Spring/Summer 2016 Holland Home Leisure
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
New trends in in ground pools Who needs a weekend getaway? Swim spas: turn your dream into reality
New Minas Aylesford www.hollandhomeleisure.com
Photo: Kyle Richardson
2 / Spring/Summer 2016
Photo: Mike Feraco
www.hollandhomeleisure com
Holland Home Leisure is excited to now carry Hydropool Hot Tubs! By:
Katie Schofield
L
Photo: Mike Feraco
et’s face it, life gets busier and more demanding everyday. With the stress of everyday life, couldn’t we all use a little more relaxation in our lives? Holland Home Leisure is happy to carry a full line-up of Self-Cleaning and Serenity Hydropool Hot Tubs to help you with that! Imagine your own personal get-a-way, a place where you can relax, meditate, and enjoy quiet times… by yourself, with family, or with friends. Hot tubs can be great for relaxation, socialization, and of course, hydrotherapy. So weather you’re looking to soothe those aching muscles, or add some excitement to your backyard parties, we’ve got you covered. Hydropool offers an impressive array of options so that your tub can be customized specifically to suit exactly what you’re looking for!
Indoor or out, a Hydropool Hot Tub can create more time for what matters most in life. Insulated for Canadian winters, Hydropool offers one of the most energy efficient tubs on the market, which means you’ll be able to enjoy it all year round! At Holland Home Leisure, we offer hot tubs that are perfect for any size family. From 2-person to 10, we will be able to find the right size for your needs. If the thought of taking care of a hot tub worries you, don’t be scared away. Our fully trained Water Care Manager will meet with you before you receive your tub and teach you everything there is to know! So what are you waiting for? Your body will thank you!
Photo: Kyle Richardson
Spring/Summer 2016/ 3
Limit of one per household. Offer expires on December 31, 2016 4 / Spring/Summer SPRING/SUMMER 2015
www.hollandhomeleisure WWW.HOLLANDHOMELEISURE com COM
Spring / Summer 2016
New Minas 8794 Commercial Street 902-681-3030 Aylesford 2317 Highway 1 902-847-9392
www.hollandhomeleisure.com
CONTENTS
For a listing of the National content, please turn to the page after page 13.
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Holland Home Leisure is excited to now carry Hydropool Hot Tubs! a message from mike and debby
7
a message from our owners
8
New trends in in-ground pools!
Who needs a Weekend Getaway? Welcome to your own backyard! Swim Spas: Turn your dream into reality
47
Customers helping their own communities!
44 synergy water care system
“Price is what you Pay,Value is what you Receive�
Spring/Summer 2016/ 5
a message from mike and debby
I
t is difficult to know exactly where to begin when writing a farewell letter to our customers and staff after 35 years in business! Mike and I have spent the past 35 years helping our customers achieve their family’s dreams of vacationing at home. We have had the privilege of designing back yards for families through out this beautiful Province. I will miss catching up each spring with customers who I haven’t spoken to since the previous fall. To each of our customers who have chosen Holland Home Leisure to make your backyard dreams a reality, thank you! In turn you have made our dream of growing and operating a successful family business come true! To our vendors, many of whom over the years have become good friends we have shared a lot of laughs and Mike and I hope that we will stay in touch. I couldn’t write this letter without first thanking our children; Liana and Scott have worked along side us for the past ten plus years. To them we say thank you for contributing to our success and helping Holland Home Leisure grow to what it is today! To our other two children thank you for always being supportive of the family business not to mention putting up with all of the shop talk at family gatherings over the years. Besides our children we have had the privilege of working with so many great staff over the years. The summer University students that we hire each spring bring youthful energy and insight to their job. I only hope I haven’t done permanent damage to them during times when I have had a particularly challenging day in customer service! With my full time staff here in Aylesford I always saw myself as more coworker then boss and we have learned and grown in knowledge together over the years. It has been a privilege working with each of you, and when I look at our portfolio of pools from the past 35 years it is clear to me that we employ staff who are some of the very best in their field, we are so proud of the great work that they have done for Holland Home Leisure! In closing as Mike and I say our good byes it is our hope that our customers will continue to support Mark and Andrea as they carry on in the business. We wish them both much continued successes. Thank you for 35 years! Time sure flies when you are having fun.
