Spring/Summer 2016 COBRA Pools & Spas Inc.
Go with the flow Latest pool trends are making their mark across the country
Pool tech
Today, owning a swimming pool has never been easier
Steps to success Poolside landscaping
Backyard bliss | Not-for-profit project Canadian Hot Tub and Swim Spa awards
Backyard bliss Welcome to spring
S
oon we will be outside cleaning up from the winter and getting our yards ready for summer. Most of us do something to the outside living space at our homes every year. Sometimes it’s minor with a bit of gardening, and sometimes it’s major with a pool and new landscaping. What project will you be working on this year? Every backyard project is as individual as the person doing it, but more often than not the common reason for why we enhance our backyards is so that it can help us relax. We want our backyards to be that special place — a place to relax, by yourself, with family or with friends. It is a place to find bliss. That is why we do what we do at Cobra Pools & Spas Inc. As each of you deal with the challenges of everyday life, we are happy to play a part in some way by encouraging much-needed balance to your daily routine. From pools and hot tubs to saunas and gazebos, we have something for everyone to help create your backyard bliss — not only with the end result, but also the process. It is our mission to focus on meeting your lifestyle goals of relaxing and socializing with family and friends. We promise with our products to make your backyard a special place, and with our service to make it perfect. Talk to you soon,
Bill & Judy Brady
Custom Homes and Cottages Renovations, Landscaping Design, Decking
2 / Spring/Summer 2016
Photo: Contributed
613.264.0202 Cell: 613.341.1935 enniscarpentry@storm.ca
www.cobrapools.com
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Cobra Pools & Spas Inc. Complete 2015 “Not for Profit Project”
T
he “Isabella Project” was the name given to the not for profit project completed by the staff at Cobra Pools & Spas Inc. in August of 2015. Hundreds of hours were spent planning for this project, most of which were on the phone with pool distribution centers and manufacturers of pool products. Pool maintenance equipment, pumps, chemicals, filters, saltwater generators, light, heater, and plumbing were all donated by suppliers. Bill Brady, co owner of Cobra Pools & Spas Inc. says that was just the start of the planning. At this point we had to contact suppliers in the region for crane service, excavation equipment, aggregate, concrete, water and lumber. Projects of this type are not uncommon for Cobra Pools & Spas Inc. as they have completed many not for profit projects and have added a better quality of life for many recipients. Isabella a 13 year old Lancaster girl is grappling with metachromatic leukodystrophy - a degenerative disease that attacks the brain’s ability to communicate with nerves. This communication breakdown often leads to a host of issues for patients, including loss of function, paralysis, blindness and seizures among others. Isabella’s case has kept her confined to a wheelchair, and has led to complications like scoliosis, separated hips and shoulders that are beginning to separate. What it hasn’t dampened is her spirit, and that of her family. “Isabella was given a poor prognosis,” said her mother Melissa, adding at birth her daughter appeared normal until the diagnosis at 20 months of age. “At the time, of course, we were devastated.” Isabella eventually lost the ability to sit, crawl and eat orally. Her spirit, though, endured and has helped the family grow. “Now she’s 13, and although her health is complicated, for the most part it is stable,” said Melissa. “It’s not a journey we planned on experiencing. “But she has made us see life in a different light. We’re just thankful for every day we have with her. There are a lot of blessings we’ve enjoyed.” A rather large blessing has just been received. A therapeutic pool was installed at the family’s home. Thanks to Cobra Pools and Spas in Perth, the pool (complete with heated water and jets) is being donated and will allow 4 / Spring/Summer 2016
Photos: Contributed
Isabella to enjoy some relaxation away from her wheelchair. “It’s just the perfect therapy for her,” said Melissa. “It will relax her...and it’s fun.” For the whole family. Melissa and her
husband Stephane are looking forward to seeing their other daughter Mya, 11, splashing around too. “It’s difficult for a sibling in the shadows, so I told her it’s just as much for her,” said Melissa. www.cobrapools.com
Photo: Yanlev /123RF
NATIONAL Section Published for: LeisureScapes www.leisurescapes.com Operations Manager: Ray Savage 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 Design Department Manager: Julia Webb Graphic Designers: Adelle Marshall, Tanya Madden Advertising Coordinator: Jennifer MacLean Cover Photos: Gordon Waddington Photography/123RF With exception of R&R Pools and Cobra Pools Š The Chronicle Herald 2016 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. The Chronicle Herald 2717 Joseph Howe Drive PO Box 610, Halifax, N.S., B3J 2T2 902 426 2811 TheChronicleHerald.ca Printed by: Lowe-Martin Group
II go with the flow The latest pool trends are making their mark across the country
VI Salty and sweet
Should you purchase a saltwater pool?
VIII pool technology
oday, owning a swimming pool T has never been easier
X steps to success for poolside landscaping XI what is a leisureScapes dealer?
