SPRING/SUMMER 2020 Carefree Pools
LOVE YOUR POOL, LOVE THE PLANET How green technology can help with a pool’s energy efficiency
WHAT’S TRENDING IN POOL COLOURS
Just like fashion, everyone has their own favourites for pool colours and patterns
TAKING POOL PARTIES TO THE NEXT LEVEL
Tanning ledges, swim-up bars, in-pool furniture and more CAREFREE CELEBRATES 50 YEARS IN BUSINESS | TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS | TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR ONLINE SERVICES
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Thousand Islands Concrete has over 100 years of combined experience in the concrete business! TIC has been serving Brockville and the 1000 Islands Area for over 30 years!
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CAREFREE POOLS
P
Celebrating 50 years of business in the St. Lawrence River Valley
eter Kelly attributes his company’s success in Brockville’s highly competitive pool and spa retail market to its well-trained staff who have the ability to take on many complex projects that their competitors cannot do, as well as their many years of doing business in the region. “Our years of experience and our professional, well-trained staff allow us to sell and service pools and hot tubs, as well as offering design and landscaping services and complete turn-key projects using our own in-house people. This means that our clients don’t have to search for a landscaper, paver or fabricator. If they want a stamped concrete deck or a stone retaining wall, we can do it for them — as well as installing pools, building fences and doing landscaping,” Kelly says. “That’s probably the biggest advantage we have over the competition. We’re the only people in the area who do that.” Kelly says that when Carefree Pools started to grow on the installation side, he relied on professionals to do the landscaping — which still allowed him to maintain control over the project. “Eventually, we decided to learn how to install the decking and do the landscaping ourselves, as well as installing pools.”
BUYING GROUPS ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHANGES In the 50 years that Carefree Pools has been in business, Kelly says he has seen a great deal of changes in the industry, but one of the biggest changes has been the growth of buying groups. Carefree Pools, for example, was one of the founding members of the Independent Pool Groups (IPG): an organization of more than 80 member retailers in Canada that provided Kelly with better buying power, better pricing, and exclusivity on certain products — in other words, the “edge” they needed to successfully compete in the marketplace. “We feel that with all the industry mergers and acquisitions over the years, belonging to a buying group provides us with the stability and solidifies our place within the industry,” Kelly says. “Being an IPG member also allows us to meet any client request for new and leading-edge technologies at competitive prices.”
BEGAN OUT OF NECESSITY Carefree Pools Ltd started in 1970 when Kelly’s father, wanted a pool in the backyard but couldn’t find a builder. “The suppliers we were dealing with told us we should start our own business — so after we built our pool, there was no looking back. The company was started from our home garage, offering pool installation and service along with chemicals and pool supplies.” In the 1970s, Carefree Pools specialized in building in-ground pools, selling between 5 to 10 pools a year — which Kelly says were on average much bigger than they are now. “Rectangular pools ranged from 5.4 m x 11 m to 6 m x 12.1 m (18 ft. x 36 ft. to 20 ft. x 40 ft.),” he says. “There were large swimming pools, but lot sizes were much bigger than they are today.” The business operated out of the Kellys’ family garage for a couple of years before it needed more space to incorporate their expanded product line. Their first retail location was a 74 sq. m (800 sq. ft.) store in a nearby Brockville shopping centre, followed by a move to an industrial mall in 1980. “We were growing and needed more space,” says Kelly. “We had the front half of the industrial plaza and warehouse space, so we opted to sell above-ground pools as well.” Kelly says that each time the business moved, it gained additional space to display their growing selection of products — which
The company was started from our home garage, offering pool installation and service along with chemicals and pool supplies.” – Peter Kelly,
Carefree Pools, Brockville, Ont.