Mike vandenHof
Photo: Liana vandenHof Rhodenizer Photography
Debby vandenHof
W
hen I was a young boy each summer we would spend a week at my aunt and uncle’s place and I would usually spend a day with my uncle at his Hardware Store. It was here that I first learned the importance of giving exceptional customer service. As a teenager I spent the summers and holidays working for my father’s construction company, and it was during those times that I first learned the importance of doing quality workmanship, all while ensuring the consumers end satisfaction. Little did I know that when we decided to enter the swimming pool business in 1980, that these were skills that would be required to help us grow our business to where it is today. Now that the time has come for Debby and me to retire I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those that have made this amazing ride possible. Without the support of our family, we would not be where we are today. My father who I worked beside for 15 years and who taught me the importance of hard work, but also that we must always ensure the consumer’s satisfaction. Debby who maintained a stable household for our children in the early years and for the past 20 years who worked so hard at ensuring that the consumer who walked into or called the Aylesford store received the absolute highest quality of service. I would also like to thank our children, Scott and Liana for your dedication to your job at Holland Home Leisure, and for all of you for being so supportive of our family business. For the past 36 years it has been a privilege to work with our customers to build their dream back yards, be it with the installation of an In Ground Pool, an Above Ground Pool, a Hot Tub, or new outdoor furniture. I would like to thank each of you for the trust you have placed in Holland Home Leisure, and for your continued support, over the past 36 years. Debby and I have had the privilege of working with some of the most professional staff members in our industry. Many of you have chosen Holland Home Leisure as your career, and I would like to thank each of you for your professionalism, and your dedication not only to your job, but also to providing an exceptional level of customer service. Although it is difficult to say good bye, to our staff and customers, and to let go of a company that we have often referred to as our 5th child, it is easier to do so with the knowledge that the company is in good hands moving forward. Knowing that the new owners Mark and Andrea VanZoost, have the same commitment to providing a high level of customer service plus providing a well rounded work environment for our staff, makes it easier for us to move on to the next chapter of our lives. I would like to wish them much success as they continue to Move The Cheese.
6 / Spring/Summer 2016
www.hollandhomeleisure com
a message from our owners
A
nother year has gone by, this one faster then the last. It seems implausible that this was our third year at Holland Home Leisure, and even more unbelievable is that as we are writing this, we have completed the business transition, with Mike & Debby now enjoying retirement! We would like to congratulate Mike & Debby on their retirement, and wish them many happy and healthy years to enjoy it. A few months a small group of us undertook to document the history of Holland Home Leisure, probing to get those old memories and pieces that helped the company evolve to where it is today, and we both found that incredibly inspiring in terms of what can be accomplished throughout a career. From the early days of 2 guys and a truck, to 38 staff this past season, what a journey. Throughout all of those years, their were products that seemed to last a season rather then a lifetime, with swimming pools really being the core product that lasted, and will continue for decades more. There has also been a core value that customer service is the highest priority. In a transition like this, we believe that maintaining the core value of customer service is the most important part left for us to focus on, and truly complete the transition successfully. Looking at the next 25 years, and thinking about the challenges and opportunities that will come along, the world will continue to evolve, and as virtually everything goes in a circular motion, out of style and then back in style, we believe that a renewed focus on customer service is going to be what differentiates the specialty businesses, and gives the rural communities a chance to rejuvenate themselves to a better day.
A year ago we were at a conference where Marcus Lemonis (TV show The Profit) was the keynote speaker, and one of his messages was that to be a specialty business, you have to have a fanatical focus on your numbers. A few days ago I read a quote from Richard Branson (founder of the Virgin empire) where he said “Put your staff first, your customers second, and shareholders third.� This starts to sound like conflicting messages, but part of the value in attending conferences and seminars is to find the part that resonates with you, and then figuring out how to apply it to your business. We spent a week in January working strictly on our business strategy, and we pulled from these inspirations, from other seminars and past education, and have set strategy for the future. In fact we have developed three strategies all designed to work together cohesively, with a Fanatical Focus on Customers, a Fanatical Focus on Employees, and a Fanatical Focus on Numbers. As a three legged stool, all the legs are required to stand, and this builds on the existing core value of customer service as the highest priority. This is how we believe we can best continue the legacy started by the vandenHof ’s, and help more and more people enjoy the ultimate fun of a Vacation at Home! We thank you sincerely for your business, and have our continued commitment to provide the best customer service that we can.
