R&R Pools Backyard Escapes Magazine 2011 Edition by R&R Pools

BACKYARDESCAPES R & R POOLS

Spring/Summer 2011

Hydrotherapy

Soothe your mind, body & soul

tuscan pool party simple sophistication

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Bonavistaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s award winning Burgetz project

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Life is a Celebration!

Welcome to the World of Rest & Relaxation. There are few things in life that can compare to the Great Lifestyle that awaits you and your family. For over 25 years I have had the privilege of giving our valued customers & friends a backyard vacation that stands the test of time. It is a great feeling for us, The R & R Team, to be given the opportunity to build your backyard dream. Swimming pools are great value, lots of fun and easy to maintain. I am very proud of the service and workmanship that the R & R team has been able to maintain since 1983. R & R over the years has grown to be a family business. The personal touch is not lost through high speed internet and communications. Brandy, Kara, Minnie and Ryan are always

readily available to assist you, and provide the quality feel that is often overlooked.

CONTENTS A Family Operated Business

“On Time and On Schedule”. We are passionate about what we do; and we feel you will enjoy the friendly, no hassle experience as well. I have always felt that it is important to build a pool as though I was building it for myself, in my own backyard.

Join us and become our newest V.I.P.P. (Very Important Pool Person).

I believe our team will be the pool builder of choice and you will be pleased with your decision for many years to come. Derek Redden Owner

That offers quality service, quality products, and quality time to relax.

Mark Your Calendar Make Your Spring Opening Trouble Free

Keeping A Pool Shouldn’t be a Chore

5 Steps to a Hassel Free Season

inground Pools

For a lifetime for memories, just add a little R&R.

The Belton Group - An Ideas Company

R & R pools

Printed in Canada by Repracorp 8927 Commercial St New Minas, NS B4N 3E1 (902) 681-4608

1949 St. Margaret’s Bay Rd. Timberlea, NS B3T 1C3 902.876.2773 www.rrpools.ca

Get the free mobile app at

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GUARANTEE a summer to REMEMBER As your local BioGuard® Dealer, R&R Pools has one goal in mind — to make caring for your pool a simple pleasure. With a wealth of experience, knowledge and proven BioGuard products, caring for your pool will be clear and simple — guaranteed.

Proud sponsor of Splash for CF™ www.splashforCF.ca

2 rrpools.ca BACKYARD ESCAPES

A company is not just a company By Fred Sgambati

when it’s a family

When it comes to in-ground pools in HRM and surrounding areas, there’s only one name for quality and value: R&R Pools in Timberlea.

Knowledgeable employees and solid after-care service keep customers coming back, and Derek and Kara wouldn’t have it any other way.

Owned and operated by Derek Redden, R&R has been in business for 25 years offering high-end products, a wealth of experience, and superior customer service.

R&R offers customized in-ground pools, Hayward brand accessories such as pumps and filters and BioGuard chemicals to keep water fresh and clean. R&R’s philosophy is simple. “We ask, ‘What’s the value of a dollar?’ You can’t compromise on quality and that is why we stick with the higher brands,” says Kara. They provide monthly e-newsletters, Facebook and Twitter updates, and plenty of information in store. “It is great for the do-it-yourselfer who wants a hands-on experience. Education is a big part of what we do,” she says.

The business embraces and emphasizes family—Derek and his wife, Cindy, started their small business in the Eighties. Cindy managed the retail sector until her passing in 2007. Daughter Kara is now store manager, and sister Brandy has taken over in retail. Kara’s partner Ryan Fitzpatrick is a Service Tech, as is daughter Minnie Morash. “We’re a small family business that enjoys a one-on-one relationship with our customers,” says Kara. Our goal is to provide a relaxing vacation at home that involves less work, and more play.

R&R Pools is a full service store that sells top of the line leisure products. Their know-how and commitment to quality makes the pool experience as easy and comfortable as it is to relax in the water in the summer time.

FAST FACTS • Offers above-ground and in-ground swimming pools, accessories and water treatment products. • Same location for 25 years – 1949 St. Margaret’s Bay Rd., five minutes from Bayer’s Lake • Free water testing for R&R clients • Free quote on in-ground installation • Free DIY seminars • Coupons and in-store promotions on the web (www.rrpools.ca) and on Facebook (facebook.com/rrpools.ca). Additional information, call:

902-876-2773

BACKYARD ESCAPES

rrpools.ca

Mark your calendar

Make your spring opening easy and trouble free with R & R Pools.

The Victoria Day Weekend is the official kick-off to pool season and R&R Pools in Timberlea is the place to be. Our customer service representatives and service techs will be on hand to answer all of your questions. As well, R&R Pools offers seminars to educate customers on how to open, maintain and close their pools during the season.

Spring Opening Seminar: Thursday May 5th 7pm at the Bedford Legion. Make your pool opening a breeze! RSVP for more details 876.2773 Victoria Day Weekend Annual SALE May 21-23 See in-store for specials Sat 9-3 Sun 12-3 Mon 9-5 Bring the kids and enjoy some munchies while you wait for your water test! And help us fight against Cystic Fibrosis.

Maintenance Seminar: Late June; Work less, spend less and enjoy your pool more this summer! Fall Closing Seminar: Early September; Is closing your Pool a Puzzle? For more details, check out R&R’s Facebook page (facebook.com/rrpools.ca), website (www.rrpools.ca) and keep an eye on your mailbox for updates.