now includes in-ground, on-ground and above-ground swimming pools, hot tubs and swim spas, as well as specialty products and accessories. The store also offers an extensive parts division, pool and spa maintenance services and a high-tech in-store water testing lab. “Our last move was to stand-alone operation with a 929 sq. m (10,000 sq. ft.) on a 1.2 hectare (3 acre) lot which enabled us to have all our operations — including retail, services, construction and landscaping divisions — in one location.” Business has remained family-owned and operated The business has remained family-owned and operated over the years, with four family members holding different positions. Along with Peter Kelly is his sister, Susan, who is the administrator/controller. Other family members include Kelly’s brother, Stephen, who is the construction foreman and brother, Chris, who is service foreman. In addition to the immediate family, there are nine permanent full-time staff members, which increases to 15-20 during the busy season with the addition of permanent, part-time employees. Carefree Pools continues to build sales through their website and other media as well as by offering a variety of specials and promotions.
Our Fo unde Peter K r, elly (Senior )
SPRING/SUMMER 2020 / 3
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Photo: Waterworld Pools
Published for: International Pool Group www.ipgpools.com Operations Manager: Ray Savage Published by: The Chronicle Herald Chairman and Publisher: Sarah Dennis President and CEO: Mark Lever Director, Product Management: Lindsey Bunin Writer/Editor: Heather Laura Clarke Senior Graphic Designer: Julia Webb Advertising Coordinator: Meghan O'Neil
© The Chronicle Herald 2020 All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in retrieval systems or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission from the publisher. The Chronicle Herald 2717 Joseph Howe Drive PO Box 610, Halifax, N.S., B3J 2T2 902 426 2811
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How green technology can help with a pool’s energy efficiency
VI
WHAT’S TRENDING IN POOL COLOURS Just like fashion, everyone has their own favourites for pool colours and patterns
X
CREATING A BACKYARD OASIS — OF ANY SIZE
You don’t need a huge backyard to create a dreamy space for relaxation, socialization
XII
TheChronicleHerald.ca
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Photo: Contr by Carefree ibuted Pools
XVIII SMALL BUT MIGHTY
Exploring the popularity of swim spas and shallow-depth pools
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PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS
Great ideas to make your pool or hot tub more enjoyable this season
Printed by: Advocate Printing and Publishing Co.
WWW.IPGPOOLS.COM
LOVE YOUR POOL, LOVE THE PLANET
TAKING POOL PARTIES TO THE NEXT LEVEL
Tanning ledges, swim-up bars, in-pool furniture and more
CLEAR WATER, CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS Expert advice on simple, effective water care
XXII
THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT
What’s new in pool/spa automation? Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter @ipgpools SPRING/SUMMER 2020 / I
Perfect water. Zero worries. Alg Out Ultra TM/MC
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LOVE YOUR POOL, LOVE THE PLANET
How green technology can help with a pool’s energy efficiency BY
Heather Laura Clarke
M
ost pool-owners are used to seeing a spike in their energy costs between May and October as they pay for their pool’s water to be properly turned, cleaned, treated and heated. But there are more ways than ever before to run your pool as efficiently as possible, so we’ve asked the experts for their best energy-saving advice on everything from pumps and filtration systems to lighting and pool covers. Let’s dive into “green” pool technology for the summer of 2020 ...
VARIABLE-SPEED PUMPS Variable-speed pumps have been on the market for more than five years now, but Andrew Lipscombe with WaterWorld Pools in Peterborough, Ont. says he’s noticed a steady increase in their sales over the last five years as more homeowners turn to “green” solutions for their pools. A variable-speed pump can offer up to 70 per cent reduction in energy costs, depending on your pool set-up. They can be programmed to run at lower speeds, instead
Photo: 123RF
You can ramp up the speed at night and turn the heater up, all while the rates are lower.” – Rae Ferguson,
Carefree Pools, Brockville, Ont.