Mark and Andrea Van Zoost
Photos: Liana vandenHof Rhodenizer Photography
Spring/Summer 2016/ 7
Photos: © Heather Quinn/R&R Pools
new trends in in-ground pools!
by
Mark Van Zoost
P
erhaps you grew up swimming in an in-ground pool at a friend’s house, the town pool, a neighbours, or maybe even in your own backyard. The sounds, the feel, the smell of a hot summer day, the very likely to be cold water, and people you cared about. Those moments create a feeling inside of a child that stays with them forever, and a glimmer in the eye when someone walks in as an adult and says, “I’d like to talk to someone about an in-ground pool please!”
8 / Spring/Summer 2016
The way that designs for cars and houses have evolved over the past few decades, so have the designs for pools. What is possible in a pool today compared to 20 years ago is as different as a car today compared to one from 20 years ago. In this article we are going to talk about a two of the latest innovations in the in-ground pool industry, and a few ways to incorporate these into your next backyard. Automated pool covers are one of the most exciting innovations in the pool indus-
try, changing the way that people enjoy their pool. An automated pool cover provides a solid material barrier over the entire top of the pool, making it impossible for a child, or even a pet to get in the pool when it is closed, creating the safest pool available. With a keypad located in site of the pool, simply put in your secret pin, press a button, and the entire cover retracts in seconds and you’re ready to swim. At the end of the day, put in your secret pin, press a button and the cover will close, completely securing the pool. www.hollandhomeleisure com
Walk on the closed cover by accident (or on purpose), and it feels much like walking on a water bed. The days of hauling a solar blanket on and off the pool are gone, and the ease of using your pool is unmatched by an automated cover. An additional benefit is the reduced operating costs as an automated safety cover can reduce the water
evaporation from the pool by up to 90%, reducing heating costs by up to 70%. Another area of new pool construction that has made material advancement is in steps and benches. The traditional fiberglass steps are still available, but to really customize a pool, we use a steel step that is built inside the pool, with the vinyl liner
then covering the step for an incredibly sleek look and feel. In essence, if we can draw it, we can build it, and create that resort style pool that was once only available in concrete construction. One application of this design in a rectangle shaped pool is to replace the wall in the shallow-end with steel steps, making
Spring/Summer 2016/ 9
the entire end of the pool the entrance. The finished look is incredible, and the convenience of having a large entrance means the elimination of traffic jams getting in and out of the pool, while also providing a hangout spot to sit with your feet in the water. From this concept, mix in a tanning ledge, or curves in the steps, allowing for unparalleled customization.
These two options (automated covers and steel steps) have truly revolutionized modern day pool construction, and enhanced the amount of enjoyment that can come from your new pool. At Holland Home Leisure, every in-ground pool we build is a custom pool, designed to create Your ultimate Vacation at Home!
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10 / Spring/Summer 2016
www.hollandhomeleisure com
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...
Atlantic Canada’s Largest Selectiion of Natural Stone! Spring/Summer 2016/ 11
Rudy Burghardt and Sons
Rudy Burghardt and Sons is pleased to have provided Holland Home Leisure with clean, clear water for their pool installations for over 20 years. We also offer services such as: Top up water for swimming pools Hot tub fill ups We can deliver up to 6,000 gallons Bulk milk haulage of clean, clear water! Gravel 88 White Rock Rd, Kentville NS | phone: 902.678.2808 | fax: 902.678.3224
12 / Spring/Summer 2016
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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.”