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OutDoor Living Trends Bring the hottest design elements of your home, outside

Backyard life these days is about more than just a cold drink on the deck. People are using their outdoor spaces more and they are bringing the design elements of their home outside. We spoke to some of Canada’s talented landscape designers about the hottest trends for your backyard. Outdoor Living Trends…. The concept of the outdoor room has been around for more than a few years but that idea is now translating into multiple rooms in one backyard. Design expert and HGTV television host Carson Arthur says more and more people are looking at less lawn and more usable space. “We always look at full sun patios, but what about a shaded area? Plant a big tree and do a seating area 6 leisurescapes.com BACKYARD ESCAPES

under the tree. It takes out a huge section of grass. It’s environmentally friendly because the tree is going to remove the CO2 from the air, but also you lower the ambient temperature in your backyard with the shade.” Nan Keenan of Toronto-based Kennan Designs says her clients are creating separate rooms outside. “A lot of time people will have a living room and they’ll actually even have a dining room and a leisure area by a pool, or pond, or hot tub.” Economics, and in particular rising housing prices, are driving people into smaller homes, particularly in the cities, so the natural next step is using outdoor space that may have been left as lawn before. “It’s really quite nice

now because people are really taking advantage of, and using, the space they have,” says Keenan. The result is a multi-use backyard and less lawn. In fact, many people are choosing to get rid of the grass altogether. They cite the work needed for maintenance, water and chemical bans, as well as difficulties like growing grass under

increasingly mature trees as reasons as reasons to opt for other surfaces. Larger patios are becoming more common, as are surfaces like pea gravel or wood chips. Even young families are doing without the lawns. Keenan says they make do with visits to the local park or they find other options for their kids. She recalls one client with young children that got rid of the grass completely in favour of pea gravel. “It was like a big sand box,” says Keenan. “They had their dump trucks out there. They loved it.”

creating usable spaces where people can live, both inside the home and outside. Economics mean trips to the cottage are less likely so people want the cottage lifestyle in their backyard. Carson Arthur calls the backyard the

‘new frontier’ in home design. Home and Garden television has driven interior design over the last decade but it is now pushing those efforts outside to create calm and inviting living spaces in the yard.

Some of that lawn space is also being turned into gardens for growing vegetables. The organic and local food movement is moving into the backyards with people growing their own food. People are either building gardens or incorporating edible plants into their current flower gardens. Plants like herbs or vegetables like tomatoes look good, and, Keenan says, mixed with the exotic perennials they create a great visual mosaic. The environment is another big motivator in current design trends. The price of products like paving stones made from recycled glass bottles or decks made from plastic bags have come down to the point that they are comparable with the more commonly used materials. “Their sales trends have gone shooting through the roof, because [the companies] are now using that message to homeowners, saying you can have the home of your dreams and you can do right by the environment,” says Arthur. Nan Keenan adds that the green movement in landscape design is only going to increase. She’s seeing growing interest into concepts like green walls and green roofs. “I am very keen on trying this vertical growing. You can do your annuals that way. You can grow your herbs.” The walls are a whole new way to incorporate greenery into a backyard design and they come with irrigation systems that make care easier. The roofs too, Keenan says, will become more common as the use of such technologies in office buildings in major centres translate into residential homes. Backyard design is becoming less about the big lawn and more about BACKYARD ESCAPES

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the benefits of hydrotherapy

For centuries mankind has been using hot water to cure what ails us. From the Roman baths to the backyard hot tub, we love to soak in warm water to relax and soothe our aches and pains. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, is reputed to have prescribed hydrotherapy to his patients thousands of years ago. Today, people suffering from arthritis, fibromyalgia, soft tissue injuries, diabetes and even the common cold are seeing benefits from simply soaking in a relaxing hot tub. “We discovered the real benefit of it quite by accident,” says Nova Scotia orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Eric Howatt. His wife suffered injuries after a serious car accident in 1999. She was talked into trying a friend’s hot tub one night when she was in particular pain. “She got in the hot tub at their request and she was like a new person when she came out.” It wasn’t long before the Howatt’s had their own hot tub and she was using it two or three times a day. “It was the thing that kept her going,” says Dr. Howatt. Saskatoon writer Bonnie Zink too finds relief soaking in hot water. She uses a jet bathtub, but the result is the same. A long time sufferer of osteoarthritis, she often finds medications don’t alleviate

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the aching in her back and neck enough. She says soaking in hot water works wonders. “It loosens my muscles, which then alleviates the pains that I experience. Headaches dissipate. Joints become limber and almost pain free.” Hydrotherapy is commonly used in physiotherapy and rehabilitation activities but having a hot tub at home can provide immediate relief for everything from diabetes to sleep problems. Doug Gillespie of Hydropool Hot Tubs in Toronto says a lot of customers report a calmer, healthier lifestyle after buying a hot tub. “The number one reason people are buying hot tubs is for wellbeing and stress relief. If you can hop into a hot tub and the snow is falling or the stars are out, spend a little time with your family and friends, a hot tub allows people to reconnect. Outside of the health benefits it certainly promotes a lot of togetherness for the family.”

customers, since they started using our tiger balm crystals, no longer takes pain killers. They soak in that every day and they no longer have to take medication.” The theory behind the therapeutic fragrance is that while the body absorbs the water care products in the hot tub water, it is also absorbing the beneficial extracts in the aromatherapy product. Regardless of the marketing spin, medical evidence supports hot tub

health claims. Soaking in hot water lowers blood pressure and allows the blood to bring more oxygen deeper into the tissue, while at the same time more efficiently cleaning out the carbon dioxide. More antibodies are produced, therefore boosting the immune system, and endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain killer, are released easing aches and pains. So do something good for yourself and go soak in a hot tub to allow the warm water soothe your body and mind!