of having the motor running at full speed all of the time. “Here in Ontario, it’s more expensive during the day to do laundry or run major appliances, so you can dial your pool pump down to a slow trickle — just enough to turn over the water,” says Lipscombe. “Then you can ramp up the speed at night and turn the heater up, all while the rates are lower.” It’s not new technology, but now it’s more affordable for the average homeowner because it typically pays for itself in a summer and a half. Many provinces are offering rebates to encourage pool-owners to make the energy-efficient choice. Whether you’re looking at a new pool heater, pump or any other equipment,
Lipscombe recommends looking for the ENERGY STAR® symbol that indicates it’s a highly efficient product. Rae Ferguson with Carefree Pools in Brockville, Ont. agrees that a variable-speed pump is the No. 1 purchase a pool-owner should make if they want their pool to be kinder to the environment. “You want to turn that body of water over so many times in a 24-hour period, but a variable-speed pump gives you more flexibility because you can control how high it’s running at different times of the day,” explains Ferguson. “A regular old-school pump maxes out as soon as you fire it up, whereas a variable-speed pump can run on low, medium or high.” SPRING/SUMMER 2020 / III
Photo: 123RF
POOL COVERS If you have the funds for an additional “green” upgrade, consider an automatic pool cover. They decrease evaporation — so there’s less heat loss and chemical loss — and they also decrease your cleaning time. If an automatic cover isn’t in your budget, you can achieve similar results by using a manual cover to keep that temperaturecontrolled, heated water where it belongs — in your pool!
LIGHTING Most pool lights are now available in more energy-efficient versions that boast lower voltage. New 12V lights draw far less electricity compared to some of the old 120V systems, so these new low-voltage options can lower your electricity costs significantly.
It helps reduce your chemical costs, and using less chemicals also means you’re not backwashing as many chemicals out of the pool, which can be harmful for the environment.” – Rae Ferguson,
Carefree Pools, Brockville, Ont.
CARTRIDGE FILTRATION Another way to ensure an above-ground pool or in-ground pool is more energyefficient is to use cartridge filtration. Instead of backwashing your pool every four weeks with a sand filter — wasting water and
chemicals and then wasting energy to heat your pool back up because you’ve just had to dump cold water back in — you can use cartridge filters. They don’t require backwashing, so there’s a lot of savings to be had.
IONIZERS Ferguson says one way to cut down on the chemicals you need to use in your pool is to try a product called the ClearBlue pool ionizer. It hooks into your pool filtration system and releases microscopic mineral ions that control bacteria and algae, allowing pool-owners to reduce their chlorine and algaecide use by up to 90 per cent. “It helps reduce your chemical costs, and using less chemicals also means you’re not backwashing as many chemicals out of the pool, which can be harmful for the environment,” says Ferguson.
IV / SPRING/SUMMER 2020
Photo: Contributed by Vantage LeisureScapes © Gordon Waddington Photography
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WHAT'S TRENDING IN POOL COLOURS Just like fashion, everyone has their own favourites for pool colours and patterns BY
Heather Laura Clarke VI / SPRING/SUMMER 2020
WWW.IPGPOOLS.COM
P
ale blue? Grey pebbles? Warm black flagstone? Choosing a colour or pattern for your pool is often the most difficult decision you’ll make in the planning process. From dark and dramatic lagoon-style pools to a wide range of classic blues, here’s what the experts have to say about choosing colours and patterns for your pool in 2020 ...
LAGOON-STYLE HIDEAWAYS Lagoon-style pools have a freeform shape and often include natural elements like waterfalls, fire features, boulders and cave-like grottos. But while they’re blowing up on Pinterest and growing in popularly in the U.S., it seems they haven’t quite made their way to Canada yet. Andrew Lipscombe with WaterWorld Pools in Peterborough, Ont. says lagoonstyle pools can look “pretty cool — almost like a personal pond,” but they require the right setting. Instead, he says many of their customers prefer a curvy, organically-shaped pool with a more natural colour scheme. If you do opt for a lagoon-style pool, it’s important to make sure you choose the landscaping carefully — certain plants can negatively affect your water chemistry.