XIV swim spas: the best of both worlds
The new kid on the block
XVI a new chapter
aby Boomers all about B work/life balance
XVIII Product highlights
Great ideas to make your pool or hot tub more enjoyable this season
XX backyard entertaining
Food and drink recipes to inspire
XII five ways to get the family together From fire and swim-up bars to swim spas and sports
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Follow us on Twitter @leisurescapes Spring/Summer 2016 / I
Go with the flow The latest pool trends are making their mark across the country By
I
nstalling a pool in your backyard is no simple decision to make. Once you’ve settled on the size, shape and model of your personal oasis, you still have plenty of choices on your hands. Will you include upgrades like a hot tub, swim current or water feature? Is there an adequate poolside area with comfortable furniture? Will you splurge on a fancy inground pool, or will you opt for an aboveground model? Are you transforming your whole backyard with stonework and patio lights, or are you just keeping it simple? The answers to these questions could have a lot to do with where you live. Whether you’re in downtown Halifax or rural British Columbia, no two pool projects are quite the same. Ken Reid, owner of Sunshine Pools & Spas in Kelowna, B.C., said his clients usually do everything they can to maximize their outdoor living space. After all, the majority of Reid’s business is in the Okanagan Valley, one of the premier outdoor living locations in Canada.
Evan Webster
Photo: Jan Hanus /123RF
Photos: Courtesy BonaVista Pools
Photo: Elena Elisseeva /123RF
II / Spring/Summer 2016
www.leisurescapes com
Photo: Iriana Shiyan /123RF
“Our business is almost exclusively in-ground pools, which are a bit more expensive,” he said. “It really isn’t surprising people are willing to invest a little more in their backyards here. The Okanagan Valley is a lifestyle location. Outdoor living has a different meaning here. We’ve found that a lot of our clients go all the way with fire tables and fire pits, stonework and plenty of patio furniture.” Reid also said hot tub sales have been booming recently. “The hot tub market tumbled a bit with the economy in 2008,” he said. “But it’s definitely making a comeback now. We’ve noticed more and more people are coming into the store asking for a pool and a hot tub. It’s a popular duo.” Reid said the fact that British Columbia is a winter-friendly place has helped hot tub and swim spa sales as well. “Hot tubs are a year-round thing, but they’re a wonderful winter toy,” he said. “It’s a great thing to go out on your balcony and jump into your hot tub after a long day on the slopes.” But across the country in Nova Scotia, trends in the pool business are a little different. Kara Redden, co-owner of R&R Pools in Halifax, said accessories like sun ledges, water features and fire tables are just starting to creep into the market. “As Maritimers, we’re always a step behind with all the trends, and it seems like we all feel the need to be humble,” she said. “But we’ve noticed that things like fountains, ledges and automated systems are slowly trickling into
the market. Luxurious options like those are a lot more normal now, and aren’t necessarily seen as too prestigious.” Redden also sells an equal balance of in-ground and above-ground pools, and has noticed her clients are prioritizing functionality rather than esthetics. “I haven’t noticed a trend toward inground or above-ground models. We sell a lot of both,” she said. “But I have noticed people are starting to think long-term about their backyard pool areas more than ever. We’re seeing people buy pools that are geared toward their families today, as well as five years down the line. So that means we’re seeing a lot more play pools, ledges for toddlers and shallow pools that can accommodate volleyball nets or basketball hoops. Also, diving boards are a lot less common now.” When it comes to complete backyard makeovers, Redden said her clients are doing it in stages, rather than splurge on the whole package all at once. “I would say the average new pool owner has an idea of what they want their space to be, but it’s not always in their budget, or they might not think it’s worth it,” said Redden. “Total backyard transformations usually take a couple of years out here.” But in the Prairies, pool owners are seeing the value in investing in their backyards more than ever. Dan McGregor, general manager of Paradise Leisurescapes in Regina, said it’s normal for his clients to supplement their pools with outdoor sitting areas like patios and fire pits.
“It costs more and more to vacation these days, so the appeal to invest in your backyard and stay close to home has become more predominant in today’s economy,” he said. “In the Prairies, we typically experience warmer evenings during the pool season. The days are long, so outdoor entertainment can extend well into the evening rather than just the heat of the day.” McGregor also said the Prairie environment itself makes landscaping and in-ground pool projects easier and less expensive for everyone. “There’s a lot of soil, clay and sand in the ground here. So it’s easy for us to go in and do excavations without many problems,” he said. But he did say the hot tub market is faltering slightly. “There haven’t really been any major slides over the years, but I’d say that market is tapering a bit. Maybe it’s just past its peak,” he said. “It probably has something to do with the economy here out West.” Trends in the pool business may differ from region to region, but one thing is constant. Installing a pool these days is about more than just the pool. It’s about creating an outdoor space to live, lounge, play and relax. “The perfect backyard pool experience means something different to everyone,” said McGregor. “But with all the options out there these days, anyone can transform their backyard into something special.”
