Backyard Escapes 2015 - Holland Home Leisure by Herald_CustomContent

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 Holland Home Leisure

THE PERFECT ESCAPE Creating a backyard oasis

FROM THE GROUND UP

Plenty of reasons to add a fence to your property

THE PERFECT POOL BACKYARD DREAMS MAKE YOUR DREAMS REALITY UNPLUG & RELAX

Holland Home Leisure P O O L S

H O T

T U B S

B A C K YA R D

L I V I N G

NEW MINAS AYLESFORD www.hollandhomeleisure.com

WHAT IS A SELF-CLEANING SWIM SPA? Fun & fitness for all

erhaps you have heard about it, or maybe you even know someone who has one, but if you’re not sure what a self-cleaning Swim Spa is, let us introduce you to the perfect pool! A Swim Spa is the most universal pool available, providing an endless swim, jetted hydrotherapy seating, a backyard water park, and your own water aerobics aqua centre — loosely translated to fun and fitness for anyone lucky enough to be in one! With the world’s only Self-Cleaning Swim Spa, all of this comes with very little ongoing maintenance. ‘Will it fit in my yard?’ ‘What if I move?’ ‘Can I use it all year?’ and ‘How big is it?’ are the normal starting questions. Swim Spa’s range from 12 to 19 feet long, are eight feet wide, and are set in place with a crane, meaning most yards have more then enough space, with trees and power lines being the general obstacle to installation. Swim Spa’s can be set on a concrete pad like a hot tub, meaning you can take it with you if you move, or they can be installed in the ground, making it more likely that it would stay there. The water temperature is set on a digital display (up to a maximum of 100°F) allowing for year-round use, or the unit can be winterized to skip the coldest

months of the season, so depending on your lifestyle, it can be your own personal gym 365 days a year. Next, people generally ask who is buying these, where are they putting them and what are they using them for? The demographic seems to be single or married, kids or no kids, retired or working, homeowners, who are putting them outside or are building a Swim Spa room, who are looking for exercise, competitive swimming training, or a backyard waterpark for the entire family. So what is it, exercise or fun? A quote from one of our new Swim Spa owners says it all — “Delectable as a box of chocolates but extrinsically rewarding as well. Not often something so enjoyable can be good for you at the same time!” For the serious swimmer in the family, the patented wide-mouth swim jets provide the smoothest water current in the industry, with the ability to set the speed at the press of a button. And did we mention that maximum speed is 18km/h? When it is playtime, a current like this will have the kids smiling just a little bit bigger then you’ve seen before! The last question we hear is can we try it. Absolutely, in fact, we highly encourage it. Call ahead and we’ll plan your own private swim. Bring the entire family! Photos: Contributed

Photo: Kyle Richardson

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Photo: Greg van Riel

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Photo: G

l reg van Rie

o ards Photo: Kyle Rich

Photo: Kyle Richardson

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WORKING WITH ‘FRIENDS’

VACATION AT HOME

2015 will mark the 35th season of Holland Home Leisure providing, pools, hot tubs and backyard living for our many customers. I often joke that at some point in my life I will eventually have to find a job and figure out what I want to do in life, often saying to our friends “I wonder what I am going to do when I grow up?” In 1980, when we started installing in-ground swimming pools, I could never dream that backyard living would become my career path. The real reason I joke about eventually having to find a job is because throughout most of my career I have not really considered it work to show up each day, as each day has brought a new challenge, and I have had the opportunity of working with some of the best people in our industry. During my career I have had the opportunity to work with some of the best staff members I could hope to have. My greatest joy has been that many of our staff members have chosen Holland Home Leisure as their career. Our staff members are dedicated to bringing a high level of professionalism and customer service to our customers. We have also had the opportunity to build long-term relationships with many vendor partners. We still maintain these relationships with some of our very first vendor partners from 1980. Our local, national and international vendors, supply us with high quality products and services. We have also had the privilege to get to know many of our peers across the country, through our active involvement in the Pool and Hot Tub Council of Canada, and also through membership in the LeisureScapes Dealer Group. Through these memberships we have had the opportunity to network and share with some of the most professional dealers across the country. Last, it has been a pleasure to be able to work with so many of our customers over these 35 years. Many of the individuals who we installed pools for during our early years still maintain a relationship with our company, so I would like to thank each of you for your continued support. I think the reason why my career has not really felt like a job is because I have always enjoyed working with the people around me, be it our staff, our vendors, our peers or our customers. I consider many of them to be our friends. So when you work with great people it really does not feel like a job. Now, as I get close to end of my working career, I wonder what I am going to do when I grow up?

Over the past little while I have been trying to articulate exactly what it is that we do at Holland Home Leisure, and although that sounds like a simple task, it has proven to be more challenging than one would expect. It is easy to list the tasks that we do, the products and services we provide, but that still is not what I’m looking for. Then there is the endless list of cliché statements that we are all familiar with and I’m certain that is not what I’m looking for either. Offering People Opportunities for Enjoyment – I believe this is what we do, and really, this is what drew Andrea and myself to this business, the enjoyment that we have in our own backyard. How much can one person enjoy a pool? Well, it depends. I try to swim every day, and if that was the only enjoyment that came from my pool, that would be worth it to me. But the truth is, that is the tip of the iceberg. The times we share with family and friends in our own little oasis are where I find the most enjoyment. This is what we try to provide for our customers, and this is why I love my job. Wherever you are in the process of creating or refining your oasis, every year I encourage you take on a new project to enhance the experience. Piece by piece, it will all come together and you’ll enjoy your leisure time more and more. Water, fire, food is the basic formula; but don’t forget music, shade, seating, lighting, the pesky mosquitos, games, and whatever else you choose to incorporate. Our customers – thank you for choosing Holland Home Leisure, and thank you very much for your business. Enjoy your next Vacation at Home!

Mark Van Zoost, President

Mike vandenHof, CEO

Photo: Liana Rhodenzier Photography

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Photo: Liana Rhodenzier Photography WWW.HOLLANDHOMELEISURE COM

www.hollandhomeleisure.com SPRING / SUMMER 2015

CONTENTS

For a listing of the National content, please turn to the page after page 12.

