R&R Pools Backyard Escapes 2014 Edition

Spring/Summer 2014r & r pools

reTreAT, reFreSH, AnD reDiSCOVer Take a look at designing the best backyard escapes

get the partY

startedmake everyone feel welcome as soon as they walk into your backyard oasis

It’s never too late plannIng paYsBacKYard oasIs creates memorIes that last a lIfetImeBacKYard oasIs creates memorIes that last a lIfetIme HALIFAX, N.S.

www.rrpools.ca

2 / Spring/Summer 2014 www.leIsUrescapes com

It’s never too late

indulging yourself, your family and your friends never goes out of style

I hear stories like this all the time: “I wish I had put in a pool when the kids were young, but we couldn’t aff ord it or the

time wasn’t right.”It’s a sentiment tinged with regret,

because many people believe that the moment has passed, never to be recap-tured. But I can tell you, after 30 years in the pool industry, it’s never too late — dreams can become a reality anytime.

It doesn’t matter if you have a young family, are on your own again after the kids have grown up and moved away, or they’ve come to visit with the grandchildren. Indulging yourself, your family and your friends never goes out of style.

Life is short and we should take every opportunity to seize the day and make memories that last. I’ve seen it time and again, those tentative fi rst steps when people think about installing a pool — how a family’s excitement builds as the design is laid out and work begins, when friends and neighbours come by to see how things are going — and the pool party and sense of community that’s created when the water’s in and it’s opening day!

This is what stays with us, moments that we’ll talk about when the day is long gone, but the memories still remain.

I’ve been very lucky these past 30 years to have had the pleasure of making backyard dreams come true, and I’m looking forward to even bigger and better things working side-by-side with my daughter Kara and the team at R&R.

So, if you’ve always wanted a pool in your backyard, today’s the day. Give us a call, send us an email and let’s get started. Don’t delay — live life now.

Derek ReddenOwner, R&R Pools

personal, professIonal

growth BIg part of r&r’s sUccess

Last year R&R Pools celebrated its 30th anniversary and this year I will have my 30th birthday. If you do the math,

it’s not too hard to imagine that I’ve been involved in the pool industry in one way or another all my life.

My mom and dad started R&R Pools the year before I was born and it has been a going concern ever since, changing and adapting to meet customers’ needs and staying ahead of industry standards to deliver high quality products and outstanding service.

I’ve had the pleasure of watching the little company my mom and dad built grow into something more than anything they could ever have imagined, but we still have a down-home, personal approach that many of our clients say makes them feel like family. It’s a philos-ophy people appreciate, and it has stood the test of time. We’ve been rewarded with countless referrals, return business and the kind of client loyalty that lets businesses like ours thrive and makes me so proud of where we’ve been and where we’re going.

It’s not hard to tell — this company is a part of me. It’s in my blood. I’m thrilled by what we’ve accomplished so far and I look forward with great anticipation to many good things to come.

I’m truly excited, and can’t wait to tackle the next 30 years. We will continue to do what we do best — treat our customers with respect, do the job right and share the wonderful experience of a backyard va-cation with people throughout Nova Scotia who value family, friends and community as much as we do.

Thank you for your patronage and support, and we’ll see you in 2014!

Kara ReddenR&R Pools

1949 St. Margaret’s Bay RoadTimberlea, NS B3T 1C3

Phone: 902-876-2773Email: [email protected] date July 30th 2014. One per household.

$10 OFFAny purchAse of$100 or more

www.rrpools.ca

Spring/Summer 2014 / 3

2014 mUst havesKeep your pool up to date with these hot trends

Kids rejoice!There is nothing like a water

slide on an in ground swimming pool. This G Force is sure to please the under-agers as well as the kids at heart. Excellent quality will pro-vide years of fun. And it is grey!

modern and elegance pool side

I love these Artisan handrails by SR Smith. A slight fl air reminds me why hardware is so important and can real make or break the feel of a room. Jazz up your outside room by bring-ing your personality out!

Be a kid again!The Water Bomb Factory is

a must have for every home. Simple for the kids (and me)

to use, it is guaranteed to ensure the water balloon

splashes right where needed. What fun!

Zoom along hands free!A Robotic cleaner like this Dolphin is reliable, quick and

simple to use. A big step up from the suction side cleaners like Kreepy Krauly. This vacuum is a standalone product so it doesn’t hook up like your normal vacuum and makes for a quick and easy clean right before the big party.

grey, grey everywhere!Grey pool elements give a level of sophistication

you just can’t get with white. Consider an all-grey palate to give an instant clean, elegant and timeless look and feel. Minimal dollar investment but huge impact makes this trend my favourite!

www.rrpools.ca

Kara’sFavourite

Kara’s

Kara’sFavourite


I remember it like it was yesterday. It was a hot summer day and my children had their friends over enjoying the sun and

having a ball. Their little fi ve-foot blow-up pool was in our front yard, with the sprinkler and slip-and-slide. As I sat on the veranda watching the kids have fun, I realized how hot it was and said to them, “Okay, mom’s turn.” They all got out of the pool: I had probably six neighbourhood kids and mine sitting in this little blow-up cooling off .

So off I went — shorts, T-shirt and all — and sat right in the middle of that pool. Grass clippings fl oated around me and all the kids were laughing, seeing me cool off in the very shallow water.

After I got out, I gave the go-ahead for the kids to get back in. They all continued to have fun, elbow-to-elbow, in the little pool. My older son got out and sat beside me in our red chair. “Mom,” he said, “do you think we can get a real pool someday?”

I can still picture his little face staring up at me with such an innocent question. I looked at him and said, “Hmmm … I don’t know. Let’s find out.” Off I went to call my bank to see if we could do it. Once I had the go-ahead for financing, I stood in the backyard and wondered, “Where do I start?” My kids were so excited. The neighbourhood kids, too, since they all saw it as their pool, too!

more than just a dreamI called three companies to get pricing

and ideas on what size, what shape and where to put it. I was fl ying blind — just me, my two boys and my adopted neigh-bourhood kids all waiting to see our dream become a reality. After meetings with the fi rst two companies, I was overwhelmed and frustrated. I wanted guidance from the professionals to help me decide which pool would be best, but all I got was, “once you fi gure out where you want it and what size, call us back and we can give you a quote.” Not the guidance I had hoped for and as the days went on, I could see the kids lose some of their excitement as they saw me standing,

BacKYard oasIs creates memorIes that last a lIfetImeDream of the backyard vacation becomes reality

photos: © heather Quinn/r&r pools

www.rrpools.ca

A customer experience with R&R15’ x 30’ Oval

Bedford, NS


lost, in our backyard, trying to fi gure it out on my own.

Then I had my third meeting. Derek Redden knocked on my door and we went out in the backyard with me expecting the same “once you fi gure it out — call us back.” But there was Derek with a can of pink spray paint and a personality that lit up the world — including mine and my children’s. Within a few minutes he had me and my excited boys standing on our top deck looking into our backyard while he sprayed imaginary pools — diff erent sizes, round and oval — in diff erent locations. My boys and I looked at it all and, with Derek’s recommendations on what size and location would work best to maximize the rest of our backyard for my dogs and kids to be out run-ning around, we could see the dream of our backyard vacation become more than just a dream!

Treated like familyDerek treated my chil-

dren like they were his own and they gravitated to him immediately. I was treated like family and before he left I had to give him a big hug to say thanks. My older son, who had originally asked if one day we could get a ‘real’ pool, ran out into the street, gathered all his friends and brought them over to show them the “pink ring” pool we were getting!

The process was smooth and incredible, and the guys made my boys feel like they were part of the crew. All my adopted neighbourhood kids came daily to check out the progress, with my boys happily keeping them in the loop as to when opening day would be! The day our “pink ring” pool was fi nished, the water was crystal clear, the chemicals all in and the heat pump turned on.

Now, try to get two very excited boys and their friends to wait a few days while the pump heated up the water. Not a chance! In fact, I still have the picture of four boys, clad in their underwear, all staring from the top deck down into the ‘real’ pool waiting for me to come out so they could open the gate to the pool area and take the christening plunge! These fi ve boys lined up along the side. I counted 1, 2, 3, and when I said “Go!” they all jumped in at the same time! Near the end of summer on a cool night with the water still ice cold from just being fi lled, they all came up with the biggest smiles on their faces!