Spring/Summer 2016 / III
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Salty and sweet Should you purchase a saltwater pool? By
Jared Hochman
W
hen it comes to having your own private pool, the most important thing to consider (and perhaps the most obvious) is how you’ll effortlessly maintain sparkling water. The biggest discussion in water care programs today is whether or not to go the saltwater route. Most Canadians have experienced saltwater before (with Canada being surrounded by the ocean on both coasts and all), but a saltwater pool is slightly more than the water that comes from the deep blue sea. “You add enough salt to maintain approximately 3,000 parts per million – only about 1/10 of the amount of salt found in the ocean,” says Rhett Bradshaw, manager of operations at Vantage Pools in Langley, B.C. “The amount of salt we maintain in a pool is similar to the amount found in our tears.” The result of maintaining a low level of salt has immediately noticeable benefits when you decide to take a dip. “Saltwater pools are extremely comfortable on our eyes and skin,” says Bradshaw. “We are also more buoyant in saltwater, which also results in increased blood circulation, benefiting our heart and muscles.” To fully determine whether a saltwater pool is the right choice for you, you need to look at the science of how a saltwater pool works first. It starts with the water care products. Jennifer Gannon, owner of BonaVista Pools in Markham, Ont., explains that chlorine and bromine are the two main sanitizers found in pools that are approved by Health Canada. Sodium VI / Spring/Summer 2016
Photos: 123RF
chloride makes chlorine, and sodium bromide systems create bromine, so we use salt instead of chemicals to act as that cleanser combined with a lowvoltage electrical current. “Salt is combined with electricity in the saltwater generator – and during the process of ionization it converts to either bromine or chlorine, depending on what your salt foundation is,” says Gannon. “The by-product sanitizes the water. With regular circulation and filtration you never run
out of sanitizer as it keeps converting and because of this, it is very low-maintenance.” By having that steady sanitizer cycle, pool owners no longer have to buy constant supplies of chlorine or bromine which are needed to provide sanitizer levels for a traditional pool. It also means the associated costs of a saltwater pool are different than a regular pool. “For saltwater pools, you pay more for the technology up front,” says Gannon. “If you’re
constantly buying chlorine, it’s a consumable that continually costs money, so if you own the pool for a number of years the saltwater pool – if maintained properly – will eventually cost less.” That isn’t to say that saltwater pools are a simple matter of just “turn on the pump and go.” While they do require less constant attention than traditional pools, ignoring them will prove a costly mistake. “Water chemistry and regular testing actually become even more crucial, because salt by nature is corrosive,” says Bradshaw. “If you don’t regularly test and adjust your other mineral levels (pH, total alkalinity and calcium hardness) the water could potentially get out of balance. “Without balanced water, you could have very aggressive water that can damage your pool surface and pool equipment … needless to say, the key is being balanced and staying on top of your maintenance.” When trying to evaluate whether to buy a saltwater pool, the case is pretty strong - they are easier on skin and eyes, easier to swim in and require less maintenance and ongoing costs. They do require more money upfront and can be disastrous if not properly maintained. But it seems the positives outweigh the negatives. “Saltwater pools are a great option for pool owners who believe in preventative maintenance and who crave the feeling of saltwater,” says Bradshaw. “You won’t find a more comfortable pool to swim in than a saltwater pool. “Really that is the bottom line.” www.leisurescapes com
Spring/Summer 2016 / VII
Pool technology Today, owning a swimming pool has never been easier By
Evan Webster
W
hen backyard swimming pools first became popular, they didn’t have fancy lighting schemes or complex filter systems. Maintenance was a strenuous job and turning the pumps off usually required a trip to the pool shed. Today, owning a swimming pool has never been easier. Thanks to advances in technology, everything from heating systems to water testing has drastically evolved. Robotic vacuums can clean pools now and entire filtration systems can be managed with a smartphone. “There’s no doubt technology has changed the way people interact with their pools today,” says Jennifer Gannon, Proprietor of BonaVista LeisureScapes, a Toronto-based company. “I think it’s made the overall swimming experience easier and more enjoyable.” One of the biggest and most important changes in pool technology has been the evolution of automated systems, and Gannon says smartphone apps are making them even better. “Previously, the technology to automate your system was a wallmounted switch. So if you wanted to operate your lights, pumps, water features or temperature from inside the house, the keypad display used to be mounted on the wall. But thanks to the popularity and convenience of apps, we can now download simple programs that put all that power at your fingertips. Now you can warm up your hot tub before you even arrive at the cottage, or turn on your water features and lights on the way home from work.” Gannon says smartphone apps are also making automated systems more cost-effective for manufacturers, especially the more popular brands like Hayward Pool Products, VIII / Spring/Summer 2016
Balboa Water Group and Zodiac. “I think smartphone technology is the evolution of the automation technology that’s been in the industry for over a decade now,” she says. “With all these new apps and programs, the manufacturers and maintenance companies can keep track of your system too, and it’s much less expensive than having to wire an LED display into a wall.” For pool owners, fancy accessories like automated systems and robotic vacuums can cost thousands. But Gannon has noticed most of her customers choose to just buy it all anyway. “It probably adds around $5,000 of technology to the total pool package,” she says. “But if you’re already spending $100,000 on a custom concrete in-ground pool, it’s a small percentage of the overall expense.” Smartphone technology is nice, but it’s not the only thing that’s evolved in the pool business in recent years. Yolande Landry, co-owner of Piscines Fun Time Pools & Hot Tubs in Moncton, N.B., says colourful lighting is making backyard night swimming a little more fun. “There are some great lighting systems out now that you can integrate directly into the coping of an in-ground pool,” she says. “And for out-of-ground pools, manufacturers have come up with floating lights you can buy. We get a lot of requests for those.” For pool professionals like Landry, any technology that makes her job easier is pretty cool as well. For the last two years, her pool and hot tub technicians have been using the LaMotte WaterLink Spin Lab, an innovative, in-store water testing system that produces a wide range of results in just minutes. “We used to have a lab system
