In 2026, GRE celebrates 75 years of history. Over three-quarters of a century, the company has evolved alongside the swimming pool industry, adapting its products to changing lifestyles, outdoor spaces and consumer expectations.
GRE’s story is closely linked to the development of above-ground and above-ground pool solutions. What began as a small industrial operation in Bilbao eventually became a company specialising in pools and the equipment needed for their installation, maintenance and everyday use.
75 years of adapting to a changing industry
Reaching 75 years means looking back at a company that has changed considerably since its beginnings. GRE has gradually moved from manufacturing PVC products and beach inflatables to developing a broader portfolio of swimming pools, equipment and accessories for private outdoor spaces.
This evolution has gone hand in hand with changes in the way people use their homes and gardens. As outdoor areas have become increasingly important as spaces for leisure and relaxation, swimming pools have also evolved, with more options in terms of design, materials, size and equipment.
GRE’s history therefore reflects more than the growth of a single company. It also illustrates how the swimming pool sector has developed over the past 75 years, from relatively simple seasonal products to increasingly diverse and integrated solutions for outdoor living.
From a small workshop in Bilbao to the European market
GRE was founded in Bilbao in 1951, initially manufacturing PVC products designed to protect against water. The company later moved into leisure products, producing inflatables for the beach.
A major turning point came in 1982, when GRE began specialising in above-ground pools. These offered an alternative to traditional pools, making it possible to enjoy a private pool without undertaking the same type of construction work and adapting more easily to different outdoor spaces.
Another important milestone came in 2003, when GRE joined the Fluidra Group. This helped strengthen its international presence and placed the company within a global group focused on swimming pool and wellness equipment.
How the above-ground pool has evolved
The above-ground pool has changed considerably over the decades. Once seen mainly as a practical, seasonal option, it is now available in a much wider range of sizes, shapes, materials and finishes.
GRE’s current range includes steel, wood and composite pools, offering different aesthetic and functional possibilities. Depending on the model, pools can also be round, oval, square or rectangular, with different installation options.
This variety reflects a broader change in the sector. Pools are increasingly viewed not simply as places to swim, but as part of the design and use of gardens and outdoor living spaces.
More than just the pool
Over time, GRE’s offering has expanded beyond the pool itself. Filtration, cleaning, water treatment, heating, covers, lighting, ladders and safety equipment all play an important role in keeping a pool functional and easy to maintain.
This reflects a wider shift in how people use and maintain their pools. Installation is only the beginning; water quality, cleaning, protection and equipment efficiency are all part of the long-term experience.
Quality and responsible manufacturing
The less visible side of a pool’s development is also important. Manufacturing processes, quality control and environmental management have become increasingly relevant across the industry.
GRE’s management systems are certified to standards including ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015, covering quality and environmental management respectively. Other certifications and standards also apply to product safety and specific materials within its range.
75 years of change
GRE’s anniversary is therefore more than a milestone for the company. It also offers an opportunity to look at how swimming pools themselves have changed.
From a small workshop in Bilbao in 1951 to an international brand specialising in pools and related equipment, GRE’s history mirrors the evolution of a sector that has become increasingly diverse.
Seventy-five years on, the above-ground pool is no longer simply a seasonal solution. Different materials, designs and equipment have turned it into another way of making the most of outdoor spaces — a transformation that continues as the industry evolves.