New products are also improving the hot tub experience. Lorette Kalender, CEO of Pharmaspa, is promoting the use of aromatherapy and herbal supplements in the bath or hot tub. “One of my

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staycation a vacation getaway right in your own backyard

lackberries and iPads, telecommuting and flex-time: they were all contrived with the idea of making our lives easier. Instead, they seem to tether us all the more tightly to work. The ever present call of the office makes quality vacation time more important, yet a still suffering economy and the rising cost of travel make getting away from it all harder to do. It’s a conundrum Maureen Shade solved by building her own vacation getaway right in her own backyard. “We decided this would be our country home,” she says about her family’s plan to redesign their Toronto backyard. “I don’t feel like I’m in the city.” The result has been a pool with cabana, a hot tub, a basketball court, as well

10 leisurescapes.com BACKYARD ESCAPES

a fire pit and eating area. “It gives a peaceful, tranquil feeling.” Shade says she often comes home after a stressful day and just steps outside for a moment to feel the atmosphere help release her tension. “I love it. I love it. I even put a heater outside, she says, adding the outdoor spaces get used more than the indoor rooms. “My kids do homework out there. We’ve gotten to the point that they can watch television out there. It’s really like a home outside.” The idea of creating that vacation atmosphere at home is one that’s really catching on says BonaVista Leisurescapes owner Jennifer Gannon. “Over the last few years we have seen noticeable growth in the number of

requests for people who are seeking a backyard oasis as an alternative to a cottage.” Whether’s it’s just a hot tub or a full redesign of the yard, people want to use their backyards in ways they haven’t in the past. “People are designing space outdoors with the same care and attention as they decorate their interiors,” says Gannon. For her part, Nova Scotia mom Nancy Bossuyt was tired of taking the kids out to the lake after a busy week. “That was just way too much work.” Putting a pool in her yard has changed more than just the family gas bill; it has changed their whole lifestyle. “Last summer we took two weeks off and we just stayed at home.”

Tips for Creating Your Own Vacation at Home: So you’ve decided to take your vacation at home this year… but before you settle in you may want to set some ground rules to make sure everyone is ready to relax together. • Act like you’re on vacation. Turn off your blackberry or cell phone. • Do you want the kids buried in their DS or iPod? If this may be a hazard, lay down some rules about when and where the use of electronics will be allowed. • If you were away on vacation you’d have things planned. Plan a family game or buy a volleyball net for the pool to keep people together and having fun. • Take some pictures. Every other vacation has photos of the kids swimming or playing around, why should this be any different?

Bossuyt credits the change to her local pool and spa dealer Holland Home Leisure. Part owner Brad Sweet says he started promoting the idea of a vacation at home when his own family vacation became more work than fun. The cottage lawn had to be mowed more often than the family could get away, and the trips down south didn’t seem to have the staying power they hoped for. “My wife works and I work. We have done the trips away and it’s a fantastic time but when you get home it’s done. What do you do for the rest of the 50 weeks?”

Instead Sweet opted for an inground pool and has never looked back. “Live life now is my theory. Everything is based on payments today. It’s affordable, whether you’re putting $200 away a month for a family vacation or $200 for a hot tub or pool.” For her part, Maureen Shade says after three summers of having their new backyard, her three teenage kids don’t even ask to go away on vacation. “I would do it again in a heartbeat, and I would do it as opposed to a cottage.” Friends and neighbours refer to the yard as heaven and Shade agrees. You can almost hear the tension drain from her voice and she looks into her yard. “It’s our oasis, really it is.”

• Eat like you’re on holiday. The BBQ can cook different things at the same time. Why not make burgers for the kids while making something more adventurous for the adults? • Decide who is on vacation with you. Is it just family or do you want the whole neighbourhood dropping in? Maybe have a pool party to see your friends but keep some time for yourselves too. • Don’t treat this like a second choice. Whether you have decided to stay home for financial reasons or just because you’re tired of being on the go all the time, make this a time for you and your family. Get in the pool, go bike riding or go for a walk. Have fun! BACKYARD ESCAPES

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grilling Lifestyle the perfect outdoor experience

Jackson Grills Premier 850 built in.

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Whether you are setting up a full outdoor kitchen or just want to throw a few steaks on a portable barbeque, the grill is a big part of living outdoors… and having the right barbeque can make your summer experience complete. With so many options on the market, it can be hard to figure out just what might suit your life and your backyard. The first step is to consider your lifestyle. Are you a gourmet chef looking to create a whole meal outdoors, or do you just want a good grill to get those burgers tasting great? Al Jackson of Jackson Grills in Duncan, British Columbia says a buyer needs to know what kind of cooking they want to do. “Barbequing and grilling are two different things.” Jackson says gas grills, be it propane or natural gas, are great for convenience. They come up to temperature very quickly and are designed to function well in cold climates. Charcoal, says Jackson, impart a unique flavor but it takes more time. “It’s a bit more of an event. When you want to cook on

your charcoal grill you want to do it on a weekend or when you are having guests.” Ninety-five percent of grills in Canada are gas fired, but Jackson says charcoal is seeing a big resurgence in Canada. Once you’ve settled on the type of cooking surface, Jackson says it is important to think ahead to how you’ll use it. He recommends thinking about rotisserie options. The most popular option is becoming an infrared rotisserie burner. It’s a ceramic burner located in the back of the grill so meat dripping off the rotisserie does not hit a hot burner and cause flare ups. “The infrared energy transmits to the meal and locks in the juices and creates almost like a crust on the outside of the meat that keeps all the juices on the inside.” Just like your kitchen, having the right tools can make grilling easier, and more fun. Here are a few options to bring some style to your outdoor grill:

• Smoker Boxes: These popular new tools can impart all sorts of new flavours to your food. Hickory wood chips are great with beef while fish is nice cooked with apple wood. • Grill Stone: This may sound a little odd but these stones are made from quarried porous rock. The stone is placed on the grill and the meat is placed directly on top. The stone slab prevents flare ups but also creates an even heat for superior cooking.

• Lighting: Tired of juggling tongs and a flashlight or cooking in the dark, today’s grill aficionados are making BBQ lighting the most popular grill accessory on the market right now. The LED lights are mounted off the rotisserie grill or off the side shelf and make year round grilling easier. • Try a steam cleaner for your BBQ, these are a twist on the traditional BBQ brush, they add water to the mix which the hot grill turns to steam for an easy, non-chemical, way to clean the grill.