DARK COLOURS
Photo: Contributed by BonaVista Pools Photographer: Jeff McNeill
Very dark pools — including black pools — are popping up more and more, but they’re also causing safety concerns because it can be difficult to see the bottom. Rae Ferguson with Carefree Pools in Brockville, Ont. says it’s important to see the bottom of a pool “for safety purposes,” so if a customer has their heart set on a black pool, he encourages them to choose a dark grey or lighter, warmer black. Lipscombe says black pools aren’t his personal preference, either, because it feels a bit like you’re “jumping into an abyss.”
Black isn’t a winner with pool experts, but dark greys are a clear winner. Lipscombe says a grey mosaic pattern is probably the most popular liner of the season, and many customers are also choosing colour-matched ladders and diving boards so everything feels cohesive. “There’s a new one called ‘Butterfly Effect’ that has a pearlescent shimmer but still looks very natural,” says Lipscombe.
Most people now are choosing vinyl liners with a full print, avoiding anything with a border around the perimeter.” – Andrew Lipscombe, W aterWorld Pools, Peterborough, Ont.
JUST SAY NO TO BORDERS While just about every pool in the ’90s had a decorative border around the waterline, today’s consumers almost never choose a border for their pool. “Most people now are choosing vinyl liners with a full print, avoiding anything with a border around the perimeter,” says Lipscombe. Ferguson agrees that borders are just not happening in 2020. “Most people are choosing a full print that covers the floors and walls, right up to the edge,” says Ferguson. “It makes a small pool feel larger, but still cozy.” SPRING/SUMMER 2020 / VII
Photo: Contributed by Waterworld Pools
NATURAL SHADES & PATTERNS
If you live in a more rustic, natural setting, it makes sense to design a pool that will have a similar look and feel. Some of Carefree Pools’ customers live right on the Saint Lawrence River, so Ferguson says they’ve helped them create pools that blend seamlessly with their wooded riverfront homes. “We’ll use natural colours and even set the elevation of the pool so they can still see out into the river,” adds Ferguson. Brown pools look great in wooded areas, but you don’t need to live near a cluster of trees to take advantage of natural-looking earth toned pool liners. Choosing a greenishbrown pool might sound strange, but experts swear it looks “really natural” once it’s filled with water.
“We have a specific tan liner that when the pool is filled with water and the sun’s sparkling on it just right, it looks exactly like the water in Antigua,” says Ferguson. He says there’s also a movement towards liners patterned with pebbles, rocks and even flagstone. “A lot of liners nowadays give you a three-dimensional look, like a pebbly pattern,” says Ferguson. “It might not look that appealing on the sample, but once you place it in water — and we’ll show customers right in our store’s mini-pool — it looks amazing.”
TROPICAL SHADES Who needs a passport when you’ve got your own tropical destination right in your own backyard?
Most people are choosing a full print that covers the floors and walls, right up to the edge. It makes a small pool feel larger, but still cozy.” – Rae Ferguson,
Carefree Pools, Brockville, Ont.
VIII / SPRING/SUMMER 2020
Ferguson says homeowners who want a Carribean-style pool will often choose a turquoise liner to give the water the bright, aqua look of a beach in Turks and Caicos. And since many Carribean resort pools also include fire features, Ferguson says some homeowners are choosing to add “pool peninsulas” that jut out into the pool holding blazing fire bowls.
50 SHADES OF BLUE Blues are still the most popular pool shade, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of blues on the market. Medium blues tend to provide the “classic” pool look you’ll remember from childhood, while dark blues can make the water appear cooler. Before you pick a shade of blue at random, Ferguson says it’s a good idea to consider a pool colour alongside other elements on your property — like the colour of your home’s siding and interlock — so everything flows together nicely. What if you get sick of the colour or pattern you choose? The nice thing about vinyl pools is that you can always choose a new colour or pattern when you replace the liner in a decade or so — and it’s like getting a brand-new pool all over again.