Wow! What a moment for me … to see my boys with the largest smiles, hear their laughs and giggles and knowing that even though they were freezing cold, they were the happiest they had been in a long time!!

paradise at our back doorThat was about eight years ago. And every

year on opening day — yes, even before the heat pump has brought the temperature up to my “Mommy-comfortable 84 degrees” — I stand out back and watch the kids with their friends jump on the count of three into the cold water. When the splash subsides and they come up for air, they still carry the

biggest smiles on their faces.

to a grown-up young woman who comes over to lie by the pool and escape the days of university exams and papers and three jobs and adult responsibilities. To her, it’s a piece of paradise at her back door where she can relax, breathe, enjoy peaceful moments in the sun ‘away’ from it all; where she can jump up from the lounge chair with a huge smile on her face, look at us or her friends and just go for it. Jumping as high as she can, right into the pool, like she was a kid again!

Our backyard oasis has become our little piece of heaven and serenity, and also the children’s extension of our home to spend fun-fi lled days with their friends, throw ‘really cool’ — as the kids would say — pool

parties and, as they have gotten older, a place to hang out, sit and swim and really get to know their friends. It’s a place to share their days and quiet nights swimming under the lights and I still love hearing the laughter as I watch the pool fi lled with teenagers and young adults now, with their fi rst crushes, lifelong friends, and new friends, too. It’s the type of laughter you can only experience when

you jump in a pool and still feel like a kid, even when you’re all grown up.

Derek and the rest of the R&R family have become like family to me and my husband and our children. When I call, they recognize my voice. When we

need something, they are always there. And just like what hap-

pened when we opened our pool this year — I go out back and am greeted with a huge hug from Derek, who still loves to be out in the sun and fresh air helping his “extended” family open up their memory-making pools for the year. It was just like that same hug years ago when I knew we were in good hands while we made our ‘pink ring’ pool a place for many years of laughter, serenity and lifelong memories. Those moments are what life is all about!

Sincerely,

Lynn, Gregory, Ashley, Bret, Corson — and Smitty, our Golden Retriever, who loves napping during the days by the pool. It’s one of his favourite spots, too!

over the Years, the ‘Underwear’ JUmpIng-In rItUal has moved on to real BathIng sUIts as theY got older and some of theIr frIends Became gIrls, BUt the fIrst plUnge stIll happens faIthfUllY, cold water and all.

Over the years, the ‘underwear’ jump-ing-in ritual has moved on to real bathing suits as they got older and some of their friends became girls, but the fi rst plunge still happens faithfully, cold water and all. And now for my daughter — whom my boys and I were blessed to have become part of our family with her amazing father, whom I am now blessed to call my husband — the pool and our backyard escape has given us the chance to watch her grow — from an ener-getic teenager that I remember giggling and laughing with her friends and growing up before our eyes while splashing in the water

www.rrpools.ca


Call 86-WATER 902.869.2837 • Sackville • Nova Scotia • www.prioritywatersackville.ca

Have a new pool or hot tub that that you want filled quickly?Call Priority Water and you can be Call Priority Water and you can be swimming in your pool or relaxingswimming in your pool or relaxingin your hot tub in no time.in your hot tub in no time.

Have a new pool or hot tubHave a new pool or hot tubFill My Pool!

PREFERRED PARTNERS

www.rrpools.ca

PREFERRED PARTNERS


Residential Excavation and Landscape Construction

TIMBERLEA CONSTRUCTION SERVICES Inc.

Brian Lynch902.499.4112 | Email: [email protected]

www.rrpools.ca

351 Ross Road, Westphal, Nova ScotiaP: (902) 435-6040 | concrete4homes.com

• Regular Finishes• Exposed Aggregate Specialist• Driveways• Walkways• Retaining Walls• Stair Specialist• Stamped Concrete• Coloured Concrete

Free Estimates • Guaranteed Workmaship • Since 1998

ConcreteFor Homes

8 / Spring/Summer 2014 www.leisurescapes comwww.rrpools.ca

how the presence of phosphates affect

algae growthAlgae growth is a common problem

and some experts have suggested an effective solution is to remove

phosphates from the water. The belief is that this action takes away a food source, reducing algae problems or even killing it (by starvation). It is important to note that phosphate-removing products are NOT registered as algae killers (algaecides) or algae inhibitors (algaestats).

phosphates and AlgaePhosphorous is the base element

phosphates derive from and is a significant nutrient source for all living things, includ-ing algae (it also requires carbon, oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen). There are more than 7,000 species of green algae alone and the phosphorous requirement varies widely between each of them.

Algae even have the capability to store phosphorous within their cells and can still thrive in phosphorous-deficient environ-ments. This is called “luxury phosphorus uptake” and demonstrates that removing phosphates from the water will not remove the algae’s ability to continue feeding itself.

Algae feed on phosphorous from sources other than orthophosphates (the only form removed with current products) and those products have little to no residual, making it difficult to provide a lasting effect due to the constant influx of phosphates from various sources.

regular maintenance and Algae growthThere are four chemical treatments that

will inhibit or kill algae; chlorine (hypochlor-ous acid), quaternary ammonium com-pounds, polyquats and copper. Chlorine will disrupt the metabolic activity within algae cells and growth will not continue, even in

nutrient-rich surroundings. Often, algaeci-des are only used as a corrective treatment, but an initial dose added at the start of each season, or whenever significant amounts of water are added, will prevent algae growth during the course of a season. The addition of an algaecide can also contribute to im-proved water quality.

A properly maintained pool utilizing the BioGuard systemized approach by having the water tested and balanced, and using BioGuard’s 3 step System which includes BioGuard Silk Smart Stick (to maintain chlorine between 1-3 ppm), BioGuard Smart Shock (to oxidize swimmer wastes), and BioGuard Banish (multi-functional main-tenance Algaecide). This will keep the pool clean, clear and algae free and reduce the need for additional products.photo: Brian chase/123rf

photo: globalphoto/123rf

where do phosphates come from?

phosphates are derived from phosphorous, the 11th most abundant mineral in the earth’s crust. It makes its way into pool and spa water from a variety of sources, including fertilizers, industrial discharge, swimmer waste (sweat and urine), detergents and even tap water (which contains compounds used to treat corrosion).

Spring/Summer 2014 / I

XIV There reaLLy iS an app FOr ThaT

look to your tablet, smartphone for help

XVIII did yOu knOW? dealers answer your questions

XX geT The parTy STarTed

make everyone feel welcome

II reTreaT, reFreSh, and rediScOVer

we take a look at the best backyard escapes

VIII TrendS in OuTdOOr LiVing

necessary and delightful add-ons

X Backyard SpaS are a cOmpOnenT OF heaLThy LiVing

the ideal backyard setup

XII prOducT highLighTS great ideas to help enjoy

the summer

WWW.LeiSureScapeS.cOm

Published for: LeisureScapesuxbridge, Ontariowww.leisurescapes.comOperations Manager: Sarah acorn, LeisureScapes

Project Coordinator: Brad a. Sweet [email protected]

Published by: The chronicle herald, custom and community publishing departmentChairman and Publisher: Sarah dennisPresident and CEO: mark LeverDirector, Custom and Community Publishing: Jeff nearing Editor and Project Manager: claudia WhiteDirector, Design & Multimedia: Jayson TaylorCreative Lead: Brian grahamGraphic Designer: Julia WebbAdvertising Coordinator: Tara robitailleCover Photos: moodboard/123rF, Larry malvin/123rF, cobra pools

© The Chronicle Herald 2014all rights reserved. no part of this book maybe reproduced, stored in retrieval systems or transmitted in any form or by any meanswithout the prior written permissionfrom the publisher.

The chronicle herald2717 Joseph howe drivepO Box 610, halifax, n.S., B3J 2T2

902 426 2811

Thechronicleherald.ca

printed by: dollco

national section

photo: kurhan /123rF

Follow us on Twitter @leisurescapes

Like us on Facebook

II / Spring/Summer 2014 www.websiteaddress.ca

Sunshine Pools & SpasKelowna, British Columbia

II / Spring/Summer 2014 www.leisurescapes com

Spring/Summer 2014 / III

retreat, reFresh, and rediscover

From water treadmills and infinity edges to outdoor kitchens and pet-friendly pools,

we take a look at designing the best backyard escapes

By

Heather Laura Clarke

photos: contributed / Jeff mcneill © mcneill photography

Landscape designers are always looking for new ways to give their clients a space that’s beautiful, functional, and unique to their lifestyle. It’s an industry that’s quickly expanding with

innovative new products and techniques — giving homeowners more opportunities than ever to have a truly customized backyard escape.