WHAT IS A SELF-CLEANING SWIM SPA? Fun & fitness for all

MAKE YOUR DREAMS A REALITY The choices are endless

THE MODERN ABOVE-GROUND POOL Unplug & relax all summer long

A Swim Spa is the most universal pool available, providing an endless swim, jetted hydrotherapy seating, a backyard water park, and your own water aerobics aqua centre

Whether you choose to revamp your existing pool or you plan to replace that old tired swing set with a new exciting back yard retreat, Holland Home Leisure has the experience to make your dream a reality.

Not the ‘tin can look’ of years past, the modern above-ground pool blends new style with new technologies.

FEATURED FURNITURE Create your backyard oasis

BACKYARD DREAMS Options for all tastes

The perfect balance of traditional design recreated with modern materials.

Choose your pool style.

44 OUR LIFE AT HOLLAND HOME LEISURE Mixing fun with work year round Getting together outside work gives us a break from the busy summer days at Holland Home Leisure.

47 HOLLAND HOME LEISURE’S DATES TO REMEMBER Cut this one out and put it on your fridge

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49 Ash Lake Court Halifax, NS B3S 1B7 902-835-0741 www.thestonedepot.ca

Come see us for all your Landscaping & Masonry ideas. We offer a large selection of Concrete Pavers, Pool Caping, Natural Stone & more...

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s i s a O

CREATE A BACKYARD

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pool water

BioGuard is a trademarks of Bio-Lab, Inc.

thatFEELS,

as GOOD as it LOOKS! Making your backyard the envy of the neighbourhood has never been easier. When you combine great BioGuard products and technologies with the service, support and expertise of the BioGuard Dealer, you have everything necessary to make owning a backyard family resort an absolute pleasure.

Visit your local BioGuard Dealer for your FREE BioGuard Water Analysis.

MADE FOR OUR CLIMATE Perfect balance of traditional & modern

Photos: Contributed

BY:

Katie Schofield

ne of Holland Home Leisure’s most popular lines has been the beautiful Envirowood furniture from Seaside Casual. With collections ranging from traditional to ultra modern, Seaside has moulded their esthetics after the coastal communities of the eastern seaboard. Seaside’s Envirowood frame offers an impressive 20-year guarantee. Made of high-density polyethelene and marinegrade stainless steel, this furniture is made for a Nova Scotia climate. It is the perfect outdoor furniture addition to any oceanside cottage or inland oasis. Holland Home Leisure offers a wide variety of vibrant shades in Seaside Casual’s classic looking Shellback Adirondacks. These chairs are the perfect balance of traditional design recreated with modern materials.

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LIGHTWEIGHT & COMPACT Full-size comfort

BY:

Katie Schofield

ettler outdoor furniture was a new and exciting addition to our leisure lineup in 2013, and quickly became one of our hottest sellers. Their eye-catching and colourful collections of wrought iron furniture are lightweight and compact, but offer full-size comfort. Perfect for adding a punch of colour to any backyard oasis, Kettler offers many pieces in red, green and a more traditional grey. Kettler offers their beautiful wrought iron collections with electrotherm technology, which means pieces that are specifically developed for the harshest outdoor elements, that won’t burn your bottom on those sunny summer days. Holland Home Leisure has expanded their Kettler lineup for the 2015 season, adding more versatile and colourful options including the “Happy” chair. This is a stackable, resin chair that will brighten up any poolside space. We know you’ll love it!

Photos: Contributed

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BACKYARD PARADISE Fashion-forward backyard design

ver the past eight years, Ebel has been one of our most popular brands of quality outdoor furniture. Every year they are introducing new collections to stay on top of growing industry trends, and 2015 is no exception. We will be adding two of their new collections to our showroom floor in this season. Granville is a modern take on a traditional look which is available in two beautiful frame colours. Granville has the curve appeal to suit any 5* resort and we think it will not only look beautiful shore side but will also help create your very own backyard paradise inland. The second new collection from Ebel we will be adding to our floor is Calais. This unique modular set can be arranged to fit any deck or patio. Calais has a tight weave that proves it to be both classic and contemporary. This fashion forward design with customizable options is going to be a show stopper! Stop in to our New Minas showroom and check out Ebels timeless classics along with their fresh new line up!

Liana vandenHof-Rhodenizer BY

Photo: © SSS Photographic, LLC

Photo: © SSS Photographic, LLC Photos: Contributed

W Lee makes an elegant mixture of durable wrought iron and wrought aluminum furniture, with pieces ranging in size and style to fit any backyard seating or dining space. They are most known for their casual fire tables. With hearth tops available in both porcelain tile and cast aluminum options, these fire tables can really be matched to any décor.

Photo: Kerri Fox

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CLEARANCE SALE!! Kick off to Spring Furniture Sale!

May 2nd – 9th

Photo: Kerri Fox

Photos: Contributed

ver the years we have brought in a lot of inventory and now are left with some discontinued product! We have dining sets in sling and wicker, complete seating sets, and some ‘odds and ends’ in a variety of frame colours and cushion selections. If you are looking to add to a set you have already purchased at HHL we may have the perfect addition, or we may have a complete set that is exactly what you are looking for with discount pricing! There really is something for everyone! Make sure to ask our sales staff about what is available in the clearance section, because some of it may be hidden in the warehouse!

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Photo: Maridav /123RF

NATIONAL SECTION

Published for: LeisureScapes www.leisurescapes.com Operations Manager: Sarah Acorn

THE PERFECT BACKYARD ESCAPE

XIV

Creating a backyard oasis. Published by: The Chronicle Herald Chairman and Publisher: Sarah Dennis President and CEO: Mark Lever Vice President, Business Development: Jeff Nearing Editor and Project Manager: Claudia White Graphic Designer: Julia Webb Advertising Coordinator: Stephanie Munroe Cover Photos: Focus360, Heather Quinn © JustaHobby Photo (R&R Pools), Michael Anderson (Cobra Pools) © The Chronicle Herald 2015 All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in retrieval systems or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission from the publisher.

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TheChronicleHerald.ca Printed by: Lowe-Martin Group

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There are plenty of reasons why you should consider adding a fence to your property.

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AN OASIS FOR ENTERTAINING Canadians clamouring for backyard kitchens.