Photos:123RF
that was quite complicated and very labour intensive. It used to take 10 to 15 minutes for a test,” says Landry. “But this new system looks like something they would have on CSI. You just put the water sample right into the machine on this little disc and you have results in two minutes.” She also says the new system has improved the efficiency of her business. “It’s made it so much easier for our staff to test our customers’ water,” she says. “The software allows us to keep track of all our customers and stay in touch with their individual pool systems and maintenance needs.” It’s pretty clear technology has done nothing but enhance the backyard pool experience, and Landry is confident it’s only going to get better. “Who knows what will be normal 10 or 20 years from now. I guess we’ll have to wait and see!” www.leisurescapes com
Photos: Contributed
Steps to success for poolside landscaping
by
Carson Arthur
S
o you’ve taken the plunge and invested in a pool. Now what? Creating a balanced landscape around a swimming pool is one of the toughest design challenges because you are working with two opposing needs. Not only does the space have to look good, but it also has to be functional in a tough locale. The good news is this isn’t impossible if you truly understand the end-goal and the obstacles that stand in your way. When creating a balanced design around a swimming pool, always start with a list of personal wants and needs from the homeowner. If that’s you, then be honest with yourself because installing landscaping around a pool isn’t something you want to do more than once. These wants and needs – items like privacy, shade and colour – need to be cross-referenced against the shape of the pool. A linear and rectangular pool lends itself to modern design while a curvilinear or bean-shaped pool looks best with naturalized gardens surrounding them. Now you have a starting point for pulling together the basis of your landscape design. Research options that will meet the needs of the homeowner and are of the style that best complements the pool (i.e., modern shade or naturalized privacy). Next, check the soil conditions around the pool. This often-overlooked step will help ensure the success of your plant material. The installation process of an in-ground swimming pool naturally results in compacted soil from the heavy machinery and the removal of
X / Spring/Summer 2016
the soil. Compacted soil is also important in the forming of the walls of the pool. Unfortunately, it’s terrible for root growth and inhibits a plant’s ability to source nutrients. When planning your budget, make sure to allow for new soil, as you will likely need to dig each hole twice as big and backfill with a suitable growing medium like triple mix around the root balls of your new trees and shrubs. When choosing plants and trees for around a swimming pool, the general rule is to choose options that can tolerate the chemicals or the salt from the water. This premise was based on the idea that the water will be splashed everywhere and saturate the soil, toxifying it and killing the plants. In my experience, choosing hardy plants is important but with a few exceptions, the water usually stays in the pool. Instead, I choose plant material based on the high traffic areas or the needs of the homeowner. Trees around a pool can be both beneficial and a complete pain if not selected and placed properly. While a break from the hot summer sun is always welcome, I never place a tree beside the edge of the pool – not just to ensure the roots don’t impact the liner, but also to ensure that the leaves don’t clog the filters. On the West Coast I have had best success with saucer magnolias because their larger leaves and petals are easier to clean out of the skimmer. Also consider the direction the wind blows. Place trees to provide privacy but also so that the debris is blown away from the
pool instead of into it, especially in areas like Calgary and Saskatoon. In those regions, go with a seedless variety of poplar to limit the tree litter but still provide the privacy that you need from your neighbours. There is definitely a theme with pool-hardy plants and thorns. The sea rose or saltspray rose (rosa rugosa) is a shrub that seems to be at the top of the poolside plant list, even if you are not on the East Coast, because it can handle the chemicals and the salt. Personally, I never place this plant anywhere near the side of a pool because of the thorns. Bathing suits don’t offer much coverage so I avoid anything that can scratch, such as roses, junipers and barberries. Instead, go with soft grasses or plants that have forgiving leaves and stems. I love a good clump of grass like a Miscanthus sp. because it is tough to kill, can handle the reflection from the water and I’ve fallen into one with a bathing suit on and came out unscathed. No matter the design, the function or your list of needs, there is one golden rule in creating the perfect landscape for around a pool: it needs to be customized. Every home is different as is every homeowner and every province. Either hire a professional or take your time and do the research to make sure that you get the best landscaping solutions for your space. This is a big investment and you want to do it right the first time!
www.leisurescapes com
What is a dealer? By
I
Evan Webster
t’s easy to see why so many Canadian homeowners turn to LeisureScapes dealers for their backyard pool products. Established in 2001, LeisureScapes is one of the largest networks of professional pool dealers in Canada, with 28 members from Newfoundland to British Columbia. “When we first started, our vision was to be a collective marketing group that could successfully market the pool and hot tub industry in our areas and develop a brand name,” said Mike vandenHof, operations manager with LeisureScapes and former owner of Holland Home Leisure in Nova Scotia. “But now we’re more of a networking group. We continue to do our marketing, but we also share knowledge, trends and innovative ideas with each other while driving consumers toward top-notch products.” Committed to the highest standards of professionalism and customer service, there’s no doubt LeisureScapes dealers are Canada’s pool experts. In order to become an accredited LeisureScapes member, companies need to meet a list of basic requirements. “We don’t just take any dealer. We want to make sure we protect the brand we’ve developed,” said vandenHof. “Before they can join us, we have to make sure the dealer is ethical, professional, and that vendors speak highly of them. It also helps if they have an adequate storefront, and have been in business for at least one full season. There needs to be a retail environment so we know, and more importantly the customers know, that they’re serious about what they do.”
