R&R Pools Backyard Escapes Magazine 2013 Edition by R&R Pools

backyard ESCAPES R&R POOLS

SPRING-SUMMER 2013

2013 BACKYARD TRENDS Make your space picture perfect

ENTERTAINING WITH FLARE Try our tasty recipes and fun pool party ideas

R&R Pools ...everyone deserves a little R&R

Celebrating

Years Anniversary

POOL RETROFIT BACKYARD AUTOMATION READY, SET, SWIM CHOOSING THE PERFECT HOT TUB

WHY CHOOSE A LEISURESCAPES DEALER More than just craftsmanship, experience and expertise.

Colour Coordinates Liners, steps, and spas designed to match. rey Courtstone | ral G Natuid Floor Natural Grey Sol

Grey Granite Sunledge Entry System

Blue Granite Curved Roman Entry System

Grey Granite Scallop Spa

Courtstone Blue | N Natural Blue S atural B olid Floolue r

Blue Granite Square Spill Over Spa WHITE

GREY GRANITE

BLUE GRANITE

All steps and spas are available in three colors.

Featuring Our New Step ‘N Lounge The FIRST Thermoplastic Step with built-in spa seating! Available in standard and cantilever.

For more information, scan our QR code.

backyard ESCAPES SPRING • SUMMER 2013

CHOOSING THE PERFECT HOT TUB

BACKYARD AUTOMATION Work less, play more!

READY, SET, SWIM Dive into a healthy routine.

2013 BACKYARD TRENDS Make your space picture perfect.

POOL RETROFIT How to make what was old, new again.

WHY CHOOSE A LEISURESCAPES DEALER More than just craftsmanship, experience and expertise.

Printed and Designed in Canada by Repracorp Inc. 8927 Commercial Street, New Minas, NS B4N 3E1 (902) 681-4608 Leisurescapes Uxbridge, Ontario www.leisurescapes.com

www.leisurescapes.com

ENTERTAINING WITH FLARE

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Spring/Summer 2013 Backyard escapes

THIRTY YEARS AND STILL GROWING It is hard to believe that thirty summers have come and gone and I still look forward to the next pool building season. What a great feeling it is to be part of an industry that delivers the dreams of so many families. We all have a fascination with the water. When I was a child, the Bay of Fundy was our very own salt water swimming pool. It was the best when the tide was out. We would swim and play in the warm pools of water, and dig in the mud and sand to build castles. Afterwards, we’d go for ice cream that would drip down our chins from the summer heat. That’s what kids’ dreams are made of. I still love the Bay of Fundy and the feeling it gave me. For thirty years now, I have built backyard dreams by day and enjoyed the warm waters of my own backyard pool at night. Although I don’t remember every pool that was built, those families that I worked with have been able to share countless memories while living their own backyard dream. As this new season approaches, I hope to meet a few more families who have that love of water, and be a part of helping them to make their backyard dreams come true. If you are one of those dreamers, feel free to give me a call, but make sure you have ice cream on hand before I get there. - Derek Redden

CHILDHOOD MEMORIES It doesn’t take much for me to think back to my childhood. I can’t remember life without a swimming pool. Water has always been such a basic, yet essential, part of my life. My fondest summertime memories, forever etched in my mind, are of countless hours of swimming and poolside playing. The refreshing splash from a dive in the water. The games and laughter. The lazy drifting on an air mattress. Summers at our house were an endless turnover of family and friends and barbeques. We never had reason to leave, except to walk down to the convenience store in our bathing suits for an ice cream. Those days have gone, and what I would give to go back for one more summer from my childhood! Life with a swimming pool is a lifestyle that enhances a family’s togetherness. I credit my childhood memories to my parents for investing in our permanent family vacation in our own backyard. Independence, responsibility, and the importance of family and friends are all life lessons I received during those endless summers. Our swimming pool kept us close, active and out of trouble. Many of us long to retreat to our own oasis after a tiring day of work and errands. The summertime reinforces that longing. We can help you and your family realize the dream. For thirty years, our family has been helping families create permanent family vacations in their own backyard. We are good at it because we fully understand what it is like to have that freedom. There is no time like the present to make the decision to enhance your family’s lives. And we are here to help you do it. - Kara Redden

1949 St Margaret's Bay Road Timberlea NS B3T 1C3 Phone: 902-876-2773 Fax: 902-876-1167 Email: info@rrpools.ca

www.rrpools.ca Expiry date July 30th 2013. One per household.

4 | Backyard escapes Spring/Summer 2013

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PREFERRED CONTRACTORS WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE

R&R POOLS ON THEIR 30TH ANNIVERSARY!

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Spring/Summer 2013 Backyard escapes

HOW TO GET THE BEST VALUE

A CONSUMER’S GUIDE TO BUYING A HOT TUB

For centuries, people have flocked to natural springs to take advantage of the ‘curative’ properties of bathing in its hot water. Today, people around the world continue to agree that nothing seems to soothe the aches and pains of a hard day’s work like a hot soak. While natural hot springs are tough to find, modern homeowners can easily bring this experience to their backyards with a hot tub. Buying one, however, can be overwhelming. But if you do your homework, you can ensure you’ll buy the hot tub that best suits your needs. There are five basic things to consider when buying a hot tub: 1. Comfort and Design 2. Reputation 3. Insulation 4. Massage Capabilities 5. Ease of Maintenance

COMFORT AND DESIGN Above all else, you want your hot tub to be comfortable. Check to see if the hot tub seats are ergonomically designed to fit your body’s natural curves. You need to make sure you fit comfortably into the seats in order to get the best possible soaking and massage experience. Don’t be afraid to climb in and test out the seats. If a seat is not comfortable when it’s dry, odds are it won’t be any more comfortable when it is wet. You should also take a close look at other design features of the hot tub. For example, is there multi-level seating, does the hot tub have a large enough foot well to accommodate multiple bathers and are there safety steps to enter the hot tub? Even minor features should be studied. For instance, if the hot tub comes with pillows, ensure they are comfortable and easy to remove and clean. Check to see if there is a place to put an ice bucket or place drinks. No detail is too insignificant. 6 | Backyard escapes Spring/Summer 2013

REPUTATION Look for hot tub manufacturers that have been in business for a while and have a proven record of reliability. Visiting your local LeisureScapes dealer for advise is a good place to start. You can also ask friends or family members with hot tubs about their experiences with particular brands. Also, investigate whether the products they offer are covered by a reasonable warranty. A good warranty would consist of a 10 year structural warranty, 5 year acrylic surface and 3 year parts and labour warranty. www.leisurescapes.com