WWW.IPGPOOLS.COM
Photo: Contributed by Vantage LeisureScapes © Gordon Waddington Photography
CREATING A BACKYARD OASIS — OF ANY SIZE You don’t need a huge backyard to create a dreamy space for relaxation, socialization BY
Heather Laura Clarke X / SPRING/SUMMER 2020
WWW.IPGPOOLS.COM
Not everyone has a one-acre backyard, so we design custom pools that can fit in just about any yard.” – Andrew Lipscombe, W aterWorld Pools, Peterborough, Ont.
1. START WITH A PLAN Andrew Lipscombe with WaterWorld Pools in Peterborough, Ont. says homeowners used to want the biggest pool they could afford, but now choosing a pool is “more of a lifestyle decision.” “Not everyone has a one-acre backyard, so we design custom pools that can fit in just about any yard,” says Lipscombe. “We want to create pools that are going to work with a client’s lifestyle.” Of course, the pool is only one element to your backyard makeover. Trust a certified landscape designer to put together a plan for your backyard, since they’ll also understand municipal regulations for property line distancing, utility placements and grade changes.
2. THINK ABOUT DAY-TO-DAY USAGE
I
t used to be that certain houses had a yard you’d describe as “just perfect for a pool” — a large, perfectly flat rectangular plot of grass without a rock or tree in sight. But these days, pools come in all shapes and sizes, making just about every yard suitable for some type of pool. It’s sometimes just a matter of getting a little creative. So whether your yard is the size of a football field or barely large enough for a decent game of tag, here are five things to keep in mind when it comes to designing your perfect backyard oasis ...
When you’re planning out your backyard oasis, Rae Ferguson with Carefree Pools in Brockville, Ont. says it’s important to consider how you’ll use the space on a day-to-day basis — not just right now, but potentially years into the future. “With the right planning, you can turn your backyard into an extension of the inside of your home — like an outdoor living space,” says Ferguson. “You need to think about what’s going to make it feel like ‘home’ to you. What would you and your family enjoy the most?”
3. WORK IN STAGES TO KEEP COSTS DOWN It’s perfectly reasonable to create your backyard in stages so it’s more affordable. First comes the hardscaping — the pool and its enclosure, along with perhaps planting a few trees — and then Phase II would involve
any softscaping a.k.a. landscaping. Ferguson says Carefree Pools provides a “turn-key operation” where they take care of all hardscaping and softscaping, including fences, heating and electrical — making it easier for homeowners to get the backyard oasis of their dreams, complete with all the bells and whistles they want. “Years ago, most people just had rectangular pools with a few feet of concrete around the outside of it,” says Ferguson. “But now, we’re adding natural gas firepits, water features to provide a nice ambiance — like waterfalls — and landscaping that all work together to create a backyard that’s relaxing but also perfect for entertaining.”
4. POOLS COME IN ALL SHAPES & SIZES If you’re dreaming of a pool but not sure your yard is large enough, there are hundreds of different options as far as pool shapes and sizes — and one of them will likely be ideal for your yard. After 50 years in business, Ferguson says the Carefree Pools team knows exactly how to design a pool that will suit the homeowners’ needs — as well as the dimensions of their yard. “We use a program called Pool Studio that allows you to put in the dimensions of the yard and come up with a pool that’s perfect for the space — and show the homeowner a three-dimensional view of how it would look when it’s completed,” says Ferguson. “Sometimes people just want a small plunge pool for cooling off, and others want something unique like a 10x10 square. We can do just about anything they want.”
5. BIGGER ISN’T NECESSARILY BETTER Today’s suburban neighbourhoods often have small backyards, so it’s all about doing what you can to maximize that space. There’s no minimum size for a pool, and a bigger pool isn’t necessarily better, anyway. “Gone are the days of the Olympic-sized pool. It’s a lot to look after, you can barely walk around it and it usually overwhelms the yard,” says Lipscombe. “We always try to design pools that won’t overwhelm a yard. You still need nice walkaround space and a seating area for guests, since not everyone will be in the pool the whole time.” Lipscombe says it’s about “finding the right balance” between the pool and the other elements you want your yard to have — like a patio, a gazebo, a firepit, an outdoor kitchen or open areas for backyard sports. SPRING/SUMMER 2020 / XI
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS Great ideas to make your pool or hot tub more enjoyable this season
AQUA FOOT AQUA FOOT is a stabilized chlorine sanitizer for pool water. Its unique and innovative stabilized chlorine and zinc oxide formula disinfects water by destroying bacteria and algae more efficiently. Its stabilized formula keeps chlorine working longer by offering long-lasting protection against the sun’s ultraviolet rays of the sun. The premeasured tablets also simplify dosing.