XX FROM THE GROUND UP

The Chronicle Herald 2717 Joseph Howe Drive PO Box 610, Halifax, N.S., B3J 2T2 902 426 2811

For some pool aficionados, only a heated pool will do, even in the dog days of summer.

THE FINISHING TOUCHES A well-planned selection of plants can be versatile and practical to suit your lifestyle and maximize your enjoyment of your backyard oasis.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIPS

MASON JAR ENTERTAINING The Mason Jar has long held more than jams and preserves.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS Great ideas to help enjoy the summer.

Like us on Facebook

WWW.LEISURESCAPES.COM

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THE PERFECT BACKYARD ESCAPE Creating a backyard oasis BY

Carson Arthur

ith utility costs reaching record highs, with no relief in sight, more Canadians are opting out of buying a second home in favour of a new vacation destination — their own backyard. Coined ‘staycations,’ this trend of creating a backyard oasis continues to resonate with homeowners. And why wouldn’t it? Avoiding the traffic after a long week at work is reason enough. Pair that with increasing property taxes and decreasing availability, and you see many Canadians are choosing to stay home instead. There are a few other factors adding to this trend that might surprise you. The biggest reason homeowners, specifically Generation Xers (the 30 to 40 somethings), are investing in these backyard escapes is money. According to the experts, investing in the outdoors has one of the biggest returns of any home renovation. Remodeling Magazine even listed the backyard deck in their top three in 2014 for return-on-investment improvements. Savvy homeowners have realized they can have beautiful outdoor escapes in their backyard with a resort feel, and when they are ready to sell their homes, recoup their investment. So what are the ‘must-haves’ for these personal paradises? Here’s my top three list, starting with number three. Photo: Jeff McNeill © McNeill Photography 2014

Photos: Courtesy BonaVista Pools

Photo: Jeff McNeill © McNeill Photography 2014

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Photos: Courtesy BonaVista Pools

Pools are back

Useable space

Photo: Jeff McNeill © McNeill Photography 2014

Decks and patios are definitely important for creating the perfect backyard. Larger patio furniture, fireplaces, even outdoor televisions, all need space to be properly used. More paver and decking companies are entering into the market with new looks and materials. This is allowing homeowners to customize their outdoors in the same manner they would the inside.

The numbers are also backing this trend, with increased home valuations of 10 to 12 per cent for useable outdoor space. (Century21 Canada, 2014). When purchasing a home, buyers will often settle for a smaller indoor footprint knowing they have square footage outdoors. The traditional backyard with the big lawn is definitely changing into a landscaped space with multi-purpose outdoor rooms, complete with functional flooring.

After several years of bad publicity from the real estate companies, pools are once again in demand. Throughout the late ’90s, homeowners were told that if they wanted a pool in their backyard, they were immediately devaluing their property. Happily, this has definitely changed. New housing numbers show that pools are on the rise when it comes to home valuation. Real estate companies have identified that while a pool in the backyard may rule out certain buyers, they definitely attract others. Adding to this new confidence, homeowners have more options to customize their space. Saltwater continues to be popular, as do waterfalls, infinity edges and lap pools. Surprisingly, urban homeowners are choosing pools for smaller lots instead of lawns, opting to spend their time maintaining a swimming pool instead of grass. Modern design enthusiasts are now using the clean lines and angles of pools to create Zen-like spaces perfect for backyard escapes.

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The Outdoor Kitchen For years, Canadians have been patiently waiting for the technology that allows us to have amazing outdoor kitchens in our climate similar to the ones we’ve seen in warmer locales. I can officially say that it’s finally here. We now have fridges, sinks, warming drawers, and even overhead heaters to accompany our barbecues. Even the barbecue has transformed in radical new ways with more models coming out every day. With all of these new improvements, homeowners do not appear to be concerned about the price. Companies like Appliance Canada are now selling lines like Lynx Grills, which have models upwards of $10,000. These are the barbecues that chefs dream about. They can reach temperatures of 1,200 degrees in minutes, ideal for searing the perfect steak and look good doing it. The esthetics of the outdoor grill are also now as important as the performance. Not only does it have to work well, the barbecue has to look great doing it as it has become the centerpiece for these outdoor kitchens in the same way a fridge or stove impacts the indoors. While the barbecue may have once been a male-dominated purchase, more women

Photo: Contributed / B. Payne

are influencing the buying decision. The outdoor kitchen truly has become an extension of the home. As a landscaper, this is an exciting time for me. Homeowners are investing in their outdoor spaces and are truly making the most of their backyards in creating these customized escapes. They are making wise choices that benefit their families, but also continue to increase their home’s value.

When you look out your back door, what do you see? Is it time to rethink how you want to spend your summers? Having your own backyard oasis has never made so much sense, but if you need a good excuse, how about never having to pack the family, pets and food into the car on a Friday and then doing it all over again on Sunday for the return trip? Tempting, isn’t it?

Photo: Contributed

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Visit your LeisureScapes dealer or go to wwwZodiacPoolSystems.ca to learn more. ©2015 Zodiac Pool Systems Canada, Inc. All rights reserved. ZODIAC® is a registered trademark of Zodiac International, S.A.S.U., used under license. 0115

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THE FINISHING TOUCHES A well-planned selection of plants can be versatile and practical to suit your lifestyle and maximize your enjoyment of your backyard oasis BY

Diane Merlevede

lants can add beautiful finishing touches around your pool, but it’s not just about good looks. A well-planned selection of plants can be versatile and practical to suit your lifestyle and maximize your enjoyment of your backyard oasis. Deciding what will work best for you and your landscape takes some thought, ideally starting at the beginning of your pool project. How much space will you have for plants, and where? What plants fare well in your climate and environment? Which ones will be low maintenance for both your garden and pool? Will you need some plants for privacy or sound barriers, for disguising fences or a storage shed? Are you dreaming of a tropical setting in the summer or a winter wonderland in the off-season? What about lighting around the plants? The list goes on — and well beyond your pool area. “The landscape around your house should be cohesive, from the front yard to the backyard to the interior, and everything should be matching up and meeting up with your lifestyle,” says certified landscape designer Joe Bidermann, the award-winning owner of Joe Bidermann Landscaping Design in Fall River, N.S. Working with a professional, such as a landscape designer or architect, right from the initial planning stages of your pool project can help you with the whole process of poolside planting and other aspects of your landscape. For example: Determining the best location for your pool, where your patio space should be and whether you will need an area for shade or entertainment. Finding out how bylaws may affect fences and other parts of your planning VIII / SPRING/SUMMER 2015