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tuscan pool party simple sophistication

Mark DeWolf is a wine, food and entertainment editor, a sommelier instructor with the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers and owner of By the Glass; a tour company specializing in food and wine adventures in Italy, Spain and France amongst other destinations. With the warm weather here, there is nothing like having a barbecue and dining outside. Everything seems to taste better under the summer sun. While we Canadians may claim our own barbeque expertise, it is the Italians who are the original experts of outdoor dining. Al fresco (in the fresh air) is after all an Italian term. But you don’t need the rolling Tuscan hills as your backdrop to create an Italian style outdoor dining experience in your backyard. All you need are good ingredients, great drinks and above all else friends and family. 16 leisurescapes.com BACKYARD ESCAPES

by Mark DeWolf

Eating Tips Cooking in Tuscany is all about seasonality and letting the flavour of the ingredient shine. Translating this to Canada is as simple as heading to your local farmer’s market to pick out fresh produce and converting your mentality to a less is more approach to cooking. Bruschetta (pronounced brus’ketta) shouldn’t be buried in tomatoes and inexpensive processed mozzarella, like it is at most ‘Italian’ restaurants in Canada. This classic primi (served before the meal) course is at its best as simple grilled bread rubbed with garlic and soaked with really good olive oil; it doesn’t get much better than that. Add some grilled seasonal vegetables, slices of prosciutto and bowls of olives and suddenly you have an antipasto extravaganza that’s loaded with flavour, true to Tuscan traditions, and only minutes in the making.

What would a barbeque be without a little protein? In Tuscany, it’s all about Bistecca alla Fiorentina; which is simply grilled T-Bone steak. There’s nothing complicated here, just a choice cut of beef brushed with olive oil and seasoned with sea salt.

red wine). Even in Tuscany, these wines are for special occasions. When celebrating outside, stick to carafes full of pleasant, quaffable red and white wines; be it cherry scented Chianti or a grassy Vernaccia; the latter a white wine made near San Gimignano. For the cocktail crowd serve up the Negroni; a surprisingly refreshingly blend of gin, sweet red vermouth and Campari.

Negroni Cocktail

Giopetto’s Grilled Peaches (serves 8)

Bistecca alla Fiorentina

We serve this simple dish at outdoor pool parties while on tour in Tuscany. Despite only having two ingredients it’s a show stopper, or better said a show starter as its smoky, sweet contrast provides an explosion of flavours and gets everyone’s taste buds alive and ready for the meal to come.

At our villa, located outside of Montalcino, in Southern Tuscany, rosemary grows in enormous bushes. We grab it by the handful to use instead of a brush to add olive oil to beef and pork before grilling. We even add it to the coals on occasion to lend a little extra flavour to our barbequed fare. Ingredients: 2 T-Bone Steaks ½ cup extra virgin olive oil 2-3 rosemary skewers Cracked Pepper Sea Salt

Ingredients: 4 firm peaches 12 slices of prosciutto, halved lengthwise Directions: 1. Halve the peaches and remove the pits. 2. Slice each peach half into three slices. 3. Place a slice of peach on a slice of prosciutto; wrap the prosciutto around the peach. 4. Place the prosciutto wrapped peaches, edge side down, on the grill over a medium heat. 5. Once the edge side is sealed by the heat, turn the peaches and cook. You want the prosciutto to be crispy but not burnt. 6. Delicately remove the peaches from the grill and place on a platter. Let the peaches cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

(serves 8)

Directions: 1. Remove the beef from the refrigerator at least 20 minutes before grilling. 2. Brush the beef with the olive oil using the rosemary skewers. 3. Season with cracked pepper. 4. Grill the beef for about 7 minutes on each side until the crust is well charred. 5. Season the beef with sea salt; then allow the beef to rest for about 8-10 minutes. 6. Carve the beef into slices and place on a platter circled with rosemary. Drink Tips Wine plays an important role in any Italian meal but no more so than when entertaining with friends and family. You don’t have to visit your local wine specialty shop to find a lauded Super Tuscan or a vintage Brunello (Southern Tuscany’s most celebrated and expensive

Ingredients: 1 oz gin 1 oz sweet red vermouth 1 oz Campari Directions: 1. Fill a rocks glass with ice and top with gin, sweet red vermouth and Campari. 2. Stir until well incorporated and garnish with a twist of orange. Decor Tips Like the food and drink creating a Tuscan inspired outdoor dining setting by the pool requires a less is more approach. Vine covered trellises, latticework and pergolas are a natural choice but for those looking for a less permanent approach can think about hanging baskets full of flowers or using old peach baskets or wine barrels (if you can find them) as rustic planters to give your outdoor space some old world charm. As for the table setting, the Italian table is devoid of too much clutter - it leaves more room for the food and drink. Fine quality Italian linen runners with matching placemats and napkins are ideal for grown-up entertaining but for less formal affairs look for solid coloured linens in tones such as red, yellow and green that match the colours of the mustard and poppy flower adorned hills of Tuscany. Set place settings with simple tumblers and serve the wine in terracotta carafes. To complete the look use terracotta flower pots full of sturdy herbs such as rosemary and thyme in lieu of elaborate centerpieces.

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Ask The ExpertS Canadian Backyard Gurus Nan Keenan & Robert Boltman

I want to redesign my backyard but I want to do the work myself. Is there a point at which I need to call in an expert? Much of that decision will depend on the scope of the design says Nan Keenan of Keenan Design. Putting in a vegetable garden may simply involve a trip to the local nursery or garden supply centre for advice, but she says larger projects need some long term vision. The Canadian-based landscape designer recommends finding a qualified person who will offer a consultation without fee or obligation, even if the project is small but might be part of any future renovation. “It’s a personal decision,” says Robert Boltman of B sq. design studio inc., but he adds it might be time to call in an expert when the yard project gets beyond the client’s design capabilities. He says often clients have difficulty visualizing the space outside. Designing inside with walls that define the space is one thing but moving outside is a whole different scope. “When you are outside it’s hard because the ceiling is enormous. We have to create that space; we have to bring down that ceiling.” Boltman says part of the job of a designer is to create structure and bring things to scale. Often people will decide on elements they think will work but once installed they either don’t fit very well or don’t really flow together. “We put things in perspective for people. We 18 leisurescapes.com BACKYARD ESCAPES