THE MINERALUXE POOL CARE KIT! There’s just no easier way to care for a pool. Every other week, you just drop a Mineraluxe Advance Stick into the skimmer and deep cleanse the pool with a sachet of Mineraluxe Oxygen. Besides your regular water balance and maintaining a chlorine residual with Mineraluxe Sanitizer Sticks, that’s all there is to it. Mineraluxe is a healthier way to care for your pool water. The products are über concentrated; allowing you to do more with less. Mineraluxe also redefines water comfort. It gives you a true mineral pool experience and makes the water feel luxurious.
POLARIS VRX IQ+ THE SMARTER WAY TO CLEAN Ushering in the next evolution of intelligent robotic pool cleaners, the Polaris® VRXTM iQ+ provides strategic cleaning for a brilliantly clean pool you can clearly see. Featuring customized cleaning solutions with SMART Cycle functionality that learns your pool, VRX iQ+ calculates the most efficient amount of time to operate while making automatic adjustments as it cleans. Information is then sent to your phone with the iAquaLink® app, where you have full access and greater capabilities including monitoring the cleaning status, checking the water temperature and spot cleaning targeted areas of your pool. PolarisPool.ca
XII / SPRING/SUMMER 2020
WWW.IPGPOOLS.COM
ALG OUT ULTRA 3 IN 1 ALG OUT ULTRA 3 IN 1 destroys and prevents the formation of algae in pool water. This innovative algaecide comes in a long-lasting pre-dosed solid format that’s both safe and easy to use and store. ALG OUT ULTRA 3 IN 1 treats a wide variety of algae (green, yellow and black). Once dissolved in water, its unique concentrated formula also improves filtration and helps to maintain water temperature.
A TRULY SMART HOME INCLUDES THE POOL, TOO It’s never been easier to install total smart pool and spa control than with OmniHub from Hayward®. Providing full control and management of you entire pool pad from anywhere with a phone or Alexa® voice control, OmniHub installs in just hours in new or existing pools and spas. It’s even compatible with existing equipment, giving you a total backyard upgrade for a fraction of the time and cost. Visit Haywardpool.ca for more information.
VINYL OVER STAIRS Vinyl over stairs gives your pool an elegant look. Highbury Pools is now building the vinyl over steps with superior Invisiseal welding technology! Better looking, stronger welds. Ask your dealer for details.
SPRING/SUMMER 2020 / XIII
Photos: 123RF
TAKING POOL PARTIES TO THE NEXT LEVEL Tanning ledges, swim-up bars, in-pool furniture and more BY
Heather Laura Clarke XIV / SPRING/SUMMER 2020
WWW.IPGPOOLS.COM
Photo: 123RF
It’s nice because you can sit on the deck, put your feet on the bench, and sit in waist-deep water while you have a drink.” – Andrew Lipscombe, W aterWorld Pools, Peterborough, Ont.
C Photo: Contributed by BonaVista Pools Photographer: Jeff McNeill
anada may be far away from luxury resorts in Mexico and the Carribean, but that doesn’t mean we can’t borrow their creative pool design ideas. From tanning ledges, swim-up bars and in-pool seating areas — complete with umbrellas — we asked the experts about the newest ways to trick out your pool for unforgettable parties with family and friends ...