INSULATION This factor is significant because of its link to energy efficiency, an important consideration for any home-owner. First and foremost, look for a hot tub that is approved by the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC). Investigate how long it takes for the hot tub to pump out and filter 100 percent of its water. The less time this takes the more energy-efficient the hot tub will be. Look for models that use lowamperage filtration pumps. A good hardcover can also provide added insulation and energy efficiency. MASSAGE CAPABILITIES Likely the most appealing element of a hot tub is its massage capabilities. When added to the soothing feel of hot water, it can truly make or break your hot tub experience. Though it may be tempting to go for the model with the most jets, more is not always better. Instead, look for jets that are strategically placed in the most optimal spots. For example, foot jets are often overlooked, even though they can provide one of best possible massages. Customization is also a much sought-after feature when it comes to jets. A model with optimized hydraulics will ensure an even flow of water is sent to each jet for a smooth, comfortable massage. EASE OF MAINTENANCE No matter what hot tub you choose, you need to make sure it is easy to service. When it comes to hot tub maintenance, there are two primary factors you need to address - filtration and disinfection. Filtration. In a hot tub, dirt can only do two things. It is either light enough to float on the surface or heavy enough to drop to the bottom. When assessing a hot tubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s filtration capabilities, but sure to ask how long it takes to filter 100 percent of the water. Also check to ensure the skimmer is sufficient. Does it provide enough filtration to remove debris and does it have a floating door to skim the surface of the water? Also ask the salesperson whether the hot tub has a suction side filter or pressure side filter. The suction side filter offers less expensive filtration, but is not as effective; it will only filter 50 percent of the hot tub water. Conversely, pressure side filters are more expensive, but since 100 percent of the water passes through the filter, all of it can be cleaned. Disinfection. To keep your hot tub safe and pleasant to use, you will also need to disinfect the water regularly. Ideally, look for a hot tub that has an in-line chemical feeder as opposed to a floating dispenser. If you choose to use an ozone system, which is designed to reduce your overall chemical requirements, look for a model that uses an injection system. If you opt for a saltwater bromine system ask your local dealer to help you set it up properly to best suit your needs. Once you understand the system, it will be easy to use and makes a for a very pleasant soaking experience. GO FORTH AND SHOP Although looking for a hot tub can be confusing at times, you can make the process less complicated by narrowing down your search criteria to the five areas above. With a little preparation ahead of time, your hot tub buying experience will be a stress-free, enjoyable experience...the way it should be. www.leisurescapes.com

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Spring/Summer 2013 Backyard escapes

Celebrating

thirty years

Years Anniversary

By Fred Sgambati

R&R Pools in Timberlea will celebrate a milestone in 2013 - 30 years in business. But if you ask owner Derek Redden, the time has gone by pretty quickly and he has certainly had a lot of fun. The company started modestly in late summer 1983, and clients then weren’t looking for anything high-end or too complicated. They mostly wanted a pool that provided a simple refuge on a summer’s day, a place to kick back, relax and enjoy the company of family and friends. That part hasn’t changed over the past 30 years, but Redden suggests that what people look for in a pool has. More people these days have had a resort experience that includes all the usual bells and whistles and then returned home with a desire to recreate that atmosphere in their own backyards. The good news is that R&R has grown right along with their customers and remains responsive and innovative. Delivering a backyard oasis that meets budget and expectations is still their primary focus and they’ve gotten pretty good at it over the past three decades. The key, Redden says, is personal service. R&R Pools is family-owned and operated, with Derek’s daughter Kara managing the store in Timberlea while Derek, son-in-law Ryan and their team work onsite. They know customers by name and many become friends, Derek says.

That kind of relationship comes easily, too, he adds, if you care about what you’re doing. From initial consultation to installation to after-care and servicing, “customers naturally become a part of your life,” Derek says. “I tell them it’s my pool; it just happens to be in their backyard, and we make certain we take very good care of it. We ensure that the quality is put in the installation so that in 10 or 20 years’ time, that pool will be just as good as new.”

Derek embraces the hometown values upon which the business was built, noting that one-to-one service has always been a top priority. He and his wife Cindy, who passed away in 2007, had considered expanding the operation early on, but quickly realized that it just didn’t make sense to get bigger. “I wanted to be on top of it,” he says, “and it wasn’t what Cindy and I wanted to have. There’s a balance to business and living your life, and one store that offered personal service was the way to do it.” You can tell that sentiment has trickled down through the family as Kara and Ryan feel exactly the same way today. Derek says ongoing communication with customers is the secret to his company’s success and longevity, and he and his staff work hard to anticipate what customers need. Sometimes it’s simply information on how to open or close a pool or perform a water test. Other times it’s good advice on how to proceed with a project as it unfolds. Redden says it has been a great ride so far “and I’ve had a good run. We know what needs to be done – you put in your 60-70 hours a week and get the job done. I look at things like, ‘This is the challenge today,’ and it’s usually fun to take things on. As challenges present themselves, I say, ‘Let’s get through the logical steps, get ‘er done and keep everyone happy.’ ” That’s putting the customer first, for sure, but on the cusp of their 30th anniversary, where does R&R Pools go from here? Redden sums it up nicely. “Why can’t it go for another 30?” Why not? For more on R&R’s products and services, please www.rrpools.ca

8 | Backyard escapes Spring/Summer 2013

www.rrpools.ca

Hot tub care has never been easier.

Ask us about Pool care has never been easier.

Healthier Pool Care Kit • Three simple steps. Once a week. • Algae-free guarantee. • Ask how you can get a FREE bottle of Cover Free with purchase.

PUTTING MODERN TECHNOLOGY TO WORK FOR YOU

BACKYARD AUTOMATION

It’s amazing what a little automation can do to enhance your backyard experience! With today’s technology we have automated virtually everything from building cars and packaging food, to having our morning coffee ready to start the day. Why not bring the luxury of automation to your backyard retreat? If you are a proud swimming pool or hot tub owner, or have owned one in the past, you know that it’s a great place to have fun and enjoy time with family and friends. However, owning one is not a task to be taken lightly.

Automating tasks like adding an energy-efficient variable speed pump can save you up to 75% on energy costs every year. It will also reduce your chemical usage and can even be timed to operate on off-peak hydro hours.

From scooping out leaves and vacuuming, to water tests, chemical balancing, and keeping the equipment in good shape, your LeisureScapes dealer can automate these features in your backyard. They will reduce the time you spend looking after your pool and increase the time you spend enjoying it. Create the perfect backyard environment with the simple touch of a button. As your LeisureScapes dealer will tell you, there are all sorts of tasks that can be automated. You can control the temperature, water level, lighting and filtering of your pool and spa as well as turn on or off of your automatic sprinklers and decorative fountains. Before you head home from work, turn up the heat and fire up the jets on your hot tub for a relaxing evening. Warm up your pool for a last minute pool party after soccer practice or set the mood and dim the lighting for a romantic evening with your spouse. You can control these features from inside your home, from your cell phone or from any web-enabled device. Simply program your desired settings and watch the magic happen.

10 | Backyard escapes Spring/Summer 2013

Robotic pool cleaners have become a favorite among pool owners. Many options on the market will calculate the size of the pool and program itself for the most time and energy efficient cleaning path. Several have suction technology that allows them to climb and clean the walls and the stairs of your pool without losing suction and cleaning the filter is as simple as a quick shake and rinse with your garden hose.

www.leisurescapes.com

Properly sanitized and balanced water is important for swimmer comfort and safety. It also dramatically extends the life of your pool, its materials and your equipment. Controlling your chlorinating system with an automatic sanitizer can keep your water perfectly balanced at all times and bring you softer, silkier and sparkling water. Evaporation can be one of the largest sources of energy loss in any pool or hot tub. Adding an automatic cover will help reduce evaporation and loss of heat and will keep debris to a minimum when your pool is not in use. As well as controlling heat loss, your automatic cover will save you the hassle of winterizing your pool and keep it clean for spring. Whether you opt for a single remote control unit or even units that operate independently of one another, your LeisureScapes dealer can walk you through the benefits, set up and installation. You can also get an app for your smart phone, which gives you complete control of your backyard with the touch of a button. How do you know which automation package is right for you? Your best bet is to visit your local LeisureScapes dealer. They will help to determine which types of automation will best suit your lifestyle and your needs. LeisureScapes dealers want to give you more time to enjoy what matters most - your backyard retreat, and spending time with your family.