Reasons to Join
There are plenty of reasons why up-and-coming and even established pool dealers should join LeisureScapes. One of the most obvious benefits is support, because in any business, it’s nice to have a network of trustworthy peers you can rely on for help. “If one of our dealers is dealing with a technical issue, a customer service issue, or even just has a question, they can always reach out to other LeisureScapes members and ask for advice,” said vandenHof. “Chances are another dealer has gone through the same thing and can provide some guidance.” LeisureScapes members enjoy financial benefits as well. Canada’s top pool manufacturers are engaged in special marketing programs with LeisureScapes dealers and offer discounts, rebates, exclusive products and more. “There is an annual financial consideration to be a member of LeisureScapes, but the financial benefits far outweigh the cost,” said vandenHof. “As a group, we work with vendors to develop quality programs that get quality products in the hands of consumers. We ask vendors to give us exclusive products that set us apart from the mass merchants.” For consumers, vandenHof said the benefits of starting a project with LeisureScapes are endless. He’s encouraging anyone interested in building a backyard oasis to stop by the closest LeisureScapes dealer and explore what they have to offer. Whether you’re installing an in-ground pool or just adding a hot tub, you won’t be disappointed with LeisureScapes. “Our dealers are all held to the highest standards of excellence. When you visit a LeisureScapes dealer, you know you’re dealing with an organization that’s highly professional and ethical, and only offers the highest-quality products available.”
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Spring/Summer 2016 / XI
Five ways to get the family together From fire and swim-up bars to swim spas and sports
Photo Courtesy: BonaVista Pools
by
Heather Laura Clarke
W
hether it’s a scorching Saturday morning or a sunny weekday evening just before sunset, there’s no question where every member of the family will be drawn. Pools are a natural focal point. “I met with a homeowner today who said, ‘We don’t have a cottage – this is our spot to relax, to entertain, to be outside,’” says Jennifer Gannon, proprietor of BonaVista Pools’ outdoor living store in Toronto, Ont. “An outdoor living space allows you to have an extension of your home where you can breathe in the fresh air and smell the fragrance of the summer flowers.” But just like any relationship, a little change can fire up the sparks you once felt for your backyard retreat. So here are five ideas for gathering the family together in and around the pool this summer. XII / Spring/Summer 2016
Photo Courtesy: BonaVista Pools
www.leisurescapes com
1
IN-POOL REFRESHMENTS
The only thing better than carrying a cold drink out to the pool is being able to sit up at a bar and be served directly. Ah, paradise. “We’ve noticed a trend this year of people moving away from traditional pools and going towards entertainment-style pools with incorporated bar seats and swim-up bars,” says Scott Cooper, construction manager with Sunshine Pools and Spas in Kelowna, B.C. “A pool becomes the central point to the backyard and a perfect spot for entertaining.” Cooper says retired homeowners in their late 50s and early 60s usually don’t have any interest in diving boards and slides – unless they want something for their grandchildren to enjoy. But they love the idea of creating a resort-like environment without the need for plane tickets and passports. “They want to be able to have friends and family over and give them a nice place to perch in the pool while they cool off,” says Cooper. “You can actually put in a full outdoor kitchen and a bar area that’s level with people who are sitting in the pool.”
2
A TOASTY-WARM OFF-SEASON
Cooper says patio heating systems allow you to use your outdoor living area earlier in the year, and that’s especially important if you’ve added an outdoor kitchen. But even the pool itself could benefit from a source of warmth – and drama. “We’re seeing more of an interest in the ‘grown-up’ accessories like water features and water/fire combinations like torches and flames,” says Cooper. Gannon agrees that good lighting and fire features extend the time you can spend outdoors with family and friends, starting earlier in the spring and staying out longer into the fall. She says the combination of water, fire and light is very relaxing, even when you’re simply lounging poolside with a good book or dining al fresco. “Most pools are beautifully lit up with LED lights so they are a soothing view. It can be very calming for your spirit,” says Gannon. “If you’re at an outdoor restaurant, the best seat in the house is one with a lake view, so dining poolside creates the feeling of living at a resort.”
Photo Courtesy: BonaVista Pools
3
LIVELY GAMES AND TOURNAMENTS
Anyone can toss around a beach ball or compete to see who can dive for the most rings, but nothing brings people together in the pool like a little friendly competition. Cooper says pools with a “sports bottom” have been gaining popularity over the last five years. “They’re shallow on the sides and deeper in the middle so you can still jump in, but they’re more useful for playing games like volleyball,” says Cooper. “Everyone can get their footing, and you can put the really tall people in the deeper section so they can’t cheat!” Gannon says she also gets many requests for deck-mounted soccer nets, basketball nets and volleyball nets. “I just came from a client’s home and he said his teenage daughters absolutely love their poolside basketball net,” says Gannon.
AROMATHERAPY
4
SESSIONS
Gannon says many homeowners are adding aromatherapy features to their hot tubs. At BonaVista Pools they use Kneipp, a German line of naturally-occurring salt mixed with natural essence oils that complement the chemistry in the tub’s water. “Lavender is the most popular because it’s a sleep aid, so people will take a nice soak together before bed,” says Gannon. “A lot of our athletic clients like the peppermint, winterfresh and eucalyptus scents to soothe deep tissue muscle fatigue, help with respiration and create an uplifting fragrance for after a workout.”