IV / Spring/Summer 2014 www.leisurescapes com

When Scott Cooper met with homeowners building on a steep

hillside in West Kelowna, he im-mediately saw this wasn’t going to be a typical project.

“The pool needed to be built into the side of a bedrock slope, and it also needed to be planned, located, and excavated before construction on the house even began — so it had to be abso-lutely perfect,” says Cooper, a project manager with Sunshine Pools & Spas in Kelowna, B.C.

The homebuilders spent eight weeks blasting and hauling away more than 480 truckloads of rock. When the lot was prepped, Cooper and his team began to construct the pool — one of only a handful he’s recommended be located in a front yard.

But there’s no chance of traffic cruising by and watching the homeowners while they swim. Cooper says the lot’s privacy is incredible, with the house itself — perched six storeys above the main road — tucked away at the end of a 300-foot driveway.

He says one of the pool’s most interesting features is a set of swim jets — a jet-propulsion system that allows you to swim in a stationary position.

“It’s like a water treadmill,” says Cooper. “You can swim as long as you’d like, without mov-ing from that same spot.”

Total System: Pumps I Filters I Heating | Cleaners I Sanitization I Automation I Lighting I Safety I White Goods Hayward is a registered trademark and OmniLogic is a trademark of Hayward Industries, Inc.© 2013 Hayward Industries, Inc.

The Breakthrough In Pool Automation You’ve Been Asking For. Introducing the OmniLogic™ Elite Backyard Controller from Hayward®. The OmniLogic™ combines the best connectivity, versatility and energy-efficient functionality with an intuitive interface that makes the whole system easy to use and simple to customize.

• 4 High-Voltage Relays upgradable to 10, plus up to 12 breakers • Customizable to fit owner needs and preferences - set up familiar names for controlling features and automated activities, eliminates guessing games• 50 Favourite one-click buttons and 25 unique programmable themes• Gain fast and easy access to the latest software updates via USB key• Built in touch display for easy configuration and programming• Seamlessly access pool control applications from any computer, remote or mobile device

To take a closer look at OmniLogic or other Hayward products, go to www.haywardpool.ca or call 1-888-238-7665

Simple and intuitive pool automation like you’ve

never experienced.

The Breakthrough In Pool Automation You’ve Been Asking For.

SLEEK DESIGN, UNIQUELY INTUITIVE.

Spring/Summer 2014 / V

photo: contributed

Total System: Pumps I Filters I Heating | Cleaners I Sanitization I Automation I Lighting I Safety I White Goods Hayward is a registered trademark and OmniLogic is a trademark of Hayward Industries, Inc.© 2013 Hayward Industries, Inc.

The Breakthrough In Pool Automation You’ve Been Asking For. Introducing the OmniLogic™ Elite Backyard Controller from Hayward®. The OmniLogic™ combines the best connectivity, versatility and energy-efficient functionality with an intuitive interface that makes the whole system easy to use and simple to customize.

• 4 High-Voltage Relays upgradable to 10, plus up to 12 breakers • Customizable to fit owner needs and preferences - set up familiar names for controlling features and automated activities, eliminates guessing games• 50 Favourite one-click buttons and 25 unique programmable themes• Gain fast and easy access to the latest software updates via USB key• Built in touch display for easy configuration and programming• Seamlessly access pool control applications from any computer, remote or mobile device

To take a closer look at OmniLogic or other Hayward products, go to www.haywardpool.ca or call 1-888-238-7665

Simple and intuitive pool automation like you’ve

never experienced.

The Breakthrough In Pool Automation You’ve Been Asking For.

SLEEK DESIGN, UNIQUELY INTUITIVE.

VI / Spring/Summer 2014 www.leisurescapes com

in one piece, but they have a lot of advantages — especially down the road.

“They’re great for families with dogs, because you don’t have to worry about their nail’s ripping a liner.”

The pool is used April through October, so an automatic retractable solar cover was a must — keeping the water clean and warm whenever someone’s ready for a dip.

“Putting the cover on and taking it off is as easy as using a TV remote,” says Brady.

Bill and Judy Brady were called in to help a couple who had bought an old farm

just outside of Perth, Ontario. They had redone the entire farmhouse, and wanted to create a backyard escape that complemented their new rural environment.

“It’s a beautiful setting. You’re surrounded by hay bales and an old barn, and so much wide open space,” says Bill Brady, owner of COBRA Pools & Spas Inc. “We went with a fibreglass pool, which are a bit more expensive because they go into the ground

When you’re designing a backyard escape for a family with young

children, Jennifer Gannon — owner of BonaVista Leisure- Scapes in Toronto — says it’s always a matter of combining safety, function, and fun.

BonaVista LeisureScapes was recently approached by a client with a tricky sloping lot — high in the back, sloping down towards the house — that provided some unique design opportunities. They wanted a freeform custom concrete pool

and a natural landscape that worked with the elevations, in-stead of imposing a design onto an environment.

“In order to avoid large, loom-ing retaining walls, we created a three-tiered pool and patio design with a cascading negative edge — also called an ‘infinity’ edge — to fall into a wading pool below,” says Gannon. “This gave the family a shallower pool for their younger children to enjoy, a beautiful water feature to com-plement the backyard vistas, and a landscape that flows with the

surrounding elevations.”A swirling Cyclone slide was a

must-have for the kids, and they also designed covered seating, lounging, and dining areas for entertaining.

Gannon says an important element of the project was choosing the dark Marbelite finish — custom-mixed cement overlay — for the pool’s surface.

“It creates a more vivid depth to the colour of the water,” explains Gannon. “It makes the concrete textured and beautiful, and also makes it slip-resistant.”

BonaVista LeisurescapesToronto, Ontario

COBRA Pools & Spas Inc.Perth, Ontario

photo: contributed

photo: contributed

What works for one family won’t work for another, and that’s why it’s important for homeown-ers to talk to their designer about how they plan to use the space — and how they envision the finished product. Once everyone is on the same page about the look, feel, and func-tionality, that’s when the fun begins ...

Spring/Summer 2014 / VII

VIII / Spring/Summer 2014 www.leisurescapes com

that pool and hot tub owners should seek out a professional dealer even for the additions to your purchase.

“A professional pool dealer will participate in continuous learning in the swimming pool industry,” says Chaisson. “They can show you the latest projects they have done through a web-site, photos or by visiting the sites. If you like what someone else has done you don’t need to reinvent the wheel.”

While browsing through ideas, you may notice what’s available in outdoor entertainment.

“Outdoor entertaining areas are often planned in a similar way to the main floor of a home,” explains Bona Vista Pool’s Gan-non. “This means a lounge area for conversation, an outdoor kitchen and a dining area.”

“A lot of hot tubs come with wireless sound systems that allow you to plug into a stereo or music player inside your home. You can even mount an outdoor television screen so you don’t miss the big game!” adds Sun-shine Pool’s Reid.

This new outdoor living area, as well as your pool or hot tub, will also need to be lit for security and enjoyment at all hours of the day.

“There are many options these days for pool lighting, including using multiple multi- coloured, extremely energy efficient LED lights,” says Reid. “How much evening entertain-ing you do may dictate your choices in this area. Yard lighting around the pool and patio area is also important to create the desired atmosphere.”

“The latest privacy walls are being made of sling fabric, frosted glass, Sunbrella fabric or a variety of woods such as cedar and teak,” explains Jennifer Gannon, owner of Bona Vista Leisurescapes in Toronto.

“Tall ceramic and moulded plastic planters that are up-lit offer another way to create priva-cy when lined up and planted with hardy plants. Water features

So you took the plunge and installed a pool or hot tub — congratulations! But

before you can truly enjoy these lifestyle improvements, you need to consider what you will need to maximize your personal oasis.

In recent years copious advancements have been made in terms of pool safety, privacy, lighting and entertainment addi-tions; and who better to give an update on the latest trends and developments then the leisure experts themselves?

“Working closely with your dealer those first few months of ownership is critical to ensuring your initial feelings of thrill and excitement stay,” says Ken Reid of Sunshine Pools in Kelowna, BC. “They can make recommen-dations on not only your water care needs, but also the latest styles and technology to take things to the next level.”