Spend more time enjoying your pool and less time working on it!

GET CLEANER, CLEARER, SOFTER WATER! Natural Bacteria + Algae Control Guaranteed. Nature2 minerals naturally and effectively destroy bacteria and control algae.

Family Friendly. Reduce your chlorine usage up to 80%. Fewer chemicals reduces the potential for red eyes, skin irritations and odours.

IT’S NOT JUST A WEBSITE

IT’S A COMMUNITY

Thanks to strategic enhancements, swimmingpool.com is the world’s leading actively-managed consumer website dedicated to celebrating and promoting the swimming pool lifestyle.

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www.leisurescapes.com

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Spring/Summer 2013 Backyard escapes

Save up to $540* per year

Saving money haS never been So peaceful.

With the IntelliFlo® Variable Speed Pump you can now enjoy near silence and ultra energy-efficiency. With energy savings of up to 90 percent, it can also save you up to $540* compared to traditional units. Get superior performance from the pump that started it all—IntelliFlo. Find a dealer at pentairpool.com 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. © 2013 Pentair Aquatic Systems. All rights reserved. *

EXERCISE HAS NEVER BEEN SO MUCH FUN

READY, SET, SWIM! by Dr. Greg Gannon, PhD Founder & Head Coach, S2 Training Systems

THE MAGIC OF WATER Water has a density greater than our bodies. Water literally “pushes” back against us, providing buoyancy (we float) and a natural resistance to movement. These special properties of water create a perfect environment for practicing non-weight bearing (low-impact) exercise that is also resistive in nature. Swimming is the most obvious form of low-impact waterbased exercise, but shallow and deep water walking/running, dynamic movement exercises, yoga, stretching, etc. can also be practiced in water. Your pool is your personal gym - start your membership today! DO MORE WITH LESS Swimming offers something that most land-based activities don’t - the ability to work your body without the harsh impact on joints, ligaments and connective tissues associated with typical land-based movement. The low-impact environment of water is thus ideal for those who are managing osteoporosis or arthritis, rehabilitating injuries, recovering lost functional capacity or in need of recovery from high-impact exercise training.

www.leisurescapes.com

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Spring/Summer 2013 Backyard escapes

INCREASED MUSCLE TONE & STRENGTH

LOWER RISK OF DIABETES

Water-based movement is a great way to increase muscular tone and strength. Every kick and every arm movement in the water becomes a resistance exercise. However, unlike the weight room - where the load is equal to the amount of weight you hold - the load in the water is equivalent to the number of reps you perform. Therefore, the longer you move in the water the more you benefit! Aim for 30 minutes per day!

When it comes to preventing and managing diabetes, there are few prescriptions as powerful as aerobic exercise. According to the Canadian Diabetes Association, diabetics should strive for a minimum of 150 minutes or aerobic activity per week to improve and maintain healthy glycemic control. Swimming and other water-based movements are an essential component of any long-term aerobic fitness plan.

IMPROVED FLEXIBILITY

LOWER STRESS, HIGHER SPIRITS AND A BETTER BRAIN

Swimming puts the body through a broad range of motion, especially at the shoulders. The act of moving a joint through its full range of motion helps to increase and maintain the mobility and strength of the joint. Any joint of the body can be exercised in the water in a safe non-weight bearing way. Try taking some of your favorite stretches to the water! A HEALTHIER HEART

A release of natural endorphins is one of the most pleasant side effects of swimming. In addition to the endorphin high, swimming can also evoke a relaxation response. This is similar to the way yoga works on the body through rhythmic contraction and stretching of your muscles underpinned by deep rhythmic breathing. Swimming is also a meditative exercise supported through the rhythmic sound of your own breathing and the splash of water as a mantra of sorts.

Because swimming is an aerobic exercise, it serves to strengthen the heart and to make it a more efficient pump - which leads to better blood flow throughout your body.

Aside from the metaphysical benefits of swimming, research shows that it can change the brain for the better through a process known as hippocampal neurogenesis, whereby the brain replaces cells lost through stress.

WEIGHT CONTROL

SWIM YOUR WAY TO BETTER HEALTH

Swimming is an immense calorie burner. To boost the calorie-burning effect of swimming, consider using intervals in which you work to increase your intensity for short bursts and then recover with slower swimming or rest and then repeat.

Given all these wonderful benefits of swimming, along with the fact that better health leads to a longer life, why not dive in and get started to a lifetime of good living? Start slowly, have fun and enjoy the magic of water by swimming as part of your healthy lifestyle today.

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HINSPERGERS POL

3. Polaris™ P94 Robotic Cleaner 1. Solar Eclipse by DEL Ozone 2. Natural Chemistry Residential Pool Sanitation in the Chemical-free, natural solutions takes Polaris robotic cleaners to for your Backyard Oasis 21st Century! the next level. Pool Perfect + PHOSfree is a weekly maintenance product that reduces phosphates and non-living organic waste in pool water. Use it to make your water feel soft and silky while preventing problems such as; waterline rings, non-living organic staining, surface oils, and phosphate build Solar Eclipse is an innovative, powerful and practical design. It will substantially alter and up. improve residential pool sanitation programs, The breakthrough Solar Eclipse from DEL Ozone builds on the capabilities of ozone and germicidal UV technologies. Taken separately, both of these approaches to sanitation are powerful, but taken together they produce

appreciate immediately.

• Pool water disinfection will become more covering the broadest spectrum of contaminants of any system to date. • With correct installation and operation, the system can operate

Pool First Aid combines powerful broad spectrum natural enzyme

Can a pool cleaner be sexy? This is as close as it comes... Features: • 4-Wheel Drive tackles any pool terrain including steep slopes & safety ledges) • Climbs over obstacles and won’t get stuck. • Aggressively cleans tile line, wall, steps

• Patented Vortex vacuum technology problems fast... guaranteed! Pool First Aid • ActivMotion Sensor™ automatically will clean water of dead algae, pollen, oil/fuel senses position and adapts leaks, spills, anti-freeze residue, paint, cleaning path for optimized cleaning and vandalism, and other forms of non-living prevents cord from getting tangled. organic water contamination. • Delivers a perfectly clean pool in as little as 1.5 hours. • Clean & Perfect is a unique blend of natural • Comes with alloy caddy enzymes and surfactants making it the perfect indoor/outdoor cleaner. It cleans Very excited about this cleaner - fast, light, even the toughest grease, dirt, and grime and easy to maneuver in and out of the pool. with ease, yet won’t harm any surface. Great This cleaner also comes with a $150 mail-in for liners, covers, and even BBQ’s!! consumer rebate. Find out more at www.polarispool.ca Natural Chemistry has a full line of Pool & Spa Bring on the dirt! care products - we just picked some of our favourites. Find out more at www.naturalchemistry.com

chlorine than most products on the market. sanitation programs, improving both water quality and quality of life. uses approximately the same energy as a 100 watt light bulb. A clean, easily-maintained pool improves owner satisfaction. Find out more at www.delozone.com We are REALLY excited about this product! Available March 2013.