5
a swim spa
A swim spa is a hybrid between a hot tub and a pool; it’s about twice the size of a hot tub but deeper with a swim current and often kept at a temperature warmer than a pool. “You can swim against the strong current, so it’s similar to a treadmill but for swimmers,” explains Gannon. Because swim spas have a smaller footprint, Gannon says they’re a great option for families who want a pool but lack the yard space and especially since they meet most city bylaws by including a safety cover. Swim spas typically come with thick, thermal safety covers so they can be enjoyed year-round. “There are often jetted seats built into one end, so two people can enjoy hydrotherapy while a third is getting in a swim workout,” says Gannon. “We had a mom with six kids in our showroom model and there was plenty of room for everyone to splash around.”
Spring/Summer 2016 / XIII
Swim spas: the best of both worlds The new kid on the block By
H
ave you ever wanted to install a pool in your backyard, but your lot was just a little too small? Or maybe you’re interested in a hot tub, but still want the space to practice your breaststroke. If you were looking for something like this for your home 20 years ago, you might have been out of luck. But today, swim spas are changing the game when it comes to backyard aquatics, and their popularity is only going up. Bigger than a hot tub and smaller than a full-sized pool, swim spas offer the best of both worlds. They can be enjoyed just like a traditional hot tub, but are also equipped with an innovative water propulsion feature, allowing the user to swim on the spot against an artificial current. “There’s some value in the hydrotherapy swim spas provide, just like a regular hot tub,” says Rhett Bradshaw, operations manager at Vantage Pools and Spas, a company based in Langley, B.C. “You can also get some exercise as if you were in a regularsized pool, but without taking up so much space in the backyard.” Swim spas come in all shapes and sizes, and can be installed as standalone units or built into the ground. Bradshaw says one of the more popular brands is the Hydro Zone lineup from Viking Pools, which are 18 feet long and eightand-a-half feet wide. “A lot of the standalone models now are coming with LED lighting packages, stereo systems, swim harnesses and a myriad of jets,” he says. “They’re really great for swim training, overcoming injuries and general fitness.” So who’s buying swim spas, and where did they come from? XIV / Spring/Summer 2016
Evan Webster
Photos: 123RF
According to Bradshaw, swim spas have been around since the late 1990s, but consumers are only just starting to take notice. He says it’s been great for the pool business overall, because now retailers have even more to offer their customers. “We’ve definitely seen a spike in interest, especially in the last couple of years,” he says. “It’s not necessarily a new product, but it’s a new concept to a lot of consumers here in B.C. Swim spas are a solid
alternative if a full-sized pool doesn’t fit in your yard, or if a larger pool is out of your budget.” Liana Rhodenizer, outdoor furniture and swim spas manager at Holland Home Leisure in New Minas, N.S., says swim spas are growing in popularity on the East Coast as well. Her company carries the Hydropool lineup, which are 12-, 14-, 17- or 19-feet in length. “This is just our third year selling swim spas,” she says. “It’s definitely
a growing market. A lot of people are unfamiliar with them, but they see infomercials on TV and come in to look for them.” When it comes to cost, average standalone swim spas range anywhere from $15,000 to $35,000, and can be even more for top-of-the-line models. Rhodenizer says it’s worth it, because the coolest thing about swim spas is their versatility. She says most swim spa owners keep the water between 80 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, but it can easily be cooled down for longer workouts. “As a retailer, it’s all about asking the customer questions when they come in and understanding what their goals are for the purchase,” she says. “If they’re really set on an inground pool model but don’t have the space for it, we’ll steer them toward swim spas. If they want exercise benefits as well as hydrotherapy, swim spas are something we look at. If they have kids on a swim team, these are awesome for swim training. Swim spas are great for a number of different things; you just have to make sure it’s the right product for the customer.” Looking ahead, Bradshaw says he’s confident swim spas will only grow in popularity. If you’re looking for an affordable alternative to a full-sized pool, a unique resistance swimming machine, or simply a hot tub with a twist, a swim spa could be just what you need. “I can only imagine swim spas will be even more popular once more people find out about them. They’re definitely one of the cooler backyard pool products out there.”
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Spring/Summer 2016 / XV
a new chapter Baby Boomers all about work/life balance
Photos:123RF
W
e can thank the baby boomers for many things. Those born in the post-Second World War baby boom (roughly between 1946 and 1964) have given the world great music, fashion and technology. But perhaps the most influential gifts from this cohort have been the concept of ‘work-life balance’ and the importance placed on a healthy lifestyle. The boomers, now moving into their 50s and beyond, have known the value of hard work. But this demographic also understands the importance of being able to enjoy the fruits of one’s labour. If there’s been a work hard, play hard generation, it’s this group. Boomers know what it takes to maintain a healthy lifestyle as they reach retirement age and that living one’s best life includes being active – and actively battling stress. For many of them, it is just now, during retirement and pre-retirement, that they are ready to embrace the results of a life of hard work. It’s time to kick back, enjoy family and have fun. For this generation, 50 isn’t old – it’s just the beginning of a new adventure.