www.leisurescapes com
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
www.leisurescapes com
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
www.leisurescapes com
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
www.leisurescapes com
Need Higher Res (Waiting for Approval)
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Who needs a weekend getaway? Welcome to your own backyard! By
W
Liana vandenHof-Rhodenizer
hether you are hanging out with your family by the pool or hosting a party for friends, Ebel furniture lives up to the highest standards of elegance and comfort. With a wide range of styles, colours and weaves, Ebel has something for everyone’s style and taste. Ebel offers an impressive 15 year guarantee and a variety of traditional and contemporary designs both having timeless appeal that will look great for many years to come! One of the primary and most popular lines of high quality outdoor furniture at Holland Home Leisure has always been Ebel. Holland Home Leisure offers the largest selection of outdoor living furniture in Atlantic Canada. With a massive inventory and special ordering available we know you will find something to fit your space and budget. Every year we aim to bring in new styles that we know you will love and this year is no exception. We are adding Geneva in both seating and dining and Napoli got a makeover for 2016 with a brand new colour called Espresso! Come into our New Minas location and find the set that feels like home to you! I can not wait to discuss your endless options. Talk soon,
Geneva Dining-Mirabella
Liana Rhodenizer
Geneva Chat-Amalif
Granville Club Chairs
Photo: Contributed
38 / Spring/Summer 2016
Photo: Contributed
Photo: Scott S Smith
www.hollandhomeleisure com
Spring/Summer 2016 / 39
Photo: Contributed
Napoli Expresso
Photo: Greg van Riel
Swim Spas: Turn your dream into reality By
Liana vandenHof Rhodenizer
O
kay, you have heard how much fun a Hydropool Swim Spa is, and are trying to determine how to turn this dream into reality, in your backyard. Where will it go? What will it look like? What do I need to do to get ready? All great questions. In this article, you will see a few different options to help develop your vision, and then with the help of Holland Home Leisure, we’ll make it all come true!
Stand alone or On Ground Installations
By far the most common installation in the Swim Spa industry and the easiest! We recommend a simple concrete slab to go underneath of the swim spa and other than that, no extra work required!
Photo: Mike Feraco
Edge of Deck Installations One of the more popular installation types for Swim Spas, it gives you the aesthetic appeal of a raised deck installation with the service access of a stand alone installation. The beauty is the deck can be added down the road or the unit can be placed against a preexisting deck.
40 / Spring/Summer 2016
www.hollandhomeleisure com
In Ground Installations One of the more detailed installations for a Swim Spa but a stunning end result.You will need to consider a few things such as making sure the unit is serviceable on all sides and also to be sure the area can handle the underground water flow.
Photo: Mike Feraco
Photo: Contributed
Raised Deck Installations One of the most beautiful ways to install a swim spa, the finished product is sleek and attractive.You do need to make sure you have access to all four sides of the unit from under the deck. Also, in our cooler climates you must remember to leave enough room to properly install the hard covers.
Half and Half Installations All of the same planning must be done for a half and half installation as you would for an in-ground or raised deck installation. These are often the easiest to access swim spas and give you the ability to sit on the sides of the tub without fear of falling.
Photo: Contributed
Sunroom or Addition Installation If you are hoping to use your swim spa all four seasons and are not cold weather enthusiasts an indoor swim spa location may be for you.You may be looking to add on to an in home gym or create a relaxing oasis either way the options are endless. An indoor unit provides privacy and a controlled climate so you can enjoy your swim spa all year round. Some important details must be planned out prior to designing your dream room such as proper ventilation, floor drain and a near by water source. Photo: Contributed
Spring/Summer 2016 / 41
www.hollandhomeleisure com
Experienced In Energy Efficient Methods of Home Heating & Swimming Pool Operation • • • •
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RESIDENTIAL // COMMERCIAL // INDUSTRIAL • New Installs • Renovations – Additions • Phone & Data Certified
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Photo: Contributed
44 / Spring/Summer 2016
www.hollandhomeleisure com
Price is what you Pay, Value is what you Receive By Jennifer Kendall McGrath
P
eople ask me everyday, “How do I get the best water in my pool, without spending too much of my time?” The answer is easy, Synergy! With the Synergy System, there’s a lot less to decide on and a lot less to carry home. Everything you need for weekly maintenance is in one box. There’s also less work with Synergy. For pool care maintenance, you start with Synergy Initiator, which is the backbone of the Synergy program. Applied typically once per swimming season, it not only conditions and softens the water so your skin doesn’t feel dry or itchy, but also makes it much harder for algae to grow! Thereafter you only apply two products, once a week. The basic weekly system consists of two simple parts: Synergy Tabs to keep water safe and Synergy Clear to keep it sparkling. Perfectly proportioned, there’s no weighing and measuring. Synergy means less work in less time for you. Three easy steps lead you to having the best quality water for you and your family to enjoy. Not only that, it’s affordable! Staying on top of your pool water care with the easy Synergy system means less problems with your water and more time enjoying it. Along with balancing your pool water and proper filtration, see how easy it is to maintain your pool with Synergy. After all, your pool was meant to be a pleasure. Now, it can be.