Ask your local LeisureScapes professional about these & other exciting products available for 2013. Brought to you by your friends (and trend spotters!) at Northeastern Swimming Pool Distributors

A neutral planting of ferns and greenery can define a space just like the interior walls of your home. Bring in planters to place colourful flowers in just the right place and they can be used effectively to direct traffic around an area.

2013 BACKYARD TRENDS Planning your outdoor retreat should have the same architectural and design considerations as the interior spaces of your home. A well planned outdoor room can extend your family living space with exciting new trends in outdoor furniture and decorating options. Well chosen architectural elements give outdoor rooms presence and can be defined with an array of options from covered gazebos and wrought iron fences to archways and water features. Explore your backyard and accent the landscape that already exists. 16 |â&#x20AC;&#x201A;Backyard escapesâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;Spring/Summer 2013

DECK OR PATIO UMBRELLAS Shade is an important consideration when spending a day in the sun. Explore your options for size and color to match any style or budget. www.leisurescapes.com

DISTRIBUTION

EnErgy Saving SolutionS Variable Speed pumpS from Hayward

We love pools… but let’s face facts - They can be a real drain on our wallets and the environment if we’re not careful! This year, resolve to lower your carbon footprint while saving money with Hayward energy Solutions products. The pool industry has made tremendous strides in energy-conserving pool products. They’re actually so energy efficient that replacing older, still functioning equipment, makes economic sense. The most significant progress has been made in pumps, cleaners and pool and spa automation. Hayward Energy Solutions products are more environmentally responsible on two levels. Individually, they’re extremely efficient, but by working together, they reach an entirely new level of energy efficiency. On average, a variable speed Ecostar or SuperPump VSP can save your customers up to 90% of the pool’s energy costs, lower your pool’s carbon footprint and with automation, even take the work out of owning a pool and spa. Their advanced hydraulic design and energy efficient motors move water more efficiently while operating at lower speeds to minimize noise. They’re simply the best way for environmentally-conscious people to work less and play more, while minimizing costs and keeping the performance unchanged. The digital control interface on the Ecostar can even be detached from

the pump and mounted on the wall for more convenience or go one step further and integrate them with an automation system. This is helpful where access to the pool equipment is limited. With hundreds of thousand of Super Pumps currently in use in Canada, the SuperPumpVSP is the choice of those who are on a budget and maybe even want to install the pump themselves. Replacing an existing super pump usually means no changes to the wiring ( 230V) or plumbing connections! Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how: Of course, a pump needs to run in order to have pool water filtered, heated and chlorinated. simply using a timer can save energy but may cause other issues if not run enough. On a properly plumbed pool, this can be done on low speed, contrary to common belief. With a two-speed pump, the consumer can save up to 60 per cent on operating costs, while a variable-speed drive (VSD) offers savings between 70-90 per cent.

Simply stated, a variable speed pump matches flow to a pool's needs, versus running at full power 100% of the time and is suitable for both new construction and the aftermarket. The Hayward Energy Solutions line includes our variable-speed and two-speed pumps, automation, robotic pool cleaners, heat pumps, LED lighting and large-capacity cartridge filters.

YOUR ENERGY SAVINGS $182 $910 % Per Month

Per Season

Single-speed Pump:

1 HP

Single-speed Pump Run Time per Day:

24 Hours

Cost of operation per season: Run time per day (Hours):

Electrical Rate:

Length of Season:

EcoStar Variable Speed Pump

Single-speed Pump

$25 15

$935 24

$0.14 / kWh

5 Months

Calculated energy savings are based on the selected speed only and Nova Scotia Power Rate of 13.9 cents per kWh. Operation at additional speeds may be required when using other equipment such as heaters, water features, etc. Actual savings may vary based on the single speed pump model and other hydraulic aspects such as plumbing size and length.

Fall in Love with your Pool all over again

pool renoVationS breatHe new life into backyard oaSiS By Fred Sgambati Thinking of renovating your pool this season? Everything old can be new again with a quick call to R&R Pools in Timberlea. Their qualified staff are experts in pool renovation and can transform an older pool into something brand-new in usually just a day or two, changing the look and feel and bringing new life and longevity to your backyard oasis. Typical upgrades include the installation of a new liner and equipment like pumps and filters, or installing a salt chlorine generator. Times have changed and new equipment can be functional and save money, too.

Most liners usually last about 15 years; they wear over time or simply go out of style. Installing a new one extends the life of the pool and refreshes the dynamic, totally renewing your backyard experience. If you are due for a liner replacement, now is the perfect time to consider how your swimming pool will be used for the next 10 years. Make it exciting again! Add some style, function and ambience that will change your swimming experience. It is very easy to incorporate upgrades such as lights, steps, an autocover, and water features, even going as far as decreasing the pool depth or size if that’s what you want.

Absolutely A vAlue-Add Derek Redden, owner of R&R Pools, has 30 years in the industry and says that doing a liner replacement is absolutely a value-add for clients. “It’s like doing the inside of the house, like repainting,” he says, “and it feels like you’ve got something totally brand-new. Sometimes when we’re doing a liner replacement, we put in a set of stairs and remove the diving board, or maybe people are looking for an automatic safety cover that keeps debris out, saves money on chemicals and time on cleaning.”

He adds that some opt for a salt chlorine generator, which adds a bit of salt to the water, giving it a softer and smoother feel on the skin. R&R can install new energy-efficient or variable speed pumps that give customers more control over the amount of power they use, offering convenience and cost-efficiency. His team can also retrofit the decking, changing patio pavers from concrete to wood or vice-versa to reinvigorate the surrounding environment. “There’s always a budget,” Redden says, “and we let customers know what they could be doing before we begin any project.”

sAfer And more modern In 2011, David Mann and his wife Karen had R&R Pools remove old-style ladders and install a new liner, custom vinyl over plastic four-foot steps, two remote controlled high-tech Rainbow Rays lights in the deep end for night use, fountain jets in the shallow end for therapeutic sounds and visual interest, and cornerstones. “Our backyard is basically our cottage,” David says, “with a gazebo and barbecue. We bought our house in 1999 and the pool came with it, but it was in terrible shape.” He contacted R&R Pools in 2000 and asked them to redo the decking and install a new liner. That allowed the Mann’s to inspect the walls and determine that everything else was in good shape. The liner replacement

“Our backyard is basically our cottage, with a gazebo and barbecue” www.rrpools.ca

in 2011 reinforced that estimation and, with another new liner in place, David says, “The pool will continue on now for another 10 years or more. And the good news is we don’t have to go down old-style ladders. It’s a safety issue.” “Children and older people have a lot more difficultly going down ladders, and the steps we installed are wider and safer; a much better platform than a narrow ladder. The renovation gives a new look to the swimming pool, makes it more modern and edgy,” he says, completely satisfied. “R&R Pools have been with me since the start,” he adds. “We enjoy their service and obviously know how good their technicians are. The service has been excellent and I have no complaints. I’d recommend them, and have recommended them.”

rEady for a changE? For more information on renovating your pool this season, give R&R a call at 902-876-2773 or e-mail: info@rrpools.ca

