Backyard Escapes 2015 - National Pages by Herald_CustomContent

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

THE PERFECT ESCAPE Creating a backyard oasis

FROM THE GROUND UP

Plenty of reasons to add a fence to your property

FINISHING TOUCHES ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIPS BACKYARD SPAS AS PART OF HEALTHY LIVING www.leisurescapes.com

GET THE PARTY STARTED Make everyone feel welcome as soon as they walk into your backyard oasis

Photo: Hanna Monika Cybulko /123RF

he food and drinks are fabulous. Your beef-filled appetizers in phyllo wrappers. BY guests feel right at home. And you’re the “For the main course you can take your baramazing host who also has a chance to becue to another level by grilling lamb with a haDiane Merlevede enjoy the party. It’s what backyard entertaining rissa spice blend,” says Filippou. “You can serve is all about — celebrating the summer with family couscous too. It all would work really well.” and friends. Serve food with ease on stylish outdoor dinGet the party started by making everyone feel welcome as soon nerware that combines the look of fine china with the durability of as they walk into your backyard oasis. melamine in summery colours and patterns. Offer drinks with class “We want our guests to experience a sense of ease and comfort, in the latest acrylic pitchers and stemware that reflect the elegance and we can help create that by having some food and drinks ready of crystal without the worry about broken glass. for them, some music and some ambience,” suggests Tom Filippou, The kids can have their own special treats, and maybe even their executive chef for President’s Choice. own activities under the careful supervision of an experienced sitter. “Set up small stations or areas where people can walk up, grab a “You could set up a sundae bar with all sorts of toppings and cones, drink and grab a bite. Put out pitchers with some great cocktails, such and let the kids make their own,” suggests Filippou. as sangria or cosmopolitans. Then your guests can chat and watch as Sounds like a blast, doesn’t it? Don’t be surprised if some of the you’re preparing the main course on the grill.” grown-ups want a sundae bar too! Perhaps plan your menu around a theme with international flair, Here’s to a summer full of good food, good company and such as a Moroccan-style barbecue, starting with Moroccan cigars — good fun.

Photo: Maridav /123RF

NATIONAL SECTION

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

THE PERFECT BACKYARD ESCAPE

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

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

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AN OASIS FOR ENTERTAINING Canadians clamouring for backyard kitchens.

XX FROM THE GROUND UP

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

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

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

ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIPS

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

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS Great ideas to help enjoy the summer.

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THE PERFECT BACKYARD ESCAPE Creating a backyard oasis BY

Carson Arthur

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

Photos: Courtesy BonaVista Pools

Photo: Jeff McNeill © McNeill Photography 2014

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 / III

Photos: Courtesy BonaVista Pools

Pools are back

Useable space

Photo: Jeff McNeill © McNeill Photography 2014

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

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

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

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

Photo: Contributed / B. Payne

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

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

Photo: Contributed

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

Diane Merlevede

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

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

Photos: Courtesy BonaVista Pools

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

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

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

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

Photo: Jeff McNeill © McNeill Photography 2014

Photo Courtesy: Holland Home Leisure

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

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Photo Courtesy: BonaVista Pools

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

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

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

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

Tom Mason

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

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

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AN OASIS FOR ENTERTAINING Canadians clamouring for backyard kitchens

Photo: Courtesy Jackson Grills Inc.

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

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Heather Laura Clarke

Photo: Courtesy EDIT Kitchens Inc.

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

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Photo: Courtesy BonaVista Pools

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

Photo: Courtesy EDIT Kitchens Inc.

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

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

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

Mark DeWolf

XX / SPRING/SUMMER 2015

Jam Jar Entertaining

Bohemian Glamour

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

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

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

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

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

ARE YOU COVERED FOR WINTER? POOL COVERING SYSTEM S

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

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SPRING/SUMMER 2015 / XXI

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

Minty Lamb Kebabs

Instructions:

Serves: 6

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

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

XXII / SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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

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

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

pool water

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SMART LOOKS

FOR SUMMER

SUPERFLO® VS PUMP The smart variable speed upgrade for the everyday pool. With the new SuperFlo VS pump, you can get the innovative efficiency of Pentair’s revolutionary innovation – variable speed pool pump technology. Now all that energy efficiency is available for the everyday pool.

Learn more at pentairpool.com.

Variable speed technology saves up to 80% in energy costs*

No expensive rewiring. Runs on standard 115/230v

*Savings based on variable speed pump compared to a single-speed pump running 12 hours per day at an average of $0.16 per kWh in a 20,000 gallon pool. Actual savings may vary based on local utility rates, pool size, pump run time, pump horsepower, pump rpm, plumbing size and length, pump model, service factor and other hydraulic factors.

BACKYARD SPAS ARE A COMPONENT OF HEALTHY LIVING The ideal backyard setup is a cool water pool combined with a hot tub

backyard pool or spa is a wonderful family gathering place, a place to escape the summer heat and have fun. It can also be your most effective fitness tool. Dr. Greg Gannon is a Toronto-based coach, trainer and a sports scientist. He says a backyard pool can provide the perfect workout apparatus, especially for older people or someone just starting out on an athletic regimen. Swimming laps is just one way to accomplish that. There are a whole list of aquatic exercises that can be carried out even in a small pool or spa, including running, stretching and resistance training. “To get the benefit from any training program, you have to follow the principle of physical overload,” says Gannon. “You need to place a load on your body and then steadily increase that load over time. Weights are one good way to provide that load. Water resistance is another. Because you increase the resistance on your body by moving faster, it’s very easy to control resistance exercises in a pool.” A former university kinesiology professor, Gannon worked for more than a decade training elite Olympic athletes and was involved in setting up sports institutes around the country before starting his own business, S2 Training Systems, in 2010. Today he works mainly with dedicated amateur athletes who are training for events such as marathons, triathlons, mountaineering expeditions and ultra-endurance races. He says water provides support for the body, making an exercise program more comfortable for people suffering from arthritis or joint problems. The lack of joint or muscle pain that often comes with dry land gym sessions can make the exercises more enjoyable too, increasing the chances that participants will stick with their exercise program. The ideal backyard setup is a cool water pool combined with a hot tub. “It gives you the benefits of going from a hot medium to a cold medium. Very therapeutic for your muscles after a workout,” says Gannon. For

Tom Mason those who don’t have the resources or the backyard space for that, a spa tub can also be an effective exercise tool for doing yoga, resistance exercises or stretches. There are other alternatives as well, including swim spas. Swim spas function as a kind of treadmill for swimmers. They contain resistance systems that create a strong current so that swimmers can swim in place. Their advantage lies in the fact that they are easy to install and affordable, says Kelly Devries, owner of Water and Wellness in Walkerton, Ontario. Devries’s company installs both in-ground and above-ground models. While in-ground swim spas often require elaborate installation, the above-ground models are usually easy to install. “You wire it up, set it in place and you’re good to go,” he says.

Devries says that anyone planning to invest in a swim spa should do their homework and buy a quality brand. “The top brands place a strong focus on creating a natural swim based on the design of the swim tank,” he says. “The ones we sell come with a sport version and a trainer version for more elite athletes. For about 85 per cent of the population, a good quality sport version will be enough.” Gannon says there’s a mental health component that is often overlooked when it comes to spas. The spa experience is meditative, the sound of running water is therapeutic, and some of his clients even go so far as to add aromatic scents to the water to add an aromatherapy component to the mix. “It’s well known in our industry that spas are a key element of an effective training system,” he says. “After all, most Olympic training facilities are now spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on hydrotherapy equipment. They wouldn’t be doing that if it didn’t work.”

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