Some elements of backyard pools and hot tubs are necessary and some are delightful add-ons. Some can be both. For example, most city bylaws require fencing, which is not only a safety feature but also provides privacy. But it need not be unappealing — and can in fact add to the enjoyment of the space.

“The type of fencing you choose may depend on how much you want your neighbours to watch your swimming and tubbing activities,” jokes Reid. “Living walls or trellis systems laced with ivy and strategically placed shrubs or trees can help immensely in creating a private oasis while also assisting with soundproofing.”

trends in outdoor living

Some elements of backyard pools and hot tubs are necessary and some are delightful add-ons

By

Debra Wells-Hopey

add not only soothing sound but privacy too.

“Also,” continues Gannon, “Planters or privacy screens delineate the space to create the outdoor walls of different ‘rooms’ such as dining or loung-ing areas.”

Where you seek advice about your pool or hot tub is import-ant. Elie Chassion of Funtime Pools in Moncton, N.B. stresses

photo: elena elisseeva/123rF

Spring/Summer 2014 / IX

“Fire features are another growing segment, adding warmth, light and ambience,” suggests Gannon. “Many are made of metal or concrete and run on either propane or natural gas in round bowl shapes, squares or linear rectangles.”

Additional possibilities are limitless. Fountains, torches, umbrellas, misters and outdoor heaters are all on trend right now. All-weather furniture is no longer the patio furniture of your parent’s generation — pieces are available in many price ranges and high fashion styles.

Greg Butler of Bubba’s Pools in St. John’s, NL sums up the trends to add to your pool or hot tub.

“A long time ago, I was advised by one of North America’s leading swimming pool experts that the backyard should be focussed on three things — fire, food and water,” says Butler. “As evolved and sophisticated as we all fancy ourselves, really we all still have a little of that cave man thing in us!”

As in any vision for a back-yard, the balance must be found between artistic design and practicality.

“Your well lit and secured pool or hot tub, a barbecue and comfortable place to eat, and a fire feature such as torches or a concrete fire pot equals a perfect leisure space,” says Butler.

“Add some music and you’re in heaven.”

photo: robert elias/123rF

photo: zstockphotos/123rF

X / Spring/Summer 2014 www.leisurescapes com

those who don’t have the resources or the backyard space for that, a spa tub can also be an effective exercise tool for doing yoga, resistance exercises or stretches. There are other alternatives as well, including swim spas.

Swim spas function as a kind of treadmill for swimmers. They contain resistance systems that create a strong current so that swimmers can swim in place. Their advantage lies in the fact that they are easy to install and affordable, says Kelly Devries, owner of Water and Wellness in Walkerton, Ontario. Devries’s company installs both in-ground and above-ground models. While in-ground swim spas often require elaborate installation, the above-ground models are usually easy to install. “You wire it up, set it in place and you’re good to go,” he says.

Canadian Head Office 1-877-576-7498 | Canadian Eastern Office [email protected]

©Latham Pool Products, Inc. 2014. All rights reserved.

Protect your family today! To find a dealer, visit CoverstarCanada.com or call 877-576-7498.

No visible floor seams.

Floor seams are visible on standard liners.

Standard pool liners present visible lines on the pool floor at the seams, which ultimately detract from the beauty of your pool. Our innovative technology elevates our liners to an entirely new category.

This exclusive process makes floor seams stronger and virtually invisible, so there’s nothing that gets in the way of the picture perfect beauty of your pool!

Now standard on every Latham liner. For more information, ask your dealer about !

No visible No visible No visible No visible No visible No visible No visible No visible No visible No visible Ultra-Seam®

The strongest seams you’ll NEVER see!

For more information, scan our QR code.

Now standard on every Latham liner. For more information, ask your dealer about

383 Elgin Street, Brantford, ON N3S 7P5 | 800-638-7422 | lathampool.com


®


You can’t protect your kids from an unsupervised pool.

We can!

AUTOMATICSAFETY COVERS

SOLID AND MESHSAFETY COVERS

Protected at thetouch of a button!

Protection every family can afford!

®™

2014 Leisurescape 1pg ad.indd 1 1/2/14 12:41 PM

A backyard pool or spa is a wonderful family gathering place, a place to es-cape the summer heat and have fun.

It can also be your most effective fitness tool.Dr. Greg Gannon is a Toronto-based

coach, trainer and a sports scientist. He says a backyard pool can provide the perfect workout apparatus, especially for older people or someone just starting out on an athletic regimen. Swimming laps is just one way to accomplish that. There are a whole list of aquatic exercises that can be carried out even in a small pool or spa, including running, stretching and resistance training.

“To get the benefit from any training program, you have to follow the principle of physical overload,” says Gannon. “You need to place a load on your body and then steadi-ly increase that load over time. Weights are one good way to provide that load. Water resistance is another. Because you increase the resistance on your body by moving faster, it’s very easy to control resistance exercises in a pool.”

A former university kinesiology pro-fessor, Gannon worked for more than a decade training elite Olympic athletes and was involved in setting up sports institutes around the country before starting his own business, S2 Training Systems, in 2010. Today he works mainly with dedicated amateur athletes who are training for events such as marathons, triathlons, mountain-eering expeditions and ultra-endurance races. He says water provides support for the body, making an exercise program more comfortable for people suffering from ar-thritis or joint problems. The lack of joint or muscle pain that often comes with dry land gym sessions can make the exercises more enjoyable too, increasing the chances that participants will stick with their exercise program.

The ideal backyard setup is a cool water pool combined with a hot tub. “It gives you the benefits of going from a hot medium to a cold medium. Very therapeutic for your muscles after a workout,” says Gannon. For

backyard spas are a component oF healthy living

The ideal backyard setup is a cool water pool combined with a hot tub

By

Tom MasonDevries says that anyone planning

to invest in a swim spa should do their homework and buy a quality brand. “The top brands place a strong focus on creating a natural swim based on the design of the swim tank,” he says. “The ones we sell come with a sport version and a trainer version for more elite athletes. For about 85 per cent of the population, a good quality sport version will be enough.”

Gannon says there’s a mental health component that is often overlooked when it comes to spas. The spa experience is meditative, the sound of running water is therapeutic, and some of his clients even go so far as to add aromatic scents to the water to add an aromatherapy component to the mix.

“It’s well known in our industry that spas are a key element of an effective training system,” he says. “After all, most Olympic training facilities are now spending hun-dreds of thousands of dollars on hydrother-apy equipment. They wouldn’t be doing that if it didn’t work.”

photo: contributed

Canadian Head Office 1-877-576-7498 | Canadian Eastern Office [email protected]


Protect your family today! To find a dealer, visit CoverstarCanada.com or call 877-576-7498.

No visible floor seams.

Floor seams are visible on standard liners.

Standard pool liners present visible lines on the pool floor at the seams, which ultimately detract from the beauty of your pool. Our innovative technology elevates our liners to an entirely new category.

This exclusive process makes floor seams stronger and virtually invisible, so there’s nothing that gets in the way of the picture perfect beauty of your pool!

Now standard on every Latham liner. For more information, ask your dealer about !

No visible No visible No visible No visible No visible No visible No visible No visible No visible No visible Ultra-Seam®

The strongest seams you’ll NEVER see!


Now standard on every Latham liner. For more information, ask your dealer about

383 Elgin Street, Brantford, ON N3S 7P5 | 800-638-7422 | lathampool.com


®


You can’t protect your kids from an unsupervised pool.

We can!

AUTOMATICSAFETY COVERS

SOLID AND MESHSAFETY COVERS

Protected at thetouch of a button!

Protection every family can afford!

®™

2014 Leisurescape 1pg ad.indd 1 1/2/14 12:41 PM

XII / Spring/Summer 2014 www.leisurescapes com

product highlightsgreat ideas to make your pool or hot tub more enjoyable this season

SiLky SWim “gOOdBye dry!”

Goodbye Dry! is a unique water treatment applied to the pool for the swimmer, not the pool. Add Goodbye Dry! to your pool to enjoy the benefi ts of not only silky feeling water, but how the water also makes your hair tangle-free and your skin softer and itch-free.

www.silkyswim.com

picsure measuring systemThe proper fi t of a vinyl liner is imperative for its longevity and appearance .