SPRING/SUMMER 2013 І BACKYARD ESCAPES І X

Salt water… Should i? Salt Water, everybody’s talking about it but should I get it? Salt water chlorination has been around for over 50 years but in the last few years it has become very popular. A pool that has Salt Water Chlorination can be a great pool but there are some myth’s that need to be clarified first before you think about going that direction for your maintenance system. First off, it is still chlorine! A lot of people are under the impression that it’s salt that keeps the pool clean and clear. Well, what’s going on is that the salt and water go through an electric cell that is attached to the pool system and that is where the chlorine is created. One benefit of this is that you shouldn’t have to handle chlorine pucks or sticks anymore. But that is all that this system does…it only replaces your daily sanitizer! That brings me to the second big myth...’I don’t have to do anything anymore’. As I mentioned Salt Water Chlorination only replaces your sanitizer in the pool. You still need to shock your pool on a weekly basis to get rid of swimmer wastes. We recommend using BioGuard Smart Shock to do this as it is very simple to use. You use it during the day and you can swim in 15 minutes. Also, you should use a weekly algaecide to prevent algae growth. For that we recommend BioGuard Banish, which is a very concentrated preventative algaecide that keeps all types of algae at bay. A 3 step approach to pool care is the best way to get best looking water and avoid problems. Balancing is also a huge factor when taking care of a pool and even more so with salt water pools. Balancing a pool helps the clarity and feel of the water. Also, it helps your chemicals work efficiently. And lastly, protects your investment from premature aging and replacement. Due to the high Total Dissolved Solids and its tendency to increase the pH it is very important to balance and use products to protect your salt water pool. One big issue with salt water pools is excessive scaling. One of the ways to prevent and maintain this is to use Mineral Springs Stain & Scale on a regular basis. It is a scale inhibitor specially designed for salt water pools. Please see R & R Pools, your authorized BioGuard dealer to get your water tested and balanced. At the end of the day, a salt water pool can be very enjoyable. If you do decide to use salt water chlorination or already have a system on your pool you might want to look at our Mineral Springs System to get more out of your salt chlorine system. Mineral Springs Beginnings provides the needed salt, stabilizer and pH balancers to get you started. And Mineral Springs Renewal is a weekly application that replenishes some of the minerals lost through splash out and backwashing as well as helping keep the pH down and preventing scale.

Contact the R&R Pools team at 902.876.2773 or info@rrpools.ca for more details Make sure to clean your Salt Chlornator Cell at least once a season Removes hard water scale Prolongs life of generator cell Special scale inhibitor ingredient Clean generator cell a minimum once a year.

Protects equipment from scale Protects chlorine generator cell and pool equipment from scale Keeps chlorine generator working at optimal performance

18x31 Fiji Kingswood, NS

drEam Backyard ShowcaSE Envision your very own Private Oasis. Picture this: family and friends, sizzling barbeque, lively music, splashing water, summer retreat. You can see it, hear it and feel it. Now itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to go home and enjoy it. With ever-increasing demands on families today, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so important to find a balance between work and home. Owning a pool can help you do just that. We invite you to contact us, so we can help you sit back and enjoy a little more R & R with your family. From our family to yours, Kara Redden

**Please note the pricing shown in the Dream Showcase is for illustration purposes only and may not reflect all items shown in the photograph. For an accurate quotation please contact the office for your own personalized onsite estimate.**

drEam Backyard ShowcaSE 18x38 Oasis Glen Arbour, NS

16x34 Rectangle with Autocover Glen Arbour, NS

3 **Please note the pricing shown in the Dream Showcase is for illustration purposes only and may not reflect all items shown in the photograph. For an accurate quotation please contact the office for your own personalized onsite estimate.**

drEam Backyard ShowcaSE 18x36 Mexico Tantallon, NS

18x40 Lazy-L Seabright, NS

16x28 Fiji Bedford, NS

$42 ,000 * insta lled + Taxes

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drEam Backyard ShowcaSE

20x42 Lazy L Fall River, NS

15x30 Kidney Fall River, NS

8 **Please note the pricing shown in the Dream Showcase is for illustration purposes only and may not reflect all items shown in the photograph. For an accurate quotation please contact the office for your own personalized onsite estimate.**

20x40 Bahama Bedford, NS

drEam Backyard ShowcaSE

16x28 fiji Timberlea, NS

$39,5 0 installe 0* d + Tax es French C Heatpu u rved Step mp Lights 4â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Con crete D eck

20x44 Venetian Halifax, NS

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20x40 Venetian Halifax, NS

drEam Backyard ShowcaSE 16x36 Rectangle with Autocover Fall River, NS

$78,00 0 installed * + taxes

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13 16x32 Copenhagen Hubley, NS

$45,0 00* installe d + Tax es

14 **Please note the pricing shown in the Dream Showcase is for illustration purposes only and may not reflect all items shown in the photograph. For an accurate quotation please contact the office for your own personalized onsite estimate.**

French Cu rved Step Heatpu mp Lights 4â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Con crete D eck

drEam Backyard ShowcaSE 20x40 Roman with hot tub Halifax, NS

15 17

16x40 Rectangle with Autocover Halifax, NS

Vanishing Edge Pool

We invite you to contact us for your own personalized inground swimming pool quote.

For a lifetime of memories, contact R&R Pools at 902-876-2773 or info@rrpools.ca **Please note the pricing shown in the Dream Showcase is for illustration purposes only and may not reflect all items shown in the photograph. For an accurate quotation please contact the office for your own personalized onsite estimate.**

knowlEdgE and ExpEriEncE make purchasing a pool easy!

your project iS tHeir priority: our experience witH r&r poolS By Fred Sgambati Jerry and Deb live just outside Halifax, Nova Scotia. A couple of years ago, they decided it was time to create their own backyard oasis and began the process of finding a company to do the job. “My wife and I are both 54 years old,” Jerry says, “and we have done a considerable amount of household renovations and landscaping projects.” They did their homework, asked a lot of questions and ended up visiting two pool companies initially but came away with more questions than answers. A friend recommended R&R Pools at 1949 St. Margaret’s Bay Road in Timberlea and the rest, as they say, is history. “We knew we wanted a pool,” Jerry says, “and soon came to realize that these guys knew their business and we had found the right place. They’re as honest as the grass is green, and their knowledge, experience and personality made the decision-making easy. We felt so comfortable so quick. It was a very rare customer experience, and I can’t say enough about these people. They’re great!” Jerry and Deb bought a 15X30 above-ground Neptune. The following Q. & A. tells the remarkable story of their experience with R&R Pools, where “your project is their priority,” Jerry proclaims. What were your first impressions? We can say without hesitation that we felt comfortable the moment we walked in the front door. As with most people, we were full of questions

and it became obvious very quickly that these people know their business and know it well. Our questions were answered in a professional manner and with upmost respect. We were asked at different points during our first conversation with the staff at R&R if we were sure that we were ready for the lifestyle change that comes with owning a pool. The commitment to safety was also emphasized during this conversation. The establishment itself may not display the glamour of some of their competitors, but it is spotless clean and well set up. We soon came to realize that we were not supporting a large overhead and this was reflected in a fair quotation.

Once we decided on a pool size and shape, arrangements were made for a site visit to confirm that our planned location was workable from their point of view. How did you feel about their commitment and communication? I feel strongly that any project requires commitment from both parties. Once we made the decision to go ahead with the project the people from R & R made it their priority to complete the installation in a timely manner. The staff provided clear communication as to their start and completion dates and kept their word as close as Mother Nature would allow. We were impressed with how they truly considered our project , their priority. This is not always the case in our experience. Were there any challenges to overcome? The land formation did require considerable preparation, and the costs involved were clearly communicated to us before the installation began. This preparation was completed with consideration for the surrounding landscaping and all efforts were made to minimize damage to our trees and shrubs. Did the work meet your expectations?