Jeff McNeill © McNeill Photography 2014 Jeff McNeill © McNeill Photography 2014

Photos: Courtesy BonaVista Pools

or planting. Checking that there will be proper access to the backyard and whether it will mean removing some front yard landscaping. Your landscape consultant can help evaluate the plants you already have in your backyard and what you can keep, reuse or relocate. If there are some large mature trees, you have to be careful about protecting the root system when you put in a pool,

and that even could include your neighbours’ trees, says certified landscape designer Denis Flanagan, the manager of membership and public relations for Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association. When it comes to choosing poolside plants, many people want to avoid a big mess from leaves and petals. Bidermann’s no-fuss suggestions include ornamental grasses, broadleaf

evergreens and broadleaf ground covers. If you are looking for shade by the pool, the planting options usually are deciduous and lose leaves, so he likes to consider other options, such as a cabana or an open-sided covered structure, which also allow for the possibility of an entertainment area or small poolside bar. Dreaming of a tropical setting? For planting beds Flanagan considers lush-looking selections, such as large-leaved rhododendrons or magnolias and yucca plants. More exotic choices, such as a palm tree or coconut tree, can go into in pots or containers, which also are great for flowering annuals even if you don’t have a tropical theme. “I think the best pool designs have permanent trees, shrubs and perennials in the beds, and the colour is introduced in containers, which can become focal points around the pool, adding a lot of impact,” he says. “If you choose weather-resistant pots, you could replenish the planting in the late fall with pine and dogwood branches to have a lovely winter scene by your pool.” Containers can be good poolside solutions too if you have a small space and not enough room to put in full beds. Also think about vertical gardening to add height to your landscape, using vines or hanging baskets mounted on fences and the house. Even in larger spaces vines can work well too when you want to mask fences or sheds. All in all, it’s about making the most of whatever space you have with poolside plants that enhance the look and enjoyment of your backyard oasis. It’s part of making family and friends feel so welcome and comfortable. WWW.LEISURESCAPES COM

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FROM THE GROUND UP There are plenty of reasons why you should consider adding a fence to your property

Photo: Jeff McNeill © McNeill Photography 2014

Photo Courtesy: Holland Home Leisure

our dream backyard is almost complete — your ideal pool, a well-tended garden, maybe even that cute looking gazebo with a new brick walk-way — but there is still one key question that needs to be asked: to fence or not to fence? A seemingly simple and practical undertaking, creating a fence around your space is an important addition, and one that can have quite a long-lasting effect. Gary Devanney, a life-long carpenter and owner of FenceMaster in Halifax, N.S., says there are a few practical reasons why you should look at installing a fence on your property — privacy, boundary and safety. “The first reason is privacy, for themselves or for others,” says Devanney. “People may want to know their neighbours are next door, but they may not want to be able to see them all the time or they want to keep their own matters private.

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Photo Courtesy: BonaVista Pools

J.L. Hochman “The second reason is boundaries. People are very diligent in protecting/establishing what exactly is their property.” The safety issue is one that is a bit more extensive. Devanney says the safety issue is predominantly to keep either young children or dogs from leaving your yard — ’60 to 70 per cent of all residential fences,’ he estimates — but there are also safety factors to consider when you own a pool. “Any residential pool that is at least two feet deep should require a fence that is at least five feet high,” says Devanney, noting that this guideline is actually a by-law in Halifax. “That way it can prevent wandering

children, intoxicated adults or pets from falling in and accidentally drowning. “Or in the winter, when a pool is covered and buried under snow, someone doesn’t fall in and sustain a serious injury.” When looking at what type of fence to use, Devanney says it’s best to look at your reason: chain-link fences cost roughly one-third of what a wood fence would cost, but it provides far less privacy, making them ideal for when safety is your main concern. If you’re looking for privacy, then a wooden fence is more likely your route. You may want to discuss fence options with your pool contractor. They can offer you information on the best options that fit your particular needs and wants. As well, ensure your LeisureScapes contractors check with local municipality guidelines and advise you according. Guidelines and regulations will vary across the country. WWW.LEISURESCAPES COM

I’ve Done My

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PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS Great ideas to make your pool or hot tub more enjoyable this season POLARIS P955 ROBOTIC POOL CLEANER Introducing the Polaris P955 Robotic Pool Cleaner with 4-Wheel Drive and Motion-Sensing Remote Loaded with new innovative features: Easy Lift System drives the cleaner to the surface and evacuates water for easy removal Dirty Filter Indicator eliminates guesswork on when to empty the filter canister 7-day programmable timer

CLEAR & PERFECTTM Clear & Perfect™ is the industry leading 6-in-1 clarifier by Natural Chemistry. This technologically advanced product quickly and efficiently clears cloudy or dull water. Clear & Perfect can be used with all filter medias, is not pH sensitive, and will not adversely affect the pH of pool water. It is highly concentrated to provide fast acting results!

MINERALUXE. HOT TUB CARE HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER. Mineraluxe is a healthier, simple approach to hot tub care. You just drop a Mineraluxe Cube into the skimmer, add a pouch of Mineraluxe Oxygen to the water, maintain a chlorine or bromine residual and keep the filter clean. That’s it. Come in and find out more! www.mineraluxewater.com

PicSURE MEASURING SYSTEM The proper fit of a vinyl liner is imperative for its longevity and appearance. Highbury Pool’s 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 fit, appearance and longevity, insist on a Highbury Pools Liner measured with PicSURE measuring system. www.highburypools.com

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OMNILOGIC ELITE BACKYARD CONTROLLER Control made simple. Now you can control nearly every aspect of your backyard from one device. The OmniLogic user interfaces are intuitive and easy to use thanks to an icon-based graphics touchscreen and phone, tablet and web apps that are designed to do more with fewer button pushes. www.haywardpool.com

SUPERFLO® VS PUMPS New SuperFlo® VS Pumps now feature 115/230 voltage capability, a true 24-hour time clock, and a digital keypad that displays speed in rpms, watt usage, and time duration in its current program. Designed for pools requiring up to 1.5 hp, these pumps bring the remarkable savings of variable speed technology to the everyday pool, while saving up to 80% in energy costs. www.pentairpool.com