Highbury Pools innovative PicSure Measuring System is the most accurate way to measure for a pool liner installation. Only Highbury Pools can accurately 3D render your pool to design a liner. The best fi t, appearance and longevity, insist on a Highbury Pools Liner measured with PicSure Measuring System.

www.highburypools.com

hot tub care Just got a lot easier.

Introducing Mineraluxe! Once a week, you just toss a cube into your skimmer, add a pouch of Mineraluxe Oxygen to your water, then add your bromine or chlorine. There’s just no easier way to care for a hot tub.

www.mineraluxewater.com

Spring/Summer 2014 / XIII

The OmniLOgic eLiTe Backyard cOnTrOLLer The Breakthrough In Pool Automation You’ve Been Asking For

The OmniLogic Elite Backyard Controller from Hayward combines the best connectivity, versatility and energy-efficient functionality with an intuitive touch display interface that makes the whole system simple to use and easy to customize. Access pool control applications from any computer, remote or mobile device.

www.haywardpool.com

latham ultra-seam® linersTired of visible floor seams detracting

from the look for your pool? Vinyl liners made with Latham Pool Products’ exclusive Ultra-Seam® process have floor seams that are stronger and virtually invisible. Whether you’re purchasing a new pool, or want to replace your current liner, visit lathampool.ca or call (800) 638-7422.

www.lathampool.com

superFlo vs pumpsAffordable variable speed technology comes to standard pools for energy cost savings of up to 80%

NEW SuperFlo VS pumps slash energy costs by up to 80%*, compared to conven-tional pool pumps. They come to you from the company that launched variable speed technology a full 5 years ahead of every other pool pump manufacturer - Pentair Aquatics Systems.

www.pentairpool.com

XIV / Spring/Summer 2014 www.leisurescapes com

there really is an app For that

By

Lindsey Bunin

Look to your tablet, smartphone for inspiring backyard help

pinterest (free): A mecca of idea sharing, Pinterest invites users to pin ideas, links and photos to virtual bulletin boards. Simple organization helps you map out what you like most and create your own ideal project.

houzz (free): Featuring a drool-worthy collection of design and decor options, Houzz al-lows you to search photos by style, create collections to piece together an overall look, and share your plans easily with others.

Find your inspirationIdea sharing is one of the quickest ways to spark your own

creativity. Through online forums, users are borrowing each other’s inspirations more than ever.

In a world where there’s always an app for that, consider how your phone or tablet could be

of assistance during your next project. There are many facets to a pool or hot tub project that need to be completed before you can dive in to your backyard oasis. Instal-lation, decor and landscaping are all valuable parts of the finished product.

Harnessing as much power as your drill, why not let your apps be your right-hand-man?

handy tools While you can’t pop a screwdriver from the side of your phone,

there are plenty of apps to help lighten your tool box.

ihandy carpenter ($1.99): Keep five tools in your pocket at all times. This app includes a plumb bob, surface level, bub-ble bar level, protractor and ruler.

handy man diy ($1.99): This multi-functional app allows you to keep a running list of materials, manage the budget, store measure-ments and provides handy how-tos for a wide variety of DIYs.

photo: sorapong chaipanya /123rF

Spring/Summer 2014 / XV

• Saunas • Hot Tubs • Gazebos • Outdoor Furniture • Indoor Furniture

It’s the ‘little’ things we do that make a ‘big’ difference!888.923.9813 www.dundalkleisurecraft.com

grow your Own (free): Created by the Royal Hor-ticultural Society, this app will help gardeners fi gure out what to grow and how to do it best, based on skill level. It also includes fruits and veggies if you want to supplement your land-scaping.

Task managementWhen taking on a large indoor or outdoor project, there’s plenty

to keep track of, so why not keep your lists at your fi ngertips?

Wunderlist (free): Make an account and use this app to make lists and manage your to-dos with-out missing a single detail. It’s also a great utility for multi-tasking business owners, and allows list sharing, too.

evernote (free): This multi-use tool allows you to sync your digital ‘notebook’ seamlessly between your phone or tablet and your computer to manage tasks and del-egate and share lists with other users.

iScape ($9.99):While this app costs a bit more than most, it’s worth its weight in shrubs. With a library of more than 700 im-ages and a variety of tools, it will tell you what to plant and where to plant it. Its photo and drawing features allows you to mock-up your space for the best results.

Before and afterAs with any home project, it’s benefi cial to capture before and

after photos — not just for bragging rights. Keep a running log of the home-improvement projects you’ve completed for your records. Don’t forget to upload the blooper videos, too.

gardening and landscapingNeed a little advice on what to grow, or some inspirational

images to help you image what your backyard can look like?

camera+ ($1.99): This simple-to-use cam-era provides more editing options than the basic iOS or Android camera.

THE

SunShield® Stabilizer shields against sunlight to extend the life of generated chlorine and minimize cell run time.

pH Reducer corrects high pH to protect surfaces and equipment.

Scale Defender protects against damaging scale for effi cient, long lasting cell performance

Cell Cleaner removes built-up scale to restore cell to peak performance.

Chlorine-Free Shock Oxidizer eliminates contaminants for clear, fresh water.

Saltwater pools are favoured for their simple approach, but they do have some unique maintenance needs when compared to traditional chlorine pools. Despite their popularity there is still some information that has not reached all Canadian salt pool owners.

TRUTH 1 A salt cell generates unstabi-lized chlorine that diminishes rapidly when exposed to sunlight UV rays. A pool water stabilizer product shields against sunlight to extend the life of generated chlorine and minimize cell run time. Stabilizer levels need to be adjusted at spring opening and checked during the season.

TRUTH 2 The process a cell uses to convert saltwater into chlorine contributes to higher water pH every time a cell runs. A pH reducer corrects high pH to protect surfaces and equipment and maintain bather comfort. Granular pH reducers are preferred for ease of handling and safer storage than liquid acids.

TRUTH 3 The environment within a cell can cause chalky white calcium-scale deposits to form on a cell’s wall over time, decreasing the chlorine output and effi ciency. Use of scale prevention prod-ucts will defend against damaging scale for effi cient, long lasting cell performance.

TRUTH 4 Chlorine is effective at killing bacteria and algae, but creates unpleasant by-products when it reacts with contaminants like sweat or sunscreen. A shock treatment eliminates contaminants for clear, fresh water. Shocking during the swimming season ensures water quality and reduces stress on chlorine generator. Chlorine or non-chlorine shocks can be used.

TRUTH 5 Saltwater pools need water balance levels tested on a regular basis just like traditional chlorine pools. Use test strips to ensure proper water balance for the best swimmer comfort, equipment protection, and sanitizer effi ciency. Spring start-up, monthly checkups and prior to closing tests at your professional dealer are recommended.

TRUTH 6 The amount of salt in a pool and the amount of chlorine being produced are independent of each other. Adding more salt (above what is recommended in the owner’s manual) does not improve effi ciency or increase the generation of chlorine. Test strips or dealer testing will confi rm salt levels. Get salt level in the correct range with a high quality pool salt at the start of the season.

TRUTH 7 The process of generating chlorine within the cell will cause scale build-up that reduces effi ciency and shortens cell life. Use of a cell cleaner removes built-up scale to restore cell to peak performance. Starting each season with a properly cleaned cell is recommended.

Nothing is truly maintenance free, but with some basic knowledge and the ongoing support of your professional dealer a salt pool can be a backyard pleasure.

Saltwater pools are favoured for their simple approach, but they do have some unique maintenance needs when compared to

TM

For more information,contact your BioGuard Dealer. www.bioguard.ca

BIO_SS_Advert.indd 1 12/17/13 8:35 AM

TOP 10 REASONS why you should request that your pool dealer uses only Highbury Pools Ltd products for your dream backyard oasis.

1. WE ARE CANADIAN OWNED AND OPERATED.

2. Invisiseal Vinyl Liners - Since 2008, we have been providing the strongest, most visually appealing seams on both the floor AND wall seams.

3. We provide the best dealer support and fastest lead times in the industry standing firmly behind our Dealers.

4. Strongest steel panels - Our steel panels have STANDARD wall stiffeners at a maximum of 2’ apart and an encapsulated top rail making the sturdiest panel available in the industry.

5. PicSure Measuring System - Our exclusive Computer Aided Measuring software creates a virtual 3D model of your pool for the absolute most accurate fitting liner available.