“We were impressed with how they truly considered our project , their priority.”

Our expectations were met and exceeded throughout the project. I happened to be in the United Kingdom during the installation of this pool, but kept up to speed on a daily basis by phone and photos from my wife, and I felt comfortable that the task was being completed by professionals. How have you adapted to your new lifestyle? We have adapted quickly to the lifestyle of pool owners and enjoy every aspect, including the required maintenance. The staff put a great deal of effort into educating us in proper water maintenance and this has made owning and maintaining a pool a breeze. We have followed their instructions/guidance to the letter and have had nothing but positive results. All of our questions along the way have been answered professionally and promptly. We have been using our pool for two seasons now and keep in close contact with R&R. We have been properly instructed on the open and close procedures and feel confident performing the task ourselves.

“I felt comfortable that the task was being completed by professionals.”

What has happened since the project? We have completed the deck construction surrounding the pool, which provides easy access for maintenance and adequate room for furniture placement. We have closed the pool successfully and we are looking forward to the spring. We began this task in search of a good product and knowledgeable people. We found both with R&R and have also developed a friendship that we didn’t expect, but truly appreciate. Would you recommend R&R Pools to anyone else? Absolutely! For anyone looking for professional advice, honest, competent people and great products, I would suggest R&R Pools. These people have been in business for 30 years and, judging by our experience, they have a long future ahead of them. For more on R&R Pools, please visit: www.rrpools.ca

Congratulations to R&R Pools on your X Đ&#x2020; BACKYARD ESCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2013 30th Anniversary from your friends at BioGuard!www.rrpools.ca

Accent pillows are a great way to pull in colour and patterns while adding design elements to existing outdoor seating that can be grouped on a patio or tucked away for intimate conversation. Don’t be afraid to mix colours, just keep them in the same family for cohesive design.

It’s easy to create a casual comfortable space with a relaxing resort feel. Start by updating your patio furniture with wicker resin, it has the charm of traditional wicker without the maintenance. Then add a selection of easy care colourful and weather resistant decorative pieces to personalize your outdoor space.

Mixing bright summer colours with the calm soothing colours of the Caribbean can evoke the feeling of a private retreat. Cool things down with lush tropical greenery and carve out a slightly secluded conversation area. Lantern lighting and torches illuminate the evening under summer stars.

PATIO HEATERS Extend the use of your patio, deck, or dining area during those cooler evenings with a patio heater. Available in a variety of styles and colours to match any decor. www.leisurescapes.com

GALVANIZED WATERING CANS These are great accent pieces that are available everywhere. They can add colour and playfulness to your backyard, while being a very useful tool in your garden.

AREA RUGS A palette of neutral colors can make the greenery of your yard the perfect frame for a conversation area. Add personality with an area rug with bold patterns.

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Spring/Summer 2013 Backyard escapes

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

WHY CHOOSE A LEISURESCAPES DEALER

LeisureScapes dealers are your neighborhood backyard specialists. Our commitment is to bring to you the best value and customer service in the industry. LeisureScapes also offers a comprehensive product line including chemicals, cleaning devices, equipment, parts, recreational and safety products as well as many unique items for your backyard and patio. With many locations across Canada, click on the dealers tab to find a LeisureScapes dealer near you. THE LEISURESCAPES NAME Your home is one of the single most important assets you have, not only financially but as a place to create lasting memories with family and friends. LeisureScapes is a member-owned organization of backyard professionals with hundreds of combined years of industry experience. You can trust our high standards and dependability to deliver a premium product that will serve your family for years to come. In fact, you can count on us to help you get the most out of your backyard oasis! LEISURESCAPES MEMBER SELECTION PROCESS LeisureScapes prides itself on inviting only the most experienced and knowledgeable pool building, retailing and servicing professionals to be part of our organization. As a LeisureScapes dealer, we demand continuous training, proven performance, and the highest quality of work from our members. LOCAL PROFESSIONAL BUILDERS LeisureScapes is not a franchise or a chain of big box stores. We are independent business professionals that are committed to each and every customer with exceptional service and quality. We are your neighborhood swimming pool specialists, providing excellence in backyard escapes. Each LeisureScapes dealer is a community minded professional giving time and resources to support their community. 18 | Backyard escapes Spring/Summer 2013

www.leisurescapes.com

CARE What sets a LeisureScapes builder apart from the rest? WE CARE. We are committed to providing you with the highest level of customer service and the highest quality products on the market. We are dedicated to fulfilling your design and building project expectations with personal attention through every step of the installation. CRAFTSMANSHIP Our members hold each other accountable to the highest level of work ethics and ongoing professional training. Your backyard pool or leisure project will not only meet all of your expectations, it will exceed them! That’s because our builders have the ability and expertise to customize any challenging landscape and push design elements to create a backyard oasis you will be proud of. ENDLESS CHOICES Everyone has their own personal ideas and design thoughts. Our builders have been in the industry for many years and you can draw on their experience and expertise to make your backyard dreams become a reality. They can help you decide the shape and size, amenities and features that accent your lifestyle and family needs. With a wealth of knowledge, you’re in good hands with a LeisureScapes dealer. VALUE As with any purchase, value is important when considering your pool or backyard project. We guarantee you’ll receive the best value possible when you choose one of our reputable dealers. At LeisureScapes, we stand behind our products, recommending only the finest materials that provide you with competitive pricing and peace of mind knowing you have chosen an industry leader. THE ULTIMATE BACKYARD OASIS Getting the perfect pool, spa and backyard oasis involves many factors, the most important of which is whom you choose to build it. LeisureScapes dealers have proven themselves in your community. Let them prove themselves to you. www.leisurescapes.com

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Spring/Summer 2013 Backyard escapes

Introducing the strongest seams you’ll NEVER see!

Patent Pending

Ultra-Seam

Standard

Floor seams are visible on standard liners

No visible floor seams

Standard pool liners present visible lines on the pool floor at the seams, which ultimately detract from the beauty of your pool. Our innovative technology elevates our liners to an entirely new category. This exclusive process makes floor seams stronger and virtually invisible, so there’s nothing that gets in the way of the picture perfect beauty of your pool! Now standard on every Latham liner. For more information, ask your dealer about

! For more information, scan our QR code.

WHAT’S OLD IS NEW AGAIN!

POOL RETROFIT Each year as spring approaches we are inundated with advertisements and flyers that entice us to explore the latest trends in home improvement and interior design. But don’t forget about your outdoor living space. There are many things you can do to upgrade your swimming pool area to create your own backyard retreat that won’t break the bank.

TURN UP THE HEAT Many pool owners allow the sun to heat their pool, but if you are interested in extending your swim time then perhaps a heating system is something to consider. There are many options such as heat pumps or solar heating set ups that are very effective for the energy conscious consumer.