LATHAM POOL PRODUCTS Latham Pool Products is fully committed to the fastest growing segment of the pool industry: fibreglass swimming pools and spas. Now with eight manufacturing locations and six distribution centres, Latham has the broadest footprint of manufacturing, enabling the most cost effective and quickest delivery in the industry. In addition to geographic proximity, Latham has the widest array of models and colours. Latham’s award-winning facilities and award-winning manufacturing processes provide the foundation from which the highest quality swimming pools can be delivered for every order. www.lathampool.com

Soft Soak® TRIO – The Feel Good Spa System™ The power of 3: three products, three months of soft, clean spa water. TRIO is SIMPLE with no measuring. TRIO is SOFT with our proprietary blend of softening agents. TRIO is CLEAR because it removes major contaminants. Get started today. Softsoak.ca

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ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIPS For some pool aficionados, only a heated pool will do, even in the dog days of summer

Tom Mason

t’s hard to think of a better form of climate control on a sweltering summer afternoon than slipping into a backyard pool. Refreshing definitely, though swimming pools can be a significant source of energy consumption in the home. Now, thanks to a new generation of pool controls and products including variable speed pumps, sophisticated timer systems, solar-powered heaters and low-energy LED lighting systems, owning and maintaining a backyard pool can be an energy efficient proposition.

Achieving maximum energy efficiency starts at the planning stages, says Ken Reid of Sunshine Pools in Kelowna, British Columbia. Reid says thinking about energy efficiency before you begin your pool installation can have a huge effect on how much energy they end up drawing. The pump – the mechanism that circulates the pool’s water through the filtering system – is the operational heart of any pool. Not surprisingly, the energy needed to circulate thousands of gallons of water every day is considerable. The solution lies in a two-speed or variable-speed pumping system. The system works exactly as the name suggests, running at a slower, more energy efficient speed during normal operation with the ability to increase the speed during peak pool usage. “If you are operating a lot of water features like waterfalls and jets, you want to run the pump at full power,” says Reid. “But if you’re not operating everything at full pressure, you can cut back and save energy.” For some pool aficionados, only a heated pool will do, even in the dog days of summer. Dialing up the thermostat to bathtub levels will increase your utility consumption; around 25ºC is an ideal swimming temperature. Another energy saving solution is to install solar panels to create heat energy and keep the pool warm. Installing a timer to turn on the pump or the heater at optimal times can also help. Many jurisdictions now offer time-of-use electricity rates – a billing system that reduces power rates during non-peak usage hours after 11 p.m. at night or on weekends. A homeowner who can take advantage of time-of-use billing can make the best use of a timer by setting it up to run the pump during the hours of cheapest power. “Most variable speed pumps come with a timer already installed,” says Reid. In-pool lighting and carefully designed nightscaping can be a dramatic edition to the backyard landscape. It can also be an important safety factor. Keeping at least one light on in or around a pool lets people and pets know where to walk. But lights – particularly old-style flood lights – can be energy hogs. Fortunately, the latest LED lighting systems offer intense underwater lights that deliver considerable energy savings over conventional lighting along with a variety of mood-setting colours. Some LED systems can even be programmed to change colours for dramatic lighting effects. Electricity isn’t the only consideration when it comes to saving money and resources. Water conservation can also be critical, especially in drought-prone areas or for homeowners who rely on wells for water. Andrew Sacco of Kandu Pools and Spas in Niagara Falls, Ontario, recommends installing a cartridge filtering system rather than a traditional sand filter. “With a cartridge filter you don’t need to backwash,” says Sacco. “You just take the filter out and clean it periodically. It actually cleans better than a traditional backwashing system.” There are plenty of other creative ways to save as well. Covering the pool with a cover when not in use is a good way to stop heat loss. Using a product such as Cover Free to the water can help reduce evaporation. Installing fences and landscaping elements such as trees and hedges that block prevailing winds also helps. Also make sure to keep intake drains free of debris to reduce strain on the pool filtration system – another source of energy loss. Photo: Igor Zakharevich/123RF.com

XIV / SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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AN OASIS FOR ENTERTAINING Canadians clamouring for backyard kitchens

Photo: Courtesy Jackson Grills Inc.

itchen parties aren’t exclusively something that just happens indoors. Outdoor kitchens are the new, hot place to entertain. “Whenever you invite guests to your house, the kitchen is always the room where everyone wants to hang out,” says Don Hiebert, sales manager with Jackson Grills in Abbotsford, British Columbia. “It’s amazing that the same concept happens in the backyard — everyone is hovering around the outdoor kitchen. “Kitchens are now the most comfortable room in your home, and in your backyard.” Hiebert says barbecues used to be purchased as “disposable” items — especially in the mid-’90s before stainless steel became readily available. But in recent years, more and more homeowners have chosen to invest in a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen instead of throwing money away on disposable barbecues. The options are endless: double sinks, built-in trash bins, fridges, side burners,

XVI / SPRING/SUMMER 2015

Heather Laura Clarke

Photo: Courtesy EDIT Kitchens Inc.

warming drawers, griddles, cold storage, paper towel drawers, drop-in coolers, raised bars, cocktail centres, and even beer taps ready to be fitted with a keg. Hiebert compares putting in an outdoor kitchen to buying a new vehicle — a few will go for the top-of-the-line $60,000 model, some will choose a mid-range option costing about $20,000, and others will pick something more affordable in the $7,000 to $10,000 range. “More people are choosing to spend money on improving their homes, so outdoor kitchen manufacturers have really opened up the market to all different budgets,” says Hiebert. “You don’t need granite countertops or a grill that lights up, which are just like the bells and whistles on a high-end car. You can go with something you can afford.” He says pizza ovens have dropped significantly in price, making them affordable for most outdoor kitchens. “We sell a pizza oven called the Salamangrill, which cooks chicken, fish, and steak, WWW.LEISURESCAPES COM