6. Full line of Fibreglass and Luran stairs to help achieve the exact style you are looking for.

7. Versatility - Our Triumph On Ground Pools offer an alternative when an inground pool isn’t suited for your desired application.

8. Full line of coping including aluminum, PVC, and ProForm Cantilevered concrete forms.

9. Countless standard shapes and sizes - We can also assist in creating a custom design, giving you an infinite number of choices and ensuring you get the pool that you want.

10. We also carry a full range of distribution products, providing your dealer with a “one-stop shop”. This means everything for your pool arrives at once, and there’s no holdups waiting on product.

visit us at www.highburypools.com

4. Strongest steel panels - Our steel panels have STANDARD wall stiffeners at a maximum of 2’ apart and an encapsulated top rail making the sturdiest panel available in the industry.

5. PicSure Measuring System - Our exclusive Computer Aided Measuring software creates a virtual 3D model of your pool for the absolute most accurate fitting

6. Full line of Fibreglass and Luran stairs to help achieve the exact style you are looking for.

7. Versatility - Our Triumph On Ground Pools offer

an inground pool isn’t suited for your desired

Cantilevered concrete

product.

visit us at www.highburypools.com

THE

SunShield® Stabilizer shields against sunlight to extend the life of generated chlorine and minimize cell run time.

pH Reducer corrects high pH to protect surfaces and equipment.

Scale Defender protects against damaging scale for effi cient, long lasting cell performance

Cell Cleaner removes built-up scale to restore cell to peak performance.

Chlorine-Free Shock Oxidizer eliminates contaminants for clear, fresh water.

Saltwater pools are favoured for their simple approach, but they do have some unique maintenance needs when compared to traditional chlorine pools. Despite their popularity there is still some information that has not reached all Canadian salt pool owners.

TRUTH 1 A salt cell generates unstabi-lized chlorine that diminishes rapidly when exposed to sunlight UV rays. A pool water stabilizer product shields against sunlight to extend the life of generated chlorine and minimize cell run time. Stabilizer levels need to be adjusted at spring opening and checked during the season.

TRUTH 2 The process a cell uses to convert saltwater into chlorine contributes to higher water pH every time a cell runs. A pH reducer corrects high pH to protect surfaces and equipment and maintain bather comfort. Granular pH reducers are preferred for ease of handling and safer storage than liquid acids.

TRUTH 3 The environment within a cell can cause chalky white calcium-scale deposits to form on a cell’s wall over time, decreasing the chlorine output and effi ciency. Use of scale prevention prod-ucts will defend against damaging scale for effi cient, long lasting cell performance.

TRUTH 4 Chlorine is effective at killing bacteria and algae, but creates unpleasant by-products when it reacts with contaminants like sweat or sunscreen. A shock treatment eliminates contaminants for clear, fresh water. Shocking during the swimming season ensures water quality and reduces stress on chlorine generator. Chlorine or non-chlorine shocks can be used.

TRUTH 5 Saltwater pools need water balance levels tested on a regular basis just like traditional chlorine pools. Use test strips to ensure proper water balance for the best swimmer comfort, equipment protection, and sanitizer effi ciency. Spring start-up, monthly checkups and prior to closing tests at your professional dealer are recommended.

TRUTH 6 The amount of salt in a pool and the amount of chlorine being produced are independent of each other. Adding more salt (above what is recommended in the owner’s manual) does not improve effi ciency or increase the generation of chlorine. Test strips or dealer testing will confi rm salt levels. Get salt level in the correct range with a high quality pool salt at the start of the season.

TRUTH 7 The process of generating chlorine within the cell will cause scale build-up that reduces effi ciency and shortens cell life. Use of a cell cleaner removes built-up scale to restore cell to peak performance. Starting each season with a properly cleaned cell is recommended.

Nothing is truly maintenance free, but with some basic knowledge and the ongoing support of your professional dealer a salt pool can be a backyard pleasure.

Saltwater pools are favoured for their simple approach, but they do have some unique maintenance needs when compared to

TM

For more information,contact your BioGuard Dealer. www.bioguard.ca

BIO_SS_Advert.indd 1 12/17/13 8:35 AM

XVIII / Spring/Summer 2014 www.leisurescapes com

How do I decide what size pool to select?

There are many factors that go into se-lecting pool size and shape. Mainly, budget, size and shape of yard, and your desired use for the pool. The larger your pool, the more it will cost, so once you have determined a budget for your project, your dealer can price out a pool that fits. Yard size and shape are important to consider as you need to determine how much room you have available for the pool versus play area, patio area, landscaping, etc. With today’s smaller lot sizes, this becomes more of a deciding factor in how large a pool you can put in.

•••A second-generation, family-run busi-

ness, BonaVista LeisureScapes in Toronto is operated by siblings carrying on their fa-ther’s tradition of building custom, concrete pools, hot tubs and water features for the residential and commercial markets in To-ronto with special projects all over Ontario.

How do I choose a pool dealer?

Ask friends and family for a referral. If they’ve had a backyard project done, search the local market for a location to visit and on the Internet for reviews. After narrowing down the search to a minimum of three quality builders, interview or meet with each on site to see what they recommend for your space. Ask for references and email or call them to ask about their experience with the company. Price should not be the only factor that contributes to your decision. Rapport with the sales and construction crew, as well as scheduling will also be important when you undertake a backyard project so your expectations are met and the experience is a positive one.

When it comes to pool and hot tub sales, installation and service, who better to answer your frequently

asked questions than the professionals?

Ken Reid, of Sunshine Pools and Spas in Okanagan Valley, B.C., says his business prides itself in the ability to maximize customers’ leisure time by looking after all their swimming pool and hot tub needs, with a passion for making pool and hot tub ownership easy. They offer design and construction services for in ground pools and a full service and maintenance depart-ment all brands of pools, equipment and hot tubs, as well as a wide selection of backyard accessories.

Do I need a permit for an in-ground pool?

Yes, a permit is required for all in-ground pools in our jurisdiction. Local cities or municipalities have certain restrictions that must be met when putting in a pool, and often will want a geotechnical engineer involved in the project to ensure the ground condition is sufficient or optimized to sup-port the swimming pool.

Do I need a safety barrier around my above ground swimming pool?

Yes, all pools require an approximate 4-ft. high safety barrier around them. If the above ground pool walls are 4-ft. or higher, they can be considered the safety barrier, as long as any ladder or entry system into the pool can also be blocked off.

did you know?dealers answer your most frequently asked questions *

By

Lindsey Bunin

What is the lifespan of a pool?

If well-constructed and maintained, pools should be a permanent aspect of your landscape design. Many of our clients still live in the home where we built their concrete pool back in the ’60s. They may require a new surface coating (paint or marbelite on a concrete pool, new liner on a vinyl pool) over the years and mechanical service on their filter, heater and pump. The benefits of maintaining proper water chemistry is that it protects the mechanical equipment and the pool surface. Taking your water sample to a LeisureScapes pro-fessional helps to preserve the life of your pool as they will share responsible and easy annual water care and maintenance tips.

•••With more than 18 years’ experience,

family-owned Vantage Pools in Langley, BC, has two retail stores where manager of operations Rhett Bradshaw and his crew provide service work, parts, chemicals, wa-ter testing, hot tubs, toys, and specializing in building vinyl and fiberglass swimming pools.

What can I do to make my pool last longer?

It’s been said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This is absolute-ly true of swimming pools and related equipment. Weekly maintenance is a key to prolonging the life of your investment. One of the biggest factors is properly balancing your pool water. Unbalanced water can take a heavy toll on pumps, heaters, pool sur-faces, stainless steel items and more. Being too low in mineral content results in acidic water that can eat away at plastics, metals

Spring/Summer 2014 / XIX

and even concrete. On the other hand, having high levels of alkalinity, pH or calci-um can also cause issues such as staining, scale build up, inefficiency of equipment. By simply taking 15 to 30 minutes per week, you can protect your swimming pool and get the most out of your well-spent money.

What is the best kind of landscaping for around my pool?