A NEW LINER VARIABLE SPEED PUMPS In-ground pools offer many benefits, but if they're poorly maintained they may not last as long as you'd expect. You can retrofit your pool with a new liner or cover existing steel steps to look like new without having to sink an enormous amount of money into the project. SWITCH TO SALT WATER Perhaps you want to change your traditional water to salt water. This can be achieved with the installation of a specially-designed converter connected to the control unit by a simple plug-in cord, and plumbed into the filter pump’s return line to the pool. As water is pushed through the cell, an extremely safe low-voltage electrical charge turns the salt previously added to the water into fresh, sanitizing chlorine which is then dispersed evenly throughout the pool via the return jets.

Magazine Ad Highbury

1/10/13

10:29 AM

These are the most important energy-saving innovations in the last few years. With a variable speed pump you are now able to customize your pool to turn over only the amount of water necessary yet still have your heater and chlorine generator activate. The end result is not using any more energy than is absolutely necessary. For most pools a variable speed pump will cut operating costs by 80%! WATER AND LIGHTING FEATURES Water features can be a show stopper and add a focal point to any backyard. And don’t forget about lighting. With the proper balance of lighting, both in the pool and out, you can transform your wide open space to a tranquil relaxing nighttime retreat.

Page 1

Custom Galvanized Steel Panels - No pool is standard, we build the panels to the pool size & shape you are looking for. Invisiseal Vinyl Liners - Virtually undetectable welds, a smooth, refined look to finish your backyard masterpiece. Coping - Including ProForm cantilevered concrete coping, we have a profile to suit any need. In-Wall Stairs - Available in an extensive variety of sizes, shapes, and colours.

www.highburypools.com

insist on the

When it comes to your pool, Best! www.leisurescapes.com

Ask your dealer for a | 21

Spring/Summer 2013 Backyard escapes

BACKYARD ENTERTAINING WITH FLARE Entertaining poolside is always enjoyable, but there is a special appreciation for the quiet conversation with good friends and great wine. Few things are more intimate than a warm summer evening gathered around your pool with the perfect balance of friends and food. Backyard entertaining can be simple and elegant. But you don’t have to stress over the preparations. Remember, you should be able to enjoy the evening as well. Here are a few tips to make your backyard entertaining extra special. 22 | Backyard escapes Spring/Summer 2013

www.leisurescapes.com

Adding some white linen to your everyday décor adds elegance without a lot of fuss. Cover a few tables with white pressed linen tablecloths. Add some tall vases with limes or pears for added greenery and place a candle in each for subdued lighting. Melamine is back in fashion with colours to match any décor, but white is always a winner. Let your food be the inspiration for the infusion of summer fresh yellows, vibrant reds and luscious pinks. And if you plan your menu right, cutlery is unnecessary.

A shot of Red Velvet Cupcakes - easy to make and everyone loves them. Here is an elegant twist that makes guests think you had a private caterer. Use a red velvet cake mix and bake the cake on 2 deep sided cookie sheets so it doesn’t over flow and that the final baked layer is about 1 inch thick. It will bake faster, about half the time, so toothpick test it often. Once cooled remove from pan onto parchment paper and put a layer of frosting over the entire surface of one. Trim the second layer so its even thickness and place the second cake layer, bottom side up, on top of the frosting. Take a shot glass size cutter and cut your the cake into individual servings, add small dot of frosting to the top to complete your dessert. Serve on a paper doily for bite size elegance, add shaved chocolate on top for added brilliance. Water cooler chicken You can never go wrong with chicken being a party favorite and it’s an easy dish to make but it can be cumbersome to eat on a stick. Prepare your favorite chicken dish, just cut it in cubes rather than long strips and serve it in paper water cooler cups for easy finger food.

Fruit, always in season and ready to serve. Meatloaf has never been more sophisticated Watermelon and apple, pear or melon cut into rectangles sprinkled with sweet toasted coconut and chopped pistachios and drizzled with a really good balsamic vinegar blended with a bit of honey make for a very tasty and elegant fruit salad that you can eat without a fork. www.leisurescapes.com

Using a pound of extra lean ground pork and a box of stove top stuffing, rolled to a fine crumb, mix together and add finely chopped baby spinach. Bake at 350° for 30-40 minutes in shallow pan with meatloaf no deeper than 2 inch depth. Cut in 1 inch round shapes with cookie cutter and served on a bed of baby spinach leaf with a slice of cherry tomato. Arrange on white platter and sprinkle with fresh basil for colour and aroma.

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Spring/Summer 2013 Backyard escapes

Don’t forget the simplicity of a cutting board. Use it as your serving platter for cheese, vegetables and cured meats. It will look great and keep you moving among your guests.

NOJITO - REFRESHING & ALCOHOL-FREE

POMEGRANATE PUNCH

• • • •

In a punch bowl, dissolve the sugar in the pomegranate juice, stirring vigorously. Add the sparkling wine and late-harvest white wine, then add the orange slices, diced pineapple, and pomegranate seeds. Serve the sparkling pomegranate punch over ice cubes.

20-30 fresh mint leaves 2 lemons 2 tbsp sugar 400 ml of Sprite/Soda (If using Soda, double the amount of sugar) • Chop up the fresh mint leaves. • Slice the lemons down into thin wedges, removing all the seeds. • Drop the mint leaves and wedges into your jar/ glass. • Add in the sugar. • Using a spoon/muddler, mash up everything. Ensure if everything is combined. • Pour in the Sprite/Soda. • Pour yourself a glass and enjoy! leisure landscape_Mise en page 1 13-02-19 13:29 Page1

• • • • • • • •

3 tablespoon(s) sugar 1 cup(s) pomegranate juice 2 bottle(s) (750-milliliter) sparkling wine, chilled 3/4 cup(s) late-harvest white wine, such as lateharvest Riesling chilled 2 oranges, thinly sliced crosswise 1 cup(s) diced fresh pineapple, 1/2 inch dice 1/4 cup(s) pomegranate seeds Ice cubes, for serving

Tilestone Wall

7” (17.78 cm) galvanized steel top seat Resin seat cap Galvanized steel top track

AVAILABLE SHAPES Round

8’, 12’, 15’, 18’, 21’, 24’, 27’, 30’ and 33’ Oval

NBS

A-Brace 10’ x 16’ 10’ x 21’ 12’ x 18’ 12’ x 21’ 12’ x 24’ 16’ x 26’ 16’ x 32’ 18’ x 33’ 18’ x 38’ 18’ x 44’

6" (15.24 cm) galvanized steel upright 52" (1.32 m) corrugated steel wall Injected resin bottom connector / foot collar combination Galvanized steel bottom track Visible steel A-Brace System for oval pools NBS system for oval pools

corneliuspools.com

24 | Backyard escapes Spring/Summer 2013

www.leisurescapes.com

JOIN US ALL SUMMER LONG FOR

30TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS SEMINARS LET OUR POOL SCHOOL EXPERTS TEACH YOU HOW TO PROPERLY CARE FOR YOUR POOL.

OPENING SEMINAR, MAY 9TH CLOSING SEMINAR, SEPT 5TH

SPRING OPENING SALE JOIN US FOR A BBQ, A GIVEAWAY & AMAZING DEALS!