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Photo: © Napolean Grills

too. It can also be incorporated right into the cabinetry, whereas most pizza ovens are stand-alone.” Across the country in Cambridge, Ont., Edit Kasza got her start designing traditional indoor kitchens. She decided to branch out into outdoor kitchen after repeated requests from her clients. That was four years ago, and she’s been happily creating outdoor culinary oases ever since, as EDIT Design Inc. Kasza credits the “staycation” for getting Canadians into the swing of outdoor kitchens. “The economy was in rough shape, and more people were staying at home — but they wanted to have a nice place to spend time with family and friends outside,” explains Kasza. She says the convenience of an outdoor kitchen allows a host to put together their meal without being stuck inside on a beautiful day. “You’re still a part of things, and you’re still mingling with your guests while you cook,” says Kasza. Just like any home renovation, the first step is research. Kasza recommends checking out the kinds of outdoor kitchens other XVIII / SPRING/SUMMER 2015

Photo: Courtesy EDIT Kitchens Inc.

people have added to their yards, and figuring out how much you’d like to spend. Her largest project to date was a $56,000 oversized outdoor kitchen that featured an impressive $8,000 grill. Some clients want to use their existing grill or charcoal cooker, so they may only need a cocktail station with counters, storage, and a small fridge. If you’re planning to build an outdoor kitchen adjacent to your indoor kitchen, Kasza says you can save money but not including an outdoor fridge — since it would be just steps away from your regular fridge. If you don’t want to connect plumbing to your outdoor kitchen, just opt for an ice chest that can be filled with bags of ice. Counter space is important for meal prep, plating, and serving. Kasza says the rule of thumb is that you can use any material that’s come from the earth — like granite, soapstone, or concrete — and to avoid grout. Some homeowners like a high-gloss stone countertop, just like in their home, but others choose a durable, textured finish that almost looks like leather. “An outdoor kitchen should blend in with the home and its surroundings, so I steer the

homeowner toward finishes that will look like they’ve been there forever.” Kasza says it’s critical to design an outdoor kitchen that will suit your lifestyle, not just copy one from a magazine — or in your neighbour’s yard. Sometimes she suggests something different from what a client originally asked about, because it would work better for their entertaining style. “Some higher-end builders are offering outdoor kitchen allowances so their customers can build a barbecue island or a cocktail station, and homeowners sometimes choose to put in outdoor kitchens if they’re thinking of selling in a few years because it increases their resale value. But most people want an outdoor kitchen so they can really enjoy it.” “They’re able to expand their living space without moving to a new home, so it’s like getting a brand-new, extra room for entertaining.” For more information on EDIT Design Inc. in Cambridge, Ontario, please visit www. outdoorkitchenontario.ca. For more information on Jackson Grills Inc. in Abbotsford, British Columbia, please visit www.jacksongrills.com. WWW.LEISURESCAPES COM

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MASON JAR ENTERTAINING The Mason jar has long held more than jams and preserves Photos: 123RF

Mark DeWolf

XX / SPRING/SUMMER 2015

Jam Jar Entertaining

Bohemian Glamour

If your cupboards are like mine there is a Mason jar traffic jam in the dark recesses of the vortex that is the Tupperware shelf. You don’t have to wait until preserving season to show your mason jars the light of day. The simple Mason jar can be your most cost effective, and most talked about, entertaining resource this year.

There is a certain bohemian charm to dressing a table with mason jars filled with wild flowers. In fact, you’d be remiss to head to a florist, as you’ll get more compliments for your resourcefulness by simply picking what’s available in the nearest meadow or better yet make an inspired by the roadside floral display. East coasters can fill the table with the colour purple thanks to the millions of lupins that line Atlantic Canada’s highways while western Canadians and Ontario residents might opt for black-eyed Susans, sunflowers or any number of wild flower varieties.

Compliments for the Condiments There’s nothing that strips the elegance of a glamorous patio tablescape nearly as much as when the bright yellow and red of the mustard and ketchup bottles buttress against your favourite centrepiece. Why not get some compliments for your condiments? Transfer the Heinz to a mason jar. Not only is it more visually appealing but they take up less space in the fridge. If your idea of great summer condiments goes beyond the standard ketchup, mustard and relish trio, then plan to adorn each with a tag. Wrap mason jars with twine adorned with handwritten tags identifying the condiment. WWW.LEISURESCAPES COM

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Dress Up the Summer Salad Routine Consider adding a little joie de vie to summer salad by replacing the big bowl of greens with individual mason jars salads brimming with colour and flavour. Layer brightly coloured chunks of vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion and chunks of cucumber in individual jars. In a separate container make a vinaigrette by combining a spoonful of good mustard, a clove of minced garlic, some chopped fresh herbs, a healthy glug of good vinegar and a flew glugs of extra virgin olive oil. A vigorously shake and suddenly you have a delicious vinaigrette. While I cook most often by my taste as opposed to a formula, the standard ratio is one part vinegar to three parts olive oil. This salad idea makes a great summer dinner party opener and the presentation is a conversation starter. Bonus: you can prepare the salad ahead of time. Keep the salads in the fridge until you are ready to serve. What could be easier than bringing out a tray of mason jars full of salad for your guests?

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.

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Rosé Coloured Glasses Life looks better through rosé coloured glasses, especially when its mason jars filled with rosé wine. Pink hued rosé is now one of the wine world’s most fashionable drinks. Be sure to look for authentic rosé. Rosé is made from purple skinned grapes whose juice has been kept in contact with the skins for a very short period of time. Blush on the other hand is made by blending white wine with red wine; the end result is rarely as good. The French, who have always recognized rosé as a legitimate wine style, continue to make the best of the genre. Many are refreshingly off-dry while others can be quite dry in style. The pinks of Provence are deliciously berry-like in flavour while the Cabernet-based versions of Anjou in the Loire can deliver a little herbal underpinning that can also be quite attractive.

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Mason Jar Strawberry Splash Cocktail Serves: 6 Ingredients: 1 cup sugar 1 lb strawberries, hulled, chopped 2 cups water Âź cup loosely packed mint Sparkling wine or soda

Minty Lamb Kebabs

Instructions:

Serves: 6

Begin by making a strawberry mint simple syrup. Combine the sugar, strawberries and water. Bring to a boil and when the sugar is completely dissolved, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Take off the heat. When the simple syrup is cool; add the mint. Place in a container and let the mint infuse overnight. Strain before using. Fill Mason jars with ice. Add equal parts of your strawberry mint syrup to each glass. Top each with sparkling wine or soda.

