operated out of a single room selling chemicals and swimming pools. In 1983/84 they sold and installed their first inground pool for a customer, Joe Woods. The average cost of an inground swimming pool installed in the 1980s, was $5,500. 927 E Main St. Rainbow Pools first location

In 1991, Walt and Nancy purchased a space at 835 N. Columbus St. where they stayed until 2004. During their time at their Columbus St. location, they decided to start selling spas. Their first line of spas they picked up was Vita Spas. Later, they started selling Master Spas. In 1994, they started their Annual Customer Appreciation Sale. It's now a yearly tradition that everyone looks forward to. Their children have always been a part of the family business. James started working during the summers when he was 15, and after graduating high school in 1995, he came on as a full time employee and currently owns the business today. Amy joined the business in 2000, after her children started going to school full time. Amy continued to stay with the business until 2013. At that time, she chose a different path, and began working outside of Rainbow Pools.

In 2004, Walt and Nancy found some land and decided to build Rainbow Pools forever home. Sort of.... They originally started out at 1579 Victor Rd. In 2010, they moved into the back building at 1623 Victor Rd where they stayed until 2017. During their time at 1623, Daymar College occupied our original location. In 2017, Rainbow Pools moved back to their original location at 1579. WHEW, that's a lot of moving!!! Once Rainbow Pools found their forever location, they took on a little more than just hot tubs and swimming pools. They also sold billiards tables, tanning beds, outdoor kitchens and Christmas trees/decor. We still get calls today asking if we are going to do a Christmas store again. Everyone really loved it!! 2022, we are now celebrating 40 years in business. These days, pool pricing starts around $40k for an inground pool. We have a staff of just 5 employees!!! We are busier than ever, and pools have come a long ways. We now do mostly custom swimming pools.