MAY 18TH - 20TH

ASK ABOUT OUR NEW MINI SEMINAR SERIES CONTACT R&R

Visit www.rrpools.ca for

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN a FREE ePool, eVac or a

$250 Gift Certificate

Pools FOR INFORMATION

Super Pump VS Universal ColorLogic

Making Waves With New Products & Pool Owner Favourites

Universal H-Series

Hayward’s making waves with a combination of new products and pool owner favourites. All feature advanced technology that performs reliably, saves pool owners money and gives them more leisure time. Universal ColorLogic LED Lighting: Specifically designed to deliver spectacular colour to most existing pools with a single light, these lights drench a pool in rich, saturated colours like you’ve never seen before and are cUL listed for safe installation in virtually any niche.

Universal H-Series Heater: This heater combines advanced technology with universal-fit flexibility, making it a smart choice for virtually any new installation or upgrade. Delivering state-of the-industry performance and can save up to 18% on energy costs.

Super Pump VS Variable Speed Pump: Hayward’s best selling Super Pump just got even better! The new variable-speed Super Pump VS takes efficiency to the next level with up to 80% energy cost savings over traditional single-speed pumps. Energy Savings You Control.

WE’LL CHANGE YOUR VIEW ON POOL CARE introducing the all NEW

Angry Egg™ a unique event-based care system featuring

ANGRY EGG™ HATES CLOUDY WATER! Simply drop it in your pool to clean and clear cloudy pools with just one application! You have to SEE it to believe it.

Goodbye DRY!

an exclusive pool water softener designed to greatly enhance swimmer comfort during and long after pool use

GoodBye DRY! Makes water silky smooth, eliminates tangled hair and prevents dry, itchy skin for sensational comfort. You have to FEEL it to believe it.

SEE YOUR LOCAL POOL DEALER TODAY FOR THESE EXCITING NEW SOLUTIONS.

Nanci, Tim and their two children live in Bedford. Nanci reached out to R&R Pools in 2011 for a quote to install an 18x36 rectangle inground pool with automatic pool cover.

18x36 Rectangle with Autocover

BUILDING THE DREAM

R&R TEAM CAN TURN DREAM OF OWNING A POOL INTO REALITY

A customer experience with R&R

When we bought our home eight years ago, the sellers mentioned that they had always thought of putting in a pool, but never got around to it. It’s a large lot, but has lots of trees and hills/slopes so there was no obvious place to put a pool, but the idea was stuck in our minds. As the years passed, we often debated getting a cottage or putting in a pool. We would look at the lot and assume that putting in a pool would be too difficult and expensive, especially considering the nature of our property. A couple of years ago we decided it was time to make a decision on cottage vs. pool and we called a few pool companies to get some quotes. One company said it couldn’t be done, one said they could do it, and even provided a “rough estimate”, but we weren’t convinced they really understood what was involved and they wouldn’t provide any final details or pricing. Then we met with Derek Redden, owner of R&R Pools in Timberlea. We stood with him in our very sloped and very treed yard and listened to his great ideas. R&R was the only pool company we met with that we felt understood what was involved in the project and could create a beautiful pool in the area we had to work with. The quote Derek brought us had a detailed breakdown of all the mandatory components we would need for a pool as well as the possible extras and we talked about what we could take out and what we should add. It was nice to see the breakdown so we could see what things cost and decide what we wanted. It was going to be expensive, but Derek worked with us on the pros and cons of various features so we could decide where we were willing to spend extra money 28 | Backyard escapes Spring/Summer 2013

and where we weren’t. He also talked to us about what decisions had to be made up front and what could be revised along the way. We decided on the features we wanted and had confidence from the beginning that Derek and his team were going to build us a beautiful pool. Before we built the pool we had to get a building permit from the city. Getting the permit was our responsibility, but Derek was helpful in describing the process and how to fill out the various forms that were required. He warned us about the associated fees and deposits we should expect as part of the application process as well as how long the process was likely to take. Once we decided what we wanted and had our permit, we were ready to go. One potential challenge with the design/price of the pool was whether they were going to find bedrock when the digging started. Derek agreed that before we got to a point of no return, he would send a backhoe to where we were planning to build the pool to dig an exploratory hole, just to get a sense of whether there was bedrock just below the surface. If the whole area of the pool had bedrock a foot below the surface, we wanted the opportunity to reconsider the project since the cost of blasting the rock may have sent the project cost above our comfort level. While digging the five-foot exploratory hole, they found big rocks, but no bedrock, so it was time to build a pool.

www.rrpools.ca

Not everything happened according to plan: the weather didn’t always cooperate; equipment wasn’t always available when we were ready for it; but the plan would just get revised to accommodate whatever obstacle presented itself. The team that built the pool was nice to have around, hard-working and friendly, very good at what they do and always willing to answer questions. It was a fun process to watch. We have a very challenging lot to build on – every piece of equipment had to be brought down a steep hill (and often towed back up). All the garbage and excess supplies had to be brought back up the hill.

When construction started, Derek would often spend a few minutes with us at the end of the day to talk about what happened and what was going to happen next. He would make suggestions for modifications to the original plan (and any associated cost) and explain when we should expect delays. The project took a little longer than expected, but it was a rainy summer that year and it was a huge project, but the result was well worth waiting for. It cost a bit more than the original quote, but any additional expenses were discussed in advance and we made the decision to make a change that we knew would result in additional cost. Two days after the pool and landscaping were finished, we had a 12-hour thunderstorm overnight. We were awake all night imagining what the rain was doing to the fragile, hilly landscape with its fresh mulch and plant material and wondered what it would look like in the morning. The storm provided quite a stress test for a recently finished project. We had already paid the final bill so part of me was wondering if we would be on our own to clean up whatever mess might be waiting for us in the morning. It was messy, and there was a portion of the retaining wall on one side of the pool that was washed out. I called Derek in the morning and by noon he had a team of people at the pool, fixing the retaining wall and cleaning up the dirt and debris. It was amazing.

DEREK’S THOUGHTS As it is with most people, Nanci and Tim needed to know what was involved in constructing and maintaining a pool in their backyard. On my first visit, I listened to what Nanci wanted to have and where she wanted to put the pool. After measuring and marking out the location, the space that was available on the upper level of the backyard was not big enough for the size of the pool Nanci wanted. The only ideal spot for the pool was 25' down the steep slope from the original location. The "Jungle", Nanci called it. "Could a pool be built there?" she asked. Let's go down and see. Access getting equipment in and out would be tough, but manageable. Huge trees needed to be cut down and removed. Big rock and some bedrock were probable. I needed to put a price on this project that fit the homeowners budget. After going over a few more details with Nanci and Tim, we signed a contract to build the pool. The necessary permits were obtained and the challenge to make the "Jungle" an "Oasis" was on. There were a few minor setbacks, but the project remained, for the most part, on time and on budget. Nanci followed the progress every day, making changes as the project became more visual. She had some great ideas and we were happy to oblige. This project was a lot tougher than most of our projects. I enjoyed the challenge immensely. Tim and Nanci were great. I thank them for the opportunity to be their pool builder.

We’re still learning about the pool and there’s a lot to learn. We don’t know what all the buttons and pieces of equipment do and sometimes the pool water gets cloudy or the chemicals get out of balance and it can be frustrating. However, the R&R team has been great at answering questions, solving problems and helping with issues as they come up (I think I’ve been taught how to backwash the filter three times). We decided to build a pool because we weren’t ready to commit to using a cottage. The kids are involved in lots of activities, so it makes sense for us to be home during the summer and we like having their friends over to the pool. A pool is work (especially if you build it among trees!), absolutely, but we have not once regretted our decision. www.rrpools.ca

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