can show them what a 20’ by 40’ pool looks like. We’ll tell them if it’s too big.” Boltman recommends having a good idea of what you want in the yard and then seeking a professional to make it all work together. “A lot of people are using the internet these days to focus in more of what they really want.” He says that’s great and saves time and energy for everyone involved. He laughs as he says sometimes people don’t do that and will start arguing about design elements in his office. “It’s always fun being in that conversation.” What are some of the common mistakes people make when starting a backyard project? It can be hard to visualize size and space in a backyard and often that means people over estimate what will fit. Robert Boltman says clients sometimes want a bigger pool but they can’t understand that doing so will mean there is no room for a seating area or other spaces that will make the yard comfortable and useable. Boltman says it’s also important to really think about how the space will be used in all season and over time. A good example is a hot tub. Boltman says he often asks if clients plan to use a hot tub in winter. If the answer is yes, moving the tub close to the house can save a cold run through the winter snow. Nan Keenan says often people make the

mistake of doing a project piecemeal. “They work in one corner and get that all done and then do another corner. What ends up happening is it doesn’t really flow well.” Keenan says, even if people are doing the work themselves, it’s worth the money to get a good design from which to work. Another big mistake Keenan sees is when it comes to choosing plants. She says it is important to look at the atmosphere and space the plant will be growing in and choose appropriately. The trend is now moving towards opting for native plants, but just because the plant is native to the area doesn’t mean it is native to your soil. “Take the dogwood, for example,” says Keenan. “They require water and a certain amount of light but because it is native people think it will grow in their yard.” Taking care of my lawn is becoming difficult with increasing bans on chemical and water. How do you recommend keeping a healthy lawn? “Don’t under estimate an irrigation system,” recommends Robert Boltman. “An irrigation system is by far one of the most valuable things you can include in your garden.” Boltman says water sensitive irrigation systems reduce work and unnecessary watering and can utilize rain water and rooftop run off. “It is an added expense to the garden” he admits, “but you can store water these days, you can save that water and water your lawn of course.”

For her part, Nan Keenan admits lawn care is difficult in the current environmentally sensitive environment. More and more municipalities are banning pesticides and other lawn chemicals. Keenan says companies

are moving to more environmentally sensitive products, but she says battling weeds is still a difficult fight. Choosing a different grass seed might alleviate some problems says the landscape designer. “There is seed that you can buy that requires very little water, doesn’t require a lot of sun and doesn’t require a lot of cutting.”

of environment.” Taking that route also lets you keep the garden looking good all season long. A vegetable garden can look unsightly at certain times of the year but mixing the veggies in with other plants can keep it looking lush.

I want to start growing my food. How should I go about putting in a vegetable garden? Growing food at home is a great idea for both your health and the environment but Keenan says people need to be aware of the space they have available. “I often suggest growing vegetables in containers,” says Keenan. It also offers the advantage of controlling the soil content and adjusting the location for sun. If you do want a traditional garden, prepare the soil well and make sure the location gets lots of sunlight. “Sometimes incorporating it right into the garden is not such a bad idea either. I would encourage putting a tomato plant amongst your other flower shrubs. There are a lot of lovely looking herbs that also work well in that kind

Naneen Keenan

Robert Boltman

keenandesign.ca

bsqdesign.com

• Attended Belleville’s Loyalist College Architectural Program in 1990. • Graduate from the Ryerson University’s Landscape Architecture Program w/ honours in 1997. • Worked with quite a number of ‘high end’ design/build companies such as, Allweather Landscaping and D.A. Gracey and Associates. • Keenan Design is also versed in land development and municipalities, provided a strong background in other areas of landscape architecture, including commercial, industrial and institutional design. • Keenan Design has won a number of ‘Communities in Blooms’ awards for their clients in both Scarborough and East York in the past. Most recently we were rewarded for the entry garden into the Canada Bloom show, designed and installed by Keenan Design and others within the LO group in 2007. • Keenan Design is a recognized member of the association of Landscape Ontario’s Horticultural Association since 1998. • Our basic philosophy within the landscaping field is that ‘no job is considered too small, large or complicated for us’. Keenan Design is truly enthusiastic about what they do and consider designing landscape as creating art with living material. We are very much a ‘hold your hand kind of company’ as working ‘one on one’ with our clientele is what we do best, what we enjoy most! Having your dream garden come to fruition through our expertise, is why we’re in the business.

Bsq Design Studio Inc, was started in 2008 between Alex and Robert. Although this will be our fourth year together, designing and building, we have been in the business for over 7 years prior. Robert is a grad student from the Landscape Architecture school at Ryerson and Guelph University. The main focus of Bsq is on residential landscape design, however we do extend our services into other areas. We consider ourselves unique, not only our designs are creative but we work out of a shipping container (10 x 20) converted into a modern design office. This was originally done for our display in the Interior design Show in 2009. This little green box has won us several awards within the industry and helped us make a name for ourselves. The notoriety doesn’t hurt either. If it wasn’t for this shipping container idea and participation at the 2009 Interior Design Show we would not have been asked to represent Canada globally last year. www.bsqdesign.com BACKYARD ESCAPES