Ingredients (Lamb): 1 kg lamb, cut into 2-cm cubes 1 tablespoon crushed dried chili flakes 3 tablespoons chopped rosemary 1 lemon, zested 2 tablespoons olive oil 6 pieces flat bread 3 plum tomatoes, seeds removed, chopped

XXII / SPRING/SUMMER 2015

1 red onion, sliced 1 cucumber, chopped Salt & pepper Skewers (soaked in water) or extra-long rosemary spears

Ingredients (Sauce): 2 cups yogurt 1 lemon, juiced 1 cup chopped mint Âź cup minced dill Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions: Place the lamb, chili flakes, rosemary, lemon zest and olive oil in a container. Toss to mix. Marinate overnight. Make the sauce by combing the yogurt, lemon juice, mint and dill. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Thread lamb pieces onto skewers. Grill over medium-high heat for 5 minutes. You want the lamb to be charred on the outside. Let the lamb skewers rest. Toss the red onion, cucumber and plum tomatoes and set out in individual bowls. Set out flat bread, lamb skewers and a Mason jar of sauce. WWW.LEISURESCAPES COM

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8’ x 16’ Patio Pool Vinyl over steel step on side, combined with eight foot steel bench across end of pool.

Pool was built on 12’ of compacted soil. Coping and decking are made from composite deck boards .

Photo: Contributed

MAKE YOUR DREAMS A REALITY The choices are endless

rends are present in all sectors of our lives, everything from the words we speak to our hair styles and the width of our pant legs. I am sure you remember the ’80s when big hair was all the rage and your kitchen wasn’t trendy unless it boasted a rooster décor! Where or how the rooster motif started I have no idea, but my apologies to anyone whose kitchen still crows! Being in the pool business for 30-plus years means Holland Home Leisure has witnessed many trends in the industry. In the 1980s, customers in the Maritimes were choosing 20x40 rectangle pools with square corners and a basic 3ft cement deck. The remainder of the fenced-in area was typically left as grass. By the early 2000s trends had begun to change and the pools we were installing were shaped like mountain lakes and crescents. By this time, the simple concrete deck was almost a thing of the past and interlocking pavers and stone were the decking 38 / SPRING/SUMMER 2015

materials of of instalchoice. Some lation in BY customers the fall and Debby vanden Hof removal in still chose the basic the spring, rectangle makes it the shape, but they now had rounded perfect addition to an in-ground corners and Roman ends. pool, regardless of the pool’s Today’s pools incorporate age, providing that the decking everything from waterfalls to surrounding the pool is in good variable speed pumps. A popular condition. trend for the last 10 years is For years pool owners have a solar roller that is mounted been enjoying the family meal underground. This installation outside by the pool. The addition method keeps the area clear of of the Big Green Egg on the deck bulky equipment is esthetically has brought the popularity of pleasing to the eye. The undercharcoal grilling back into vogue. mount deck system also extends Our family raves about the food the life of the solar cover due to it that my husband Mike prepares being hidden away from the sun’s for them for Sunday dinner harmful ultraviolet rays. when the food has been grilled The sale of safety covers has on the Big Green Egg. I do realize also been on the rise. The safety that any meal you didn’t cook winter covers have replaced the yourself is a treat, but this trend old standard tarp with water is one we embrace fully. The bags. While the safety cover has addition of high quality outdoor been a popular upgrade on older patio furniture, as beautiful as pools, it is pretty much standard any living room set, has also equipment on all new installabecome extremely popular. tions. The clean, sleek design Everything from loungers to day of the safety cover, with its ease beds can be found nestled under

a swing umbrella beside the pool. These additions increase our living space and transform our backyards into elaborate backyard oasis! The term “staycation” has been a popular catch phrase that speaks to the desire of homeowners all across the country to incorporate resort living in their own backyard. Instead of the usual summer beach holiday, where the memory fades as quickly as your tan, we are now investing our money in our backyard and focusing on longer term enjoyment. Families are choosing to stay put and forgo the hassle of airports and lost luggage. Instead, families are enjoying resort living all summer long in their own backyard. Whether you choose to revamp your existing pool or you plan to replace that old tired swing set with a new exciting back yard retreat, Holland Home Leisure has the experience to make your dream a reality. The choices are endless, and the trends are for you to make. WWW.HOLLANDHOMELEISURE COM

BACKYARD DREAMS Options for all tastes

18’ x 44’ Rectangle Pool 18’ vinyl over steel step across shallow end,

combined with a steel bench along one side.

Photo: Liana vandenHof-Rhodenizer

Coping is a manufactured coping stone, and decking is square cut sandstone.

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 / 39

20’ x 40’ Rectangle Pool 12’ vinyl over steel Roman end step. Coping stone is a sandstone one foot coping

Photo: Liana vandenHof-Rhodenizer

stone with the decking square cut sandstone.

CONTACT HOLLAND HOME LEISURE TO START THE PROCESS OF CREATING YOUR NEW BACKYARD OASIS! 8974 Commercial St New Minas, NS

2317 Highway 1 Aylesford, NS

902-681-3030

902-847-9392

www.hollandhomeleisure.com 40 / SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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THE MODERN ABOVE-GROUND POOL Unplug & relax all summer long

Photos: Contributed

Craig McNutt

imple, affordable and esthetically pleasing, the modern above-ground pool offers so much to any backyard. An above-ground pool is an easy way for any home owner to transform their property into their very own oasis, creating a family space for relaxation, fun, and to simply sit back and enjoy the time they spend together. Not the ‘tin can look’ of years past, the modern above-ground pool blends new style with new technologies to offer a finished product that looks like it belongs on any property. With buttressfree designs that minimize spacerequirements and elegant wall patterns meant to accent your backyard, the new generation of above-ground pools will add years of enjoyment to your home for you and your family. So, why decide to install an above-ground pool? Simply put, in today’s economy it is one of

42 / SPRING/SUMMER 2015

the most cost-effective methods for any individual or family to unplug and relax all summer long. With new advances in manufacturing, above-ground pools are more affordable now than they have ever been. By investing in an above-ground pool, there is no need for any more expensive vacations that can cost thousands of dollars each year, no more long car rides out to the cottage in 30º celcius heat and most importantly, no more mad scramble to find something for the kids to do when school is out. Above-ground pools are built to last well over 10 years, providing you with real value for your hard earned money. Composite wall construction blends traditional materials like steel with polymers and rust-inhibiting coatings to provide strength, flexibility and maximum protection from the elements. New resin designs also allow for the WWW.HOLLANDHOMELEISURE COM

use of salt water in the pool, providing a more natural swimming environment. What’s involved in installing an above-ground pool? The answer – very little. With level ground and some site preparation, installing an above-ground pool is easy for the “do-it-yourself” consumer. Most round

above-ground pools can be installed on to the pad within one day, and ready to swim the next. Not handy? Don’t worry, Holland Home Leisure has more than 30 years experience installing pools. All you have to do is say where, and our team of professional technicians will make your backyard dreams a reality.