XVI / Spring/Summer 2016
By
Debra Wells-Hopey
“The over-50 set are big fans of hot tubs for all kinds of reasons, from family fun with the grandkids to entertaining friends and neighbours, and sometimes for help with sleep issues or pain management,” says Ann Bradshaw of Vantage Pools in Langley, B.C. “Those of us in this age group are often still actively involved in sports, and hot tubs are great for those ‘achy-breaky’ muscles.” In the pool market, Bradshaw finds most in-ground pool installations are for families ranging in ages from 35 to 55, while above ground pools seem to sell to an age range of 30 to 40. “But more often than not, the above ground pool customer often becomes, in a few years, an in-ground pool owner once they realize how much fun the whole family has had together in their above ground pool,” she says. Andrea Van Zoost at Holland Home Leisure in Nova Scotia finds that boomers are often looking for relaxation – but they also like to stay close to home. “Some have worked very hard in their careers and are now ready to spend time in their backyards and relax,” says Van Zoost. www.leisurescapes com
Photos:123RF
“Whether it’s in a pool, hot tub or lounging on outdoor patio furniture, people are looking to spend more time with their children and possibly grandchildren. Who wouldn’t want to hang-out at Grandma’s house if there was a gorgeous in-ground pool or beautiful hot tub?” Others are empty nesters who are ready to focus on themselves by purchasing a stunning outdoor living room set. Cobra Pools & Spas has definitely seen a trend toward swim spas, partially due to the health-related benefits, but also because they fit well in yards with limited space. “Swim spas have been popular, especially for those who are looking for a product they can use year round,” says Bill Brady of Cobra Pools & Spas in Perth, Ont. “And I would guess the largest percentage of our hot tubs and swim spas are customers over the age of 40. Exercising in the water causes less strain and stress on joints and muscles, which is sometimes more appealing than dry land training or exercising in a gym. Besides the relaxation benefits, using a heated hot tub or swim spa gives a person the ability to train every day of the year if they want to.”
When it comes to her boomer customers, Jennifer Gannon of BonaVista LeisureScapes in Toronto finds that people are interested in pools and hot tubs for two reasons: they have the income and they have the time to enjoy the benefits that include wellness, relaxation, entertainment and fitness. “In my experience, the boomers enjoy larger hot tubs that let them gather with their family and friends, to spend quality time and unplug,” says Gannon. “Lap pools are also popular as they can be used for training, swimming lengths and playing volleyball or even water basketball.” Whether people have teenagers of their own, grandkids or are empty nesters, boomers love to entertain and stay active. Those who enjoy sports such as golf, cycling and playing hockey love a pool or hot tub for recovery, or to cross train. Boomers have the financial means and interest in doing whatever they can to age well. Swimming and soaking are perfect complements to this lifestyle and attitude.
Spring/Summer 2016 / XVII
product highlights Great ideas to make your pool or hot tub more enjoyable this season 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 manu-facturing, enabling the most cost effective and quick-est 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
pentair SuperFlo® VS and SuperMax® VS pumps are the latest additions to Pentair’s family of ENERGY STAR®-certified variable-speed pumps. Designed for pools requiring up to 1.5-hp pumps, SuperFlo VS and SuperMax VS pumps bring the remarkable energy cost savings of variable speed technology to standard pools at a more affordable price. These Eco Select® brand pumps are easy to install and use with their intuitive interface, built-in timer, and easily accommodates either 115V or 230V applications. They can cut energy costs by up to 80 per cent over conventional pool pumps, saving pool owners hundreds of dollars each year, and thousands over the pump’s lifetime.
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
XVIII / Spring/Summer 2016
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backyard brands. Giving back ...Sharing the gift of water We have three big passions at Backyard Brands: Working with family owned Backyard Leisure Pro's Designing innovative, healthier, more natural water care systems for pools and hot tubs using our Fusion Science platform Giving back through our Share the Gift of Water - Backyard Leisure Social Responsibility Project
• • •
Most recently, in collaboration with our dealers, Rotary Clubs and Rotary International, we have built over 900 Rainwater storage projects in Kenya ...each including a 10.000 liter rain water storage tank, 100 planted trees, a latrine in each home, water and sanitation training for the families and a table credit program that gives a "hand-up" not a hand-out to the women's groups that build the rainwater storage tanks. Together with our partners we have raised an additional $140,000 to fund a special project of bringing 30,000 liter rain water storage tanks, boys and girls latrines and health and safety programs to 6 HIV Orphan schools. We are now turning our focus to raising $250,000 to fund similar water, latrine and hygiene projects for ten of the poorest primary schools in Eastern Uganda. With every purchase, you'll help us raise the funds needed to increase access to safe and sufficient drinking water, to build new latrines and to deliver personal hygiene programs. www.sharethegiftofwater.com
Hayward unveil’s a new contemporary cleaner design for 2016 All 2016 models of e.Vac, e.Vac Pro and AquaVac QC Robotic Pool Cleaners feature a new contemporary design, aligning them with the complete Hayward Cleaner portfolio. All functionality remains unchanged and they continue to provide unrivaled efficiency and performance. www.hayward-pool.ca
Spring/Summer 2016 / XIX
backyard entertaining Food and drink recipes to inspire By
Mark DeWolf Get inspired
Add colour with salsa
Add a little colour to the backyard occasion this summer with Mexican-inspired cuisine. Forget the glowing green margaritas of Tex-Mex eateries or unnaturally orange cheese found on pub nachos. Modern Mexicaninspired cuisine reflects a return to real ingredients and authentic preparations. Even Mexico’s national spirit, tequila, has gone under a makeover in recent years. No longer is drinking an ounce of tequila a sign of machismo. The spirit’s firewater reputation has been lost as premium tequila producers continue to refine the spirit through modern distillation practices and extended oak maturation. Tequila should be part of any Mexican-inspired backyard occasion.