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“The Synergy Pool Care System is the easiest pool maintenance system we have tried. Five minutes once a week and our pool is crystal clear all season long. Our family has skin sensitivity and asthma and the synergy system doesn’t bother any of us. We can swim and play 15 minutes after putting in the pouch of synergy in our pool, and not be bothered by anything. This system takes out the worry and stress out of pool maintenance and is so easy and quick that all that is left is to enjoy our backyard oasis. Thank you Holland Home Leisure.” Donna & Chuck, Cornelius
“The Synergy system has worked very well for us over the years. We stick to the program and the payback has been clear, sparkling water for my family to enjoy. Checking and adding chlorine tablets, applying the weekly shock, and periodically checking the water balance is a small investment, easy to do and low maintenance. We are very pleased with the Synergy product and the results we get.” Tom Mosher
“Our family purchased an above ground pool from Holland Home Leisure in the spring of 2000. We were instructed at this time by the knowledgeable staff about the use and care of our pool. Our original water was analyzed and we were given step by step instructions on what chemicals to use in precise quantities. We began using the Synergy system at this time. When considering a pool, we had many friends and family who had previous experience with pools and were constantly working on their water quality. Many advised us that it would be a lot of work to care for our pool. We are so happy to say that this has not been the case. We have faithfully used the Synergy system every year and are proud to say that we have not had even one “down day” where our water was not swimmable. We take the storage winter cover off each spring and our water is crystal clear and other than desperately cold, could be swam in right away. The time it takes each week to treat our pool water is literally only minutes and with the aid of an automatic vacuum it is incredible easy to take care of our pool! Sure, we might be able to save a few dollars if we shopped at a box store for chemicals, but we value an old saying “price is what you pay, value is what you receive”…our summers are too short to leave our pool water quality to chance and experimenting to try to clear up algae or have an uncomfortable PH level. Synergy is a quality pool care system that we swear by and as long as we own our pool, we will continue to use.” Scott and Chardell Brydon Black Rock, Nova Scotia
New Minas 8794 Commercial Street 902-681-3030 Aylesford 2317 Highway 1 902-847-9392
www.hollandhomeleisure.com 46 / Spring/Summer 2016
www.hollandhomeleisure com
Customers helping their own communities!
Photo: Contributed
A
s a small business, giving back to the community is part of what makes us who we are, and in 2015 I really enjoyed having responsibility for our charitable donations. Without our customers we would not be here, and we set out to reach as many communities that our customers are in as we could. We revamped our donations approach and policy, and are thrilled to announce we are continuing this for 2016 as well! Here is how it works. Every time we sell a hot tub or complete pool package, we donate $50 to a worthwhile cause. Better yet, it is our customer who decides where they would like that donation to go, and we just send the cheque. Our vision is to support communities that our customers live in, in ways that our customers would like us to, and so far this has been a great success. The large geographical area that we serve has always made donations a challenge, and we have been able to make donations from New Minas to Yarmouth, along the south shore to Halifax, and all the way back to New Minas. It has been incredibly rewarding to see the number of different charitable causes selected during the year, and the frequency that more then one customer selected the same beneficiary. Breakfast programs at Glooscap Elementary School, Berwick & District School, Three Mile Plains District Elementary, and Kings County Academy received donations. Other donations included The Red Door, Landmark East School, Cystic Fibrosis, Upper Room Food Bank, VON, IWK,
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Andrea Van Zoost Canadian Cancer Society, Kings County SPCA just to name a few. The feed back from the different organizations has been overwhelming, with a thank you to all of the small businesses that support their communities. This has just been our way of involving our customers in the process. “Your donation will help make sure the less fortunate in our community will not go hungry.” Upper Room Food Bank
“Thank you very much for your generous donation. Your contribution to our bursary fund will help change a student life.” Landmark East School “Your gifting program is a great way of offering support to the local community. We appreciate this donation and also we thank your customers for naming the Breakfast Program at Glooscap as the recipient of this gift.” Gloooscap Elementary School “Thank you for your support of our youth.” The Red Door
Photo: Mikkel Bigandt /123RF
Spring/Summer 2016 / 47
INTRODUCING
The Power of Three: Simple. Soft. Clear.
The Soft Soak® TRIO™ spa care kit is exactly what you have been looking for – a simple, pre-measured system that delivers softer, clearer water for three months of stress-free enjoyment. Ask your SpaGuard dealer today to get started.
For more information, visit softsoak.ca
the feel good spa system from the makers of BioGuard is a trademarks of Bio-Lab, Inc.