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OUR LIFE AT HOLLAND HOME LEISURE Mixing fun with work year round

Photos: Contributed

Holland Home Leisure Staff

e have all grown to know each other well over the years and have become quite the work family. Just as with any family, there needs to be some fun mixed in with the work! In April, as we gear up for another pool season, we are excited to welcome our summer staff back with us again. It’s like a breath of fresh air seeing familiar faces with the staff additions and getting to see all our pool customers again. A new pool season brings fresh new displays and we keep fit by carrying around a lot of heavy product and unloading trucks. 44 / SPRING/SUMMER 2015

Aylesford deck

HHL staff watching the Apple Blossom Parade

A great spring tradition is being able to watch the Apple Blossom Parade. Since it goes by right outside our New Minas store, we all bring out comfy outdoor furniture and snacks onto the lawn and enjoy the floats as they go by. Once the parade is over, we open the store up again and it’s business as usual. Speaking of snacks, there’s nothing like food to bring us all together! From surprise lunches, coffee runs from Andrea, a quiet lunch by the pool and birthday cake days, we all love food! Best of all? Saturday morning coffee and breakfast at ‘Café Anne,’ where we get to chat about the week and ourselves. WWW.HOLLANDHOMELEISURE COM

Matt, Shaun and Tim

HHL sta

Getting together outside work gives us a break from the busy summer days at Holland Home Leisure. We always look forward to the annual staff party hosted by Mark and Andrea. There are games, swimming, hot tubbing, letting loose, and best of all – great food! Once the busyness of the spring has subsided, we find ourselves trying to loosen up the summer staff a bit. Anywhere from dinner at a local pub after a long day to a full day of golf with the construction and service crew! We have unofficial gatherings to get to know each other outside work and build friendships. Things we look forward to when we are at work are surprise visits from family (including pets!), times to laugh at each other (like when Katie got stuck in a mountain of

Charit

#MrLuck

cushions), and ongoing conversations about our favourite TV series. Oh, it’s fun getting surprises in our demo pool’s skimmer basket! Sometimes we enlist our customers to help out with those delights. #poorfrog Something that brings us closer as a team is our fundraising for Cystic Fibrosis. Liana always puts her all into creating, planning and executing the many CF functions. Since 2011 we have raised more than $34,000. It is something we all take pride in and are very grateful to Liana for the work she puts into it.

Our elf on the shelf Maple Swirl

ee tmas Tr rd Chris Aylesfo

y BBQ

price li

As the pool season winds down, we are always sad to see the summer staff leave us, but we look forward to our winter fun! We have created many Christmas traditions that we hold near and dear. It starts with signing and addressing the Christmas cards, bringing out the decorations for around the store, and playing Christmas music. This past season we got a new Christmas tree for inside the store. It’s the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit when we bring out the ornaments one by one, and some we share inside jokes over, so there are some giggles to be had. There was a new addition to Holland Home Leisure during the Christmas season. Our elf of the shelf, Maple Swirl, had fun wreaking havoc when we were not looking, but he also helped us plan the Christmas Shopping Party. In 2013 we had our first shopping party for our customers and it was so much fun we decided to do it again! There were cookies, cider, candy canes, gifts and merriment all around. The most fun had here at Christmas has been the tradition of building the gingerbread house. Experience has taught us that the provided frosting just won’t do and to ensure the structural safety for the gingerbread people, super glue was used in the construction! Do you remember how much we love food? Well, to end off the year we gather for our staff Christmas party and enjoy drinks, great company, and of course – food. SPRING/SUMMER 2015 / 45

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HOLLAND HOME LEISURE’S

2015 DATES TO REMEMBER Clip and Save! April 28th - Pool School (Pool Opening Seminar)

A free BioGuard seminar, with opportunities to ask questions about your pool opening or equipment. Please join us and receive a free gift! 7pm at New Minas location.

May 2nd to 9th - Kick off to Spring Furniture Sale

Spring is here and clearance furniture is priced to sell!!!! May 11th to 18th - Annual Victoria Week Sale

This is our largest event sale of the year. Please join us and

stock up on all your leisure needs to start the season right!!

June 18th to 20th - Summer Hot Tub Sale

The lowest hot tub prices you will see all year!

Enjoy summer nights under the stars in you new hot tub!

June 27th to July 4th - Splash into Summer Toy Sale

Come and see our new and exciting outdoor toys to complete any backyard!

August 1st to 21st - In-ground Pool Safety Cover Sale!

Protect your family and your investment!

August 24th to 29th - End of Season Sale

Save on furniture, above-ground pools, chemicals and so much more!!

September 8th - Pool School (Pool Closing Seminar)

A free BioGuard seminar, with opportunities to ask questions about your pool closing or equipment. Please join us and receive a free gift! 7pm at New Minas location

October 24th to 31st - Fall Hot Tub Sale

Our only other hot tub sale of the year. Just in time for Christmas! December 4th & 5th - Christmas Shopping Party

Join us in our 3rd annual Christmas shopping party and

stock up on your favourite hot tub chemicals and accessories.

December 1st to 24th - Put a Hot Tub or Above-Ground Pool Under the Christmas Tree

A deposit of $1,000 is all it takes to get a hot tub or above-

ground pool for your family this Christmas! We have your gift box with goodies, wrapped and ready to go under the tree! Bring in your family in the New Year and pick out your present!

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 / 47

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