The most familiar Mexican tomato salsa is Pico de Gallo, but in truth it is just one of many Mexican salsas including cooked versions such as Salsa Rojo (cooked tomatoes, chiles, garlic, onion and cilantro), smoky versions such as Salsa taquera (chipotle and tomatillos) and fresh versions such as guacamole made from local avocados. Unlike sweet store-bought interpretations with their saucelike consistency, authentic Pico de Gallo should have a naturally red appearance, the appetizingly crunch of fresh vegetables and lots of lime zing. Authentic doesn’t mean overtly spicy! There should be an appetizing but not unpleasant heat.
XX / Spring/Summer 2016
Photos: 123RF
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ACCESSORIES
Pico de Gallo Ingredients: 2 cups plum tomatoes, peeled, seeded, diced 1/2 cup white onion, diced 1 jalape単o, seeded, finely diced 2 lime, zest, juice 1/3 cup cilantro, minced White pepper to taste Salt to taste Directions:
1. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. 2. Serve with homemade tortilla chips.
Homemade Tortilla Chips Ingredients: 10 to12 corn tortillas, left out overnight Rock salt Vegetable oil Directions:
1. Leave the tortillas out overnight to dry out. 2. Cut the tortillas into wedges. 3. Heat the vegetable oil (3 to 4 cups) in a deep skillet until it is hot but not smoking. 4. Quickly in batches fry the tortillas until crisp, 1 to 2 minutes. 5. Remove and place on paper towel to remove excess oil. Season with salt.
Make me a real margarita Sometime during the 1980s, margaritas became vibrant greenhued slush drinks loaded with sugar to balance the bite of cheap tequila. I say make it authentic and make it real. Step one is to use real limes, instead of sweet bar mix or the vibrant (and very artificial) margarita mix found in grocery stores. It takes a lot of fresh limes to make enough for a margarita, but the flavour impact is worth it. Use a good Blanco tequila. The best are made in Mexico, not in factories in far flung corners of North America. While top producers now also make Reposado (rested) and Anejo (aged) versions that have spent time in oak barrels, a good margarita Spring/Summer 2016 / XXI
needs only the peppery and herbal bite of a good Blanco – sometimes called silver tequila. No need for Triple Sec or any other foreign spirit. Use agave nectar or simple syrup to balance the tartness of the limes. And lastly, it just takes a little salt to complete the cocktail.
A Real Margarita Ingredients: Kosher salt 4 limes, juiced 1 1/2 ounces Blanco tequila 1 ounce agave nectar* or simple syrup Directions:
1. Rim a rocks (old-fashioned) glass in salt. 2. Fill with chunks of ice. 3. Add lime juice, Tequila and Agave Nectar; stir. *Agave nectar is available at many health food stores.
Add a little flamenco with the salsa I’m sure to be truly authentic, a little mariachi might be called for, but also consider adding a little flamenco to this salsa inspired event. The Gipsy Kings aren’t Mexican. Truth be told they aren’t even Spanish. The group, whose self-titled album made them international stars in the late 1980s, finally won a Grammy award for their latest album, Savor Flamenco, but it is the high-energy of their original album featuring memorable songs such as Bamboleo that will ensure the music is as lively as the atmosphere of the party.
Add colour unconventionally If want to put a zing of colour into your outdoor entertaining, you can veer away from classic salsa recipes with some fun fruitinspired versions. Colour your outdoor table with these.
Mango Mint
Avocado & Grape Watermelon Salsa
Ingredients: 1 cup mango, diced 1/2 jalapeño, seeded, finely diced 1/4 cup red onion, diced 1 lime, zest, juice 3 tbsp mint, finely chopped Salt to taste
Ingredients: 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, diced 1/2 jalapeño, seeded, finely diced 1/4 cup seedless grapes, chopped 1 seedless orange, segmented, chopped 1 lime, zest, juice 2 tbsp cilantro, finely chopped
Directions:
1. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix.
Ingredients: 1 cup watermelon, diced 1/2 jalapeño, seeded, finely diced 1/4 cup red onion, diced 1/4 cup cucumber, diced 1 lime, zest, juice 1 tbsp simple syrup 3 tbsp mint, finely chopped Directions:
1. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix.
Directions:
1. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix. XXII / Spring/Summer 2016
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Spring/Summer 2016 / 29
Cobra Pools & Spas Inc. Win Top Honours at the Hydropool 2015 Canadian Hot Tub & Swim Spa Awards
O
n December 1, 2015 in Niagara Falls, ON Owners of Cobra Pools & Spas Inc. located in Perth, ON. were awarded the highest hot tub award by Hydropool Hot Tubs & Swim Spas. The Platinum Award is presented to Dealers who are recognized for excellence in marketing, sales and customer service.
Photo: Contributed
Pictured with the Platinum Award are Rob Irvine (Director of Sales for Canada) & Chris Dawe (Territory Development Manager) along with owners Bill & Judy Brady.
Brady Excavating 613-812-7727 Perth, ON SPECIALIZING IN: · Landscaping – Retaining Wall · Ponds & Water Features · Firewood · Snow Removal EQUIPMENT: · Excavator · Skidsteer · Dump Trucks SKIDSTEER ATTACHMENTS: · Post Hole Auger · Brush Hog · Stone Picker · Brush or Stone Grapple
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613.267.7591 www.cobrapools.com Spring/Summer 2016 / 31