While big leafy plants and trees can provide needed shade during the heat of summer, they can also result in a lot of extra work. Deciduous trees (trees that lose their leaves) can be a pain when fall rolls around. The last thing you want is to be scooping leaves out of the pool or fishing out grass trimmings on a regular basis. Using river rock, lava rock, or other low maintenance ground coverings around the pool will ensure you can spend more time swimming and less time cleaning. Rockscapes are be-coming increasingly popular for many pool owners. You may also consider evergreens as a way to add life to the backyard without adding work to your life.

phot

o: h

aves

een

/123

rF

* Different regions of the country have different bylaws governing what you can and cannot do on your property. While these answers are meant to provide you with as much information as possible, the answers may be slightly different in your area of the country. For example, a safety barrier in B.C. may have a different height requirement than one in N.S. Please check with your local authorities as well as your knowledgeable LeisureScapes dealer before making any decisions.

XX / Spring/Summer 2014 www.leisurescapes com

beef-filled appetizers in phyllo wrappers. “For the main course you can take your bar-

becue to another level by grilling lamb with a ha-rissa spice blend,” says Filippou. “You can serve couscous too. It all would work really well.”

Serve food with ease on stylish outdoor din-nerware that combines the look of fine china with the durability of melamine in summery colours and patterns. Offer drinks with class in the latest acrylic pitchers and stemware that reflect the elegance of crystal without the worry about broken glass.

The kids can have their own special treats, and maybe even their own activities under the careful supervision of an experienced sitter.

“You could set up a sundae bar with all sorts of toppings and cones, and let the kids make their own,” suggests Filippou.

Sounds like a blast, doesn’t it? Don’t be surprised if some of the grown-ups want a sundae bar too!

Here’s to a summer full of good food, good company and good fun.

The food and drinks are fabulous. Your guests feel right at home. And you’re the amazing host who also has a chance to

enjoy the party. It’s what backyard entertaining is all about — celebrating the summer with family and friends.

Get the party started by making everyone feel welcome as soon as they walk into your backyard oasis.

“We want our guests to experience a sense of ease and comfort, and we can help create that by having some food and drinks ready for them, some music and some ambience,” suggests Tom Filippou, executive chef for President’s Choice.

“Set up small stations or areas where people can walk up, grab a drink and grab a bite. Put out pitchers with some great cocktails, such as sangria or cosmopolitans. Then your guests can chat and watch as you’re preparing the main course on the grill.”

Perhaps plan your menu around a theme with international flair, such as a Moroccan-style barbecue, starting with Moroccan cigars —

get the party startedmake everyone feel welcome as soon as they walk into your backyard oasis

By

Diane Merlevede

photo: hanna monika cybulko /123rF

Spring/Summer 2014 / XXI

ARE YOU COVERED FOR WINTER?

POOL COVERING SYSTEMS

LEARN MOREAPPRENEZ PLUS

SCAN THE CODEBALAYEZ LE CODE

at your next cocktail party, impress your guests with a pitcher of this beautifully coloured and citrus-studded sparkling sangria. With the addition of red Sangria cocktail mixer, very few ingredients are required.

ingredients:1 bottle (750 mL) white wine or prosecco 1½ cups (375 mL) pc Black Label Sangria 6 thin round lemon slices 6 thin round lime slices 6 thin round orange slices 3 cups (750 mL) ice cubes ½ cup (125 mL) raspberries

instructions:1. In pitcher, stir together wine and sangria cocktail mixer;

add lemon, lime and orange slices.

2. Add ice cubes and raspberries; stir gently to combine.

chef’s Tip: Sangria can be made a couple of hours or up to a day in advance. Refrigerate pitcher after addinglemon, lime and orange slices. Just before serving, stir in ice cubes and raspberries.

Serves: 6

per Serving: protein 1 g.

Source: www.pc.ca.

photo: contributed

White Sangria

XXII / Spring/Summer 2014 www.leisurescapes com

method:Wash peach before cutting into segments, set aside. Place whole

flax seeds in blender and pulse until fully ground. Add all other ingredients to blender or Magic Bullet. Blend for approx. 30 seconds to one minute on high or until smooth. If consistency is too thick, add more bloo juice to your liking.

For children:For a fun and nutritious treat

for children, blend all ingredients except the ginger and flax seed in a blender. Fill a Popsicle mould with mixture and freeze for a healthy, tasty refreshing treat. Makes 6 to 8, depending on size of Popsicle tray.

For another kid-friendly treat, you can freeze just the blueberry juice in Popsicle tray.

Serves: 2-4

Source: www.bloo.com.

ingredients:1 very ripe banana, frozen1 fresh peach (with skin),

cut into segments or 1 cup frozen mango segments

1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger2 tbsp ground golden flax

seeds (use whole flax seeds)

½ cup greek or any unsweetened plain yogurt

1 cup “bloo” blueberry or “bloo” blueberry citrus juice

photo: contributed

“bloo” Juice morning power Smoothie

Smoothies are a very popu-lar way to start the day. When building the ultimate healthy smoothie it is important to blend together four essential ingredients – a liquid base (preferably a high antioxidant juice like blueberry), a good protein (greek yogurt or your favourite protein powder), a healthy fat (flax seeds, walnuts and avocado all contain omega 3 fatty acids) and a high fibre carbohydrate (highest fibre fruits are blueberries, black-berries, raspberries, peaches, pears, apples and oranges).

This smoothie is packed with all the right ingredients for that power boost first thing in the morning, or you can enjoy this smoothie any time of day when you feel like a delicious metabolism boost. photo: contributed

Spring/Summer 2014 / XXIII

corneliuspools.com

8’, 12’, 15’, 18’, 21’, 24’,27’, 30’ and 33’

10’ x 16’ 10’ x 21’ 12’ x 18’ 12’ x 21’ 12’ x 24’ 16’ x 26’ 16’ x 32’ 18’ x 33’ 18’ x 38’ 18’ x 44’

NBS A-Brace

AVAILABLE SHAPES

Round

Oval

Tilestone Wall

Visible steel A-Brace System for oval pools

NBS system for oval pools

52" (1.32 m) corrugated steel wall

7” (17.78 cm) galvanized steel top seat

Resin seat cap

Galvanized steel bottom track

6" (15.24 cm) galvanized steel upright

Galvanized steel top track

Injected resin bottom connector / foot collarcombination

PACIFIC

leisure landscape 2014_Mise en page 1 13-11-27 08:27 Page1

THE

WORLD’S LARGEST WEBSITE...DEDICATED TO INTRODUCING, EDUCATING & INTERACTING WITH THE SWIMMING POOL LIFESTYLE.

Whether you already own a pool or just starting to think about owning a pool, you can find resources, ideas and tips to help you get the most from your backyard oasis.

a fiery blend of chillies, spices and oil, the harissa spice blend is a dry spice mix that makes an ideal rub. naturally suited to one another, this delicious combination of harissa and lamb will impress discerning guests.

ingredients:12 large lamb loin chops, about 1.3 kg3 tbsp (45 mL) olive oil1/4 cup (50 mL) pc Black Label harissa Spice Blend

instructions:1. In bowl, combine lamb chops, oil and harissa spice blend,

massaging spice blend into the meat. Cover. Place in fridge to marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours.

2. Preheat gas barbecue to high heat. Remove lamb from fridge 10 minutes before grilling.

3. Turn barbecue to medium heat. Place chops on greased grill. Cook with lid up for 4 to 6 minutes, giving chops a quarter turn halfway. Turn chops over and repeat on other side.

Serves: 4

per Serving: 680 calories, fat 54 g, sodium 1450 mg, carbohydrate 2 g, fi bre 0 g, protein 47 g.

Source: www.pc.ca.

photo: contributed

harissa Lamb chops

Fewer chemicals. more peace oF mind.

CLEANER. SAFER. EASIER-TO-MAINTAIN. Turn common salt into chlorine, right in your pool. And worry less about harmful chemicals and daily upkeep. Featuring an easy-to-read display, the IntelliChlor® Salt Chlorine Generator keeps you up to date on salt levels, cell cleanliness, sanitizer output and water flow. So, you’ll always have safer, sparkling clean water without all the worries.

Find a dealer at leisurescapes.com

©2013 Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc. All rights reserved.


envision your very own private oasis

** please note the pricing shown in the Dream Showcase is for illustration purposes only and may not reflect all items shown in the photograph. For an accurate quotation please contact the office for your own personalized onsite estimate.**

dream showcase

Picture this — family and friends, sizzling barbecue, lively music, splashing water, summer retreat.