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pool safety 101

Simple ways to keep your family safe A backyard pool can be a source of fun and relaxation for families, but the water must be treated with respect and attention. Pool safety needs to be of paramount concern to pool owners, especially those with children in the house, as well as in the neighbourhood. Sadly the Red Cross reports drowning as the leading cause of death in children aged one to four and a swimming pool at home increases the chances. Mother of two Shannon Defer was worried about her two kids, now aged 5 and 8, when she and her husband bought their Nova Scotia house. Their first move was to install a locking gate to the deck that wraps around their above ground pool. “The gate always stays locked, unless we are actively using the pool,” says Defer. The kids can play in the yard and Defer has peace of mind knowing the kids can’t access the pool. It was a good move according to the Red Cross which reports installing self-closing and self-locking gates would eliminate nearly all toddler pool drowning. Making sure kids don’t have access to the pool in other ways is also important. Ladders to above ground pools can be removed when not in use and patio furniture and other potential climbing hazards should be kept away from the pool to prevent unsupervised access. Defer says her son once tried to move a patio box over to the pool gate. Her husband caught him and threatened to dismantle the pool if the ever did something like that again. “He was serious,” says Defer. “We would get rid of the pool if we thought it was going to be a risk.” Teaching your kids to be comfortable in and around the water is another important step says Dalhousie University 20 leisurescapes.com BACKYARD ESCAPES

money or no more money swim coach David Fry. Living Leadingyou Warranties because don’t need as near the ocean, he saysIndustry he’s Industry Leading many lessons to get to the always surprised at how Warranties point where they are, at many people who work on least, safe in the water.” or near the water don’t know olids to mesh how to swim. Whether it is Yard Guard™ Pool Cover Limited Warranty Protection Mesh BlocMesh 99™he AquaMaster™ a backyard pool or living Standard However, warns, lessons (all colors) (green) (blue, green) near a lake or river, knowing replace parental Grid Pattern 5x5 can’t 3x3 5x5 3x3 5x5 3x3 how to swim is paramount. vigilance. Something Defer 10 year • “Let’s face it, in Canada, not • says •she and her husband 12 year • to many people are too far take seriously. She says 15 year • • away from at leastWarranties one byof sometimes her daughter’s cover and size of grid (5’ x 5’ and 3’ x 3’) A Complete Range those things.” friends areofsurprised at the A Complete Range ofstrict level of the pool rules, but the Defers stand firm. Fry says swim lessons are but up to 70% oating will not always a good idea and “They are not allowed into cover choice. Whatever type of cover you need, Guard™ has an attractive theYard pool until the parent gets recommends starting kids selection of colors sure to enhance the enjoyment of your pool and first.” young. “They become your property. Adding years ofinbeauty and security, Yard Guard™ of choice for homeowners across North America. comfortable in is the thepool cover water as infants and that’s a big The kids may think it is step.” When they get older, strict, but it lets the Defers he says small classes are the enjoy their pool all summer way to go. In fact, he says knowing their kids are safe. more parents are opting for Lasting summer memories private lessons. “They learn are happiest when safety is ock up to 99% a priority. Combining the much more quickly,” he says. rmer. “You end upyardguardpoolproducts.com spending less

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Backyards Made Beautiful

Showcasing Canada’s finest Aqua-tech (below)

This Winnipeg River Heights pool and doll house illustrates how a cozy small backyard can create a cottage look while being only 5 minutes to downtown. Aqua-Tech Winnipeg designer Joe Urmos

Pool Spa Sauna (above)

Here is an adult Sport Pool 3’ to 5’ deep and a kiddie pool beside, with a maximum depth of 18” in the centre. The temperature in the kiddie pool can be warmed separately (from the adult pool) for young children. It can also be elevated to 104 degrees F for adults to enjoy as a Hot Springs ... then this extra-hot water can be circulated into the main pool.

Bonavista (below)

This modern urban escape was built for a client who lives in downtown Toronto. It is a full perimeter overflow hot tub that appears to cascade into the lower pool which has a negative edge. It is a clever example of engineering and design using custom concrete to create a dramatic contemporary retreat.

JOhn’s leisurescapes (above)

Located just outside Everett ON., this is a beautiful full length limestone waterfeature on a Mountain Lake pool. One of the prettiest settings, surrounded by mature trees.

Beechmount (Right)

A Beechmount LeisureScapes renovated pool in the KitchenerWaterloo area. 22 leisurescapes.com BACKYARD ESCAPES

Water & Wellness (below)

Beach cottage in Meaford, customer wanted to enjoy the views of the bay and the night sky when using their hot tub.

Holland Home Leisure (above)

Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, 28 x 45 Freeform Pool, Autumn Brown Flagstone decking. Beautiful custom designed swimming pool positioned to maximize the gorgeous view of the seaside while swimming and lounging at this summer retreat.

Kandu Pools (below)

A Kandu Pool On The Shores of Lake Erie

sunshine pools (above)

Large Monterey style pool complements this backyard paradiseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s charm perfectly in Kelowna BC.

R & R pools (below)

Installed in 1997, Chester, NS, 38 x 53 Vanishing Edge. Customer wanted pool placed on an angle to take advantage of the ocean view. Pool water running right into the ocean. On occasion, 3 moons can be seen at night; one in the sky, one in the ocean and one in the pool.

mayfair pools (above)

The 8â&#x20AC;? Roman Curved stair adds a soft line to this Full-L pool located in Markham, Ontario. BACKYARD ESCAPES

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Project Evolution

In February 2011, BonaVista Pools won coveted gold at the 2010 Canadian Design and Constructions Awards for best in class pool. The winning pool featured a custom concrete project with infinity edge, waterfall, automatic covers and salt water. The winning pool, located on the shores of Nottawasaga Bay, in the sub-basin of Georgian Bay near Meadford was designed to

blend with it’s natural surroundings. The natural teak decking material and slate accents with the grey interior finish accomplishes just this as the deck and infinity edge almost disappear with the landscape. The modern construction of this pool compliments the architecture of the house, a project designed by Graham Smith, an architect from Altius Architecture Inc. in Toronto.

Jennifer Gannon, Proprietor of BonaVista LeisureScapes stated “This pool project gave us the opportunity to demonstrate BonaVista Pool’s ability to work together with an architect to achieve the clients’ vision - a project that allowed nature to be the focus. The water on the pool surface and windows of the home create a peaceful reflection of the bay. We worked to maintain this tranquility of design while seamlessly incorporating the clients’ desire for the safety, peace of mind, and energy efficiency afforded by the automatic cover.” The Burgetz project was so spectacular, it was an obvious choice for the BackYard Escapes Spring 2011, Project Evolution piece. BonaVista Pools is a family owned and operated business with over 40 years of experience in custom concrete water projects; from sporty indoor pools, chique backyard spas and “Zen-like” water features, to tranquil lakeside landscapes. BonaVista is the waterside expert for the backyard escape.

stage 1: Architect specifies the pool as part of the complete project. 1. Copyright of this drawing is reserved by the Architect. The drawing and all associated documents are an instrument of service by the Architect. The drawing and the information contained therein may not be reproduced in whole or in part without prior written permission of the Architect. 2. These Contract Documents are the property of the Architect. The Architect bears no responsibility for the interpretation of these documents by the Contractor. Upon written application, the Architect will provide written/graphic clarification or supplementary information regarding the intent of the Contract Documents. The Architect will review Shop Drawings submitted by the Contractor for design conformance only. 3. Drawings are not to be scaled for construction. The Contractor is to verify all existing conditions and dimensions required to perform the work and report any discrepancies with the Contract Documents to the Architect before commencing any work. 4. Positions of exposed finished mechanical or electrical devices, fittings, and fixtures are indicated on architectural drawings. The locations shown on the architectural drawings govern over the Mechanical and Electrical drawings. Those items not clearly located will be located as directed by the Architect.

5. These drawings are not to be used for constuction unless noted below as "Issuance: For Construction"

22'-10 3/4"

6. All work is to be carried out in conformance with the Code and Bylaws of the authorities having jurisdiction.

7. The Architect of these plans and specifications gives no warranty or representation to any party about the constructability of the building(s) represented by them. All contractors or subcontractors must satisfy themselves when bidding and at all times ensure that they can properly construct the work represented by these plans. © Altius architecture inc 2005

16'-1 3/16"

15°

06/09/07

Construction Drawings Permit Application Review Review Review

28/09/07 05/10/07 18/10/07 01/11/07 21/11/07

5'-2"

8 9

W: 181.9" H from ICF to beam: 107"

RC 5'-3"

POOL

HOT TUB

10 11 12

Wood Deck 112 A: 921.03 sq ft

13'-9"

W: 145" H to beam: 39.5"

Master Bedroom 114 A: 327.52 sq ft

DATE DD/MM/YY 09/06/07

Preliminary Design Construction Drawings

6 7

23'-9 1/2"

ISSUANCE

1 2 3 4 5

Review Issued for Construction Issued for Construction Issued for Construction Issued for Construction

11/12/07 21/12/07 06/02/08 09/05/08 30/05/08

Issued for Construction

11/06/08

Issued for Construction

12/08/08

Issued for Construction

30/10/08

Issued for Construction

15/01/09

Issued for Construction

12/02/09

W: 35.8" H(T.O.W): 80.7"

1. Copyright of this drawing is reserved by the Architect. The drawing and all associated documents are an instrument of service by the Architect. The drawing and the information contained therein may not be reproduced in whole or in part without prior written permission of the Architect. 2. These Contract Documents are the property of the Architect. The Architect bears no responsibility for the interpretation of these documents by the Contractor. Upon written application, the Architect will provide written/graphic clarification or supplementary information regarding the intent of the Contract Documents. The Architect will review Shop Drawings submitted by the Contractor for design conformance only.

49'-2 1/2"

6'-9 15/16"

3. Drawings are not to be scaled for construction. The Contractor is to verify all existing conditions and dimensions required to perform the work and report any discrepancies with the Contract Documents to the Architect before commencing any work.

RWL Below Deck

Green Roof 215 A: 987.80 sq ft

Hallway 111 A: 40.00 sq ft

4. Positions of exposed finished mechanical or electrical devices, fittings, and fixtures are indicated on architectural drawings. The locations shown on the architectural drawings govern over the Mechanical and Electrical drawings. Those items not clearly located will be located as directed by the Architect.

Sauna 110 A: 37.96 sq ft

5. These drawings are not to be used for constuction unless noted below as "Issuance: For Construction" 6. All work is to be carried out in conformance with the Code and Bylaws of the authorities having jurisdiction. 7. The Architect of these plans and specifications gives no warranty or representation to any party about the constructability of the building(s) represented by them. All contractors or subcontractors must satisfy themselves when bidding and at all times ensure that they can properly construct the work represented by these plans. © Altius architecture inc 2005

Green Roof 217 A: 224.69 sq ft

3'-8 3/8"

6'-2 3/16"

Deck Plan-Ground Floor SCALE: 1/4" = 1'-0" 23'-1/4" eq

5'-10 1/2"

3'-10"

11'-3"

# 1

ISSUANCE Preliminary Design

2 3 4 5 6 7

Construction Drawings Construction Drawings Permit Application Review Review Review

8 9 10 11

Review Issued for Construction Issued for Construction Issued for Construction

12 6'-8"

9'-11 1/2"

6'-8"

4'-7"

One Atlantic Ave, Suite 120 Toronto M6K 3E7

DATE DD/MM/YY 09/06/07

Issued for Construction

06/09/07 28/09/07 05/10/07 18/10/07 01/11/07 21/11/07 11/12/07 21/12/07 06/02/08 09/05/08 30/05/08

Issued for Construction

11/06/08

Issued for Construction

12/08/08

Issued for Construction

30/10/08

Issued for Construction

15/01/09

Issued for Construction

12/02/09

t: 416 516 7772 x 22 f: 416 516 7774 e: graham@altius.net

9'-8"

3'-10"

15°

POOL

project contact: Graham Smith

6'-10"

CONC. SLAB SIZE DEPENDS OF THE HOT TUB

Burgetz Residence 175 Sunset Blvd Blue Mountains. ON project # 2006-38 scale

Pool/Deck Plan 1

Deck Plan-Basement SCALE: 1/4" = 1'-0"

A9.2

One Atlantic Ave, Suite 120 Toronto M6K 3E7 t: 416 516 7772 x 22 f: 416 516 7774 e: graham@altius.net

project contact: Graham Smith

Burgetz Residence 175 Sunset Blvd Blue Mountains. ON project # 2006-38 scale

Pool | Deck 3d

A9.4

24 leisurescapes.com BACKYARD ESCAPES

stage 2: BonaVista designs the pool details This solar heated lap pool has a negative edge, natural slate waterline, ipe wood deck surround with two sets of steps built-in and an automatic cover which serves to insulate and provide safety when closed.