You can see it, hear it and feel it. Now it’s time to go home and enjoy it. With ever-increasing demands on families today, it’s so important to find a bal-ance between work and home. Own-ing a pool can help you do just that.

We invite you to contact us so we can help you sit back and enjoy a little more R&R with your family.

From our family to yours,

Kara Redden

www.rrpools.ca

16’ x 28’ FijiBedford, NS1.

phot

os: h

eath

er Q

uinn

© Ju

st a

hob

by p

hoto

www.leIsUrescapes com34 / Spring/Summer 2014


www.rrpools.ca

16’ x 32’ CopenhagenHubley, NS2.

18’ x 40’ Lazy LSeabright, NS3. 20’ x 40’ Rectangle

St Margaret’s Bay, NS4.

$45,000Installed + Taxes

• French Step• Heatpump• Lights• 4’ Concrete Deck



www.rrpools.ca

16’ x 50’ BahamaHubbards, NS

5.

16’ x 40’ VenetianBoutilier’s Point, NS6.

16’ x 36’ RectangleFall River, NS 7.


• Automatic Cover• inside Corner Step• Heatpump• Lights• 1100 sq ft

Stamped Concrete

AwArdwinning POOL

AwArdwinning POOL

photo: iuliia Sokolovska/123rF

www.leisurescapes com36 / Spring/Summer 2014


www.rrpools.ca

18’ x 38’ OasisGlen Arbour, NS 8.

18’ x 31’ FijiKingswood, NS

9.

AwArdwinning POOL



www.rrpools.ca

20’ x 40’ RectangleChester, NS10.

16’ x 36’ RomanHammonds Plains, NS11.

18’ x 36’ MexicoTantallon, NS12.

16’ x 32’ BahamaGlen Arbour, NS13.


• Straight Step• Heatpump• Lights• 4’ Concrete Deck

AwArdwinning POOL

photo: Dave Brober/123rF

www.leIsUrescapes com38 / Spring/Summer 2014

a lot of the things the Landrys had on their wish list.

“So we borrowed from them,” Leanne says. “We also got about a half-dozen books on outdoor spaces, and a lot of the pages in those were dog-eared by the time we were ready to start. We looked at pool houses, for example, and the vision for ours came di-rectly from the general principles in a book we had bought.”

Functional applicationTheir pool house off ers a two-room

change area with plenty of towels. When asked if they were thinking one room for the kids and one for adults, Leanne says no. “We planned to have lots of people over and use the backyard to entertain. We wanted to

Little things can add up quickly, but taking the time to plan a backyard oasis carefully can transform it from

ordinary to exceptional. Just ask Dean and Leanne Landry. They built their house in Glen Arbour, Nova Scotia in 2006, fully intending to make their backyard into a multi-purpose recreational and leisure area that would suit their needs and those of their now 14-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter. They wanted a functional living space that incorporated a pool, hot tub, change rooms, backyard kitchen, dining area, barbecue and fi re pit in a landscaped environment that included stone planters, walkways and outdoor furniture. However, they didn’t jump in right away. Instead, they took a patient approach and really did their homework before breaking ground in 2011. They found inspiration and helpful tips from family and friends, including Leanne’s sister-in-law, who had installed a pool in her backyard several years earlier that featured

plannIng paYsKnowing what you want can take your backyard

from ordinary to exceptional

avoid having people running in and out of the house before and after a swim,” so the design incorporated a functional as well as esthetic application.

“Another example is the stairs on our pool. We have steps that run the full width as opposed to a railing. If you have young kids, the mom could sit on the stairs, put her legs in the water and get some relief from the heat. I love that part of it. We wanted a natu-ral kind of fl ow that was welcoming, and the stairs along the width provided that.”

Safety was also a key factor. Leanne says both her children completed Level 10 Red Cross swim programs before the pool was even installed. “Knowing we were going to put the pool in, we made sure they were strong swimmers.”

Additionally, they opted to have the pool near the house, “where we could see them even if we were inside. If anyone had to run in and grab something, there were eyes on the kids all the time.”

By

Fred Sgambati

photos: © heather Quinn/r&r pools

www.rrpools.ca

A customer experience with R&R16’ x 38’ Rectangle

Glen Arbour, NS


Since R&R Pools helped to create Leanne and Dean Landry’s backyard paradise in 2011, the Landrys, their

family and friends have had countless hours of enjoyment in what they describe as the cottage in their backyard. Intent on spending quality family time together, “we came up with an original design,” Leanne says, “and took it to Derek Redden at R&R Pools (1949 St. Margaret’s Bay Rd. in Tim-berlea) for a price. Derek was awesome in making sure that the plan we had on paper would actually become a reality and be done the way we wanted. He wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty, either. He was right there clearing the trees with a chainsaw or pouring and smoothing the concrete. He was very much involved. He answered the phone when I called, and still does,” she adds with a laugh.

Redden listened to what the Landrys had in mind, walked the property with them and outlined where the pool would go so they had a sense of its physical reality before construction began. He also helped to coordinate the various contractors in-volved. R&R handled the pool install, with other contractors working on the outdoor kitchen, stonework and landscaping, pool house and hot tub. Construction began at the end of April and the Landrys were enjoying the pool by August 1.

“It was a big project,” Leanne says, “with a lot of different moving pieces, but

r&r’s exceptIonal after-care servIce

By

Fred Sgambati

we were happy with the timeline. Derek was very easy to work with and willing to put our design plan into play. He didn’t push us to make it bigger. He knew we wanted all those elements, and it came together a lot easier than you would think. We’re really satisfied.”

R&R’s outstanding after-care service has made it easy for the Landrys to enjoy their pool to the fullest. “We never had a pool before this,” Leanne says, “and we’ve been learning as we go. We’ve had questions on things like the close and opening and R&R has been great, sending emails with information and coming to help us with water tests and analysis. We’re both accountants, not chemists, and we don’t know much about that stuff, so we really appreciate their input.”

In fact, the Landrys were so happy with R&R Pools that they recommended the company to their next-door neighbours, who installed a pool through R&R the following year.

“We gave our backyard design a great deal of thought beforehand,” Leanne says, “and working with someone like (R&R owner) Derek Redden, who under-stood our intentions and the big picture, was wonderful. The pool has been a great addition to our house and we have no regrets.”

For more information on R&R Pools, call 902.876.2773 or e-mail: [email protected]

www.rrpools.ca

Once the various elements were mapped out, they brought their ideas to a graphic designer and actually put the plan on paper. “We had the benefit of time to think through all the details,” Leanne says, “and having a graphic designer put it on paper really helped. We looked at the first draft and made some minor changes that increased the functionality.”

The Landrys reviewed three versions before giving the design a final thumbs-up. “We weren’t rushing into something and then saying later, ‘Oh, I wish I had another foot here.’ You don’t really see the propor-tions until it’s on paper, and it gave us an opportunity to make changes and have it work better at the end of the day.”

What they created is nothing short of spectacular. They enjoy a beautifully landscaped backyard space that seats 20 comfortably, including eight people at a covered outdoor dining area; four at the bar; and eight at a picnic table on the patio. “We wanted to make sure that people weren’t sitting on the ground eating their supper,” Leanne says. “We wanted them to be comfortable. The table and bar seats fill up first and they are all in the same vicinity so everyone can be part of the conversation.”

The children and their friends usually sit at the picnic table. When the meal is over, everyone heads for the standard after-din-ner treat — s’mores by the fire pit. There’s seating for seven and with other chairs from the patio, 10 people can come together comfortably.

“We enjoy having people over,” Leanne says. “We enjoy socializing and spending time with family and friends. Our space makes it easy because everything is there. It’s not hard to prepare and do clean up because everything is outside and acces-sible. It has been three years now, but we wouldn’t change a thing. A lot of that,” she adds, “comes down to having thought it out beforehand.”

• Limitless Options

• Custom Designs

• Combine your steel step with a bench or sunledge for a customized poolscape.

For more information, scan our QR code or go to www.kafko.com

Vinyl-Over Steel Steps

383 Elgin St | Brantford, ON N3S 7P5 | 800-638-7422 | kafko.com© Latham Pool Products, Inc. 2013. All rights reserved.

Proud supplier to R&R Pools

2013 R&R Kafko VOS.indd 1 2/8/13 3:52 PM

R&R Pools Backyard Escapes 2014 Edition

Documents

Transcript of R&R Pools Backyard Escapes 2014 Edition