Right: Drawings that BonaVista developed based on the vision of the architect for the pool that we were hired to construct.

stage 3: construction

This 9â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 45â&#x20AC;&#x2122; lap pool took the crew from BonaVista five days to form and reinforce with steel in preparation for the custom shotcrete shell. BACKYARD ESCAPES

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stage 4: completion

The design of this award-winning swimming pool and home blends naturally with the Georgian Bay wilderness reflected in the windows.

26 leisurescapes.com BACKYARD ESCAPES

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keeping a pool shouldn’t be a chore

everyone deserves a little R & R

By Fred Sgambati

The key to living life now and enjoying a backyard vacation is easy if you know how, and R&R Pools can provide all the tools to make opening, maintaining and closing your pool a breeze. It is all about understanding what needs to be done. R&R Pools believes that having the right partner can make or break the pool experience. Staff shares their knowledge freely through three seminars a season. Their website (www.rrpools.ca) provides checklists and instructions consumers can download and handy tips are available in e-newsletters and on their Facebook page (facebook.com/rrpools.ca). And with many different products to make pool life simple, it’s easy to see why pools are so popular. Basically you need to know three things; how to chemically treat your pool, how to physically maintain it through the summer and how to open and close it for the season. R&R Pools can teach you how to do it all or you can treat yourself to their services and have a hands-off approach to pool care.

Right tools, clean pool There are different approaches to pool care which makes it easy to find a good fit for any pool owner’s routine. Some pool owners have a more handson approach and for them, helpful maintenance tools include brushes, poles, vacheads, and shallow and deep nets to help speed up spring cleaning and keep leaves out of the water. Others are more hands off. For them, a really good automatic vacuum is key. Some vacuums even come to the surface to remove floating debris eliminating the need for frequent scooping. When it comes to chemical water treatments, the approach is very similar. They’re ways to cut down the amount of time spent playing with water chemistry. And this chemistry is of the utmost importance for healthy swimmers and the life of the pool. Empowerment through knowledge Store Manager Kara Redden says the goal is to empower customers. “We teach people how to do it themselves,”

she says, “because they should spend less time working on their pool and more time in it! That’s the vacation, the staycation, the enjoyment and the memories you’ll have for a lifetime.” “We’re a small family business creating permanent vacations - family vacations - and it’s all about families. Life is short; kids grow up. That’s why we’re really big on education and enjoyment.” This knowledge also allows you to identify problems before they arise. It’s all in the partner R&R Pools delivers a two-pronged approach to pool maintenance: they give customers the benefit of their considerable experience which, in turn, educates and encourages customers to take an active role in caring for their pool. They demonstrate how simple it is to care for your pool so you can reap the benefits of having a little piece of paradise at home. For more information on their full line of services or seminar information please contact Kara or Brandy at 902.876.2773 or info@rrpools.ca BACKYARD ESCAPES rrpools.ca 29

inground pools:

for a lifetime of memories, just add a little R&R

Hammonds Plains, NS By Fred Sgambati

Derek Redden has a simple philosophy when it comes to installing an in-ground pool: make it convenient and make it smart. Redden owns and operates R&R Pools in Timberlea (www.rrpools.ca) and has been installing in-ground pools for over 25 years. He works hard to ensure everything goes like clockwork, on time and on budget. He values communication and personal relationships as the keys to client satisfaction. “Most people don’t know what they want when they start out,” he says. “They just know they want a pool.” They want to enjoy the lifestyle that comes with owning an in-ground pool. “I try to make it as simple as possible,” Redden says. “Clients should have a stress-free experience 30 rrpools.ca BACKYARD ESCAPES

from start to finish. When we start a project, it is important to pay attention to the goal of the client. I approach every project with the mentality of; this is my pool in their backyard. Quality is essential for a long-lasting investment”. You can tell building pools are his passion and that he feels it is important to create a partnership when taking on such a big project. Generally, it takes between 7-10 working days to install an in-ground pool, depending on the complexity of the project, which could include fencing, landscaping and water features. Dedication to service “Pool people,” he says, “think family, fun and relationships.” Customer consultation, quality products and dedication to customer service that meet each client’s concept

of a dream vacation at home are primary drivers. Paula Isenor of Bedford has an R&R in-ground pool and appreciates Derek’s professionalism and personal approach. “From the time of our initial contact with Derek, he was prompt, knowledgeable, informative and decisive. Throughout the entire project, Derek’s work was performed thoroughly, competently and professionally. We’ve had our beautiful pool for two years now and its operation has been flawless.” Impressive quality When he first started, Redden realized he needed some kind of mentor. He found what he was looking for in Kafko Manufacturing. The quality of their pools impressed him and the care provided by Kafko’s service people reflected his

Above - Halifax, NS

Below - Hubbards, NS

Above - Chester, NS

own philosophy of how a pool should be built and how long it should last. Kafko is still in business and R&R Pools continues to get products like steel walls, vinyl liners, skimmers, pumps and filters from Kafko. Last summer, Redden installed a second pool for a client. Bruce Densmore, of Fall River, chose

Derek again because of the positive experience he had with the installation of his first pool in 2003. “Both projects had to evolve from the original concepts and Derek worked with me to get to the final product. Derek understood that I wanted a quality product and I trusted him on both projects to help me navigate through the creative process. The

Below - Bedford, NS

company’s after-service has also been professional and efficient. ” For Derek and his team at R&R Pools, that’s what it’s all about. It’s not just a job. It’s a lifestyle. Redden says, “I’m one person who has been fortunate enough to find what’s good for me and I have the best job I could ask for: being outside, building the dream that so many people have.” BACKYARD ESCAPES

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&R Pools has been creating permanent family vacations for over 25 years. Our team is

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