TANNING LEDGES
Photo: Contributed by Carefree Pools
Many pool manufacturers are coming up with creative new ledges and inside staircases that provide shallow spots for splashing, tanning and relaxing. Andrew Lipscombe with WaterWorld Pools in Peterborough, Ont. says it looks nice to position your tanning ledges as part of the pool’s interior steps, giving people a nice slow entry into the water. “It’s almost like a beach entrance,” explains Lipscombe. “They’re great for families with little ones. You can sit on a ledge or bench up to your waist, for example, while little kids are
splashing around in a shallow area.” Traditionally, Lipscombe says a staircase has always been “a really social part of a pool,” where people hang out and chat as they submerge only their legs. In his own personal pool, he has a three-tiered step that runs the entire width of the pool. “It’s nice because you can sit on the deck, put your feet on the bench, and sit in waistdeep water while you have a drink,” says Lipscombe. “Or you can stand on the bench and jump into the deep end. There’s a lot of function when you add vinyl-over-steel benches.” He says WaterWorld Pools built one of their customers a spectacular tanning ledge hidden behind a raised brick waterfall. The waterfall cascades into the pool, and people can sit on the “secret” bench behind it. Rae Ferguson with Carefree Pools in Brockville, Ont. says they once designed a family-friendly pool with a wide ledge that ran around the entire perimeter of the pool — about 5 feet deep — so the family’s children had a large shallow area to play in. SPRING/SUMMER 2020 / XV
They want to spend the money on something they can enjoy right in their own backyard with friends and family, without anybody needing to travel anywhere.” Photo: Contributed by BonaVista Pools Photographer: Jeff McNeill
He says they usually order fireglass pools with built-in tanning ledges, but they also create them in vinyl pools — just relying on a thicker liner so it won’t be damaged by a lounge chair. If your existing pool doesn’t have a tanning ledge but you want one, it’s easy to add them during a renovation. (If you have a vinyl pool, upgrades like this need to go hand-in-hand with a liner replacement, of course.)
NATURAL LANDSCAPING (WITH A TWIST) Ferguson says Carefree Pool has been doing a lot more natural landscaping lately, including a special feature that’s a favourite with kids and teens. “Instead of doing a regular diving board, we’re putting in a big, natural bolder that we call a ‘jumping rock,’” says Ferguson. “We build a retaining wall around the pool area and place a nice, flat rock that we can set into the deep end of the pool. It keeps that natural flow going, and kids love to jump off of it.”
their backyards, so you’ll start to see more Canadian pools have their own swim-up bars — as well as in-pool stools, chairs and tables. “We do a lot of vinyl-over-steel pools with swim-up bars and ledges — a lot of funky designs that really add to the form and function of the pool,” says Lipscombe.
SHADE FOR DAYS Keep your guests protected from the sun by hanging oversized shade sails — like ones from Nestling — or setting up large umbrellas.
CONVERSATION AREAS With all of the excitement over fancy new features, don’t forget classics like chairs around the pool deck. Lipscombe says kids
– Andrew Lipscombe, W aterWorld Pools, Peterborough, Ont. tend to stay in the pool a lot longer than adults, so it’s important the adults have a comfortable play to sit while they supervise. “You don’t want a pool that’s so large, there’s no room for proper seating. There are a lot of moving parts with a pool design, so you want to go with a company that’s going to listen to your needs and wants — and provide good advice,” says Lipscombe. “With some careful planning, you’re going to have a backyard that provides years and years of enjoyment.”
OUTDOOR KITCHENS If you’re adding a swim-up bar, it often makes sense to have it connected to an outdoor kitchen so people “on land” can also have full access to refreshments.
The added bonus is that guests won’t need to use your real, indoor kitchen when they’re still in dripping-wet bathing suits. Ferguson says it’s important to spend your planning phase really thinking through how your dream backyard would look. Many of his customers are willing to make a significant investment because they know it’s something they’ll enjoy for years and years to come. “The way our customers put it to us is ‘This is our holiday now. This is our paradise,’” says Ferguson. “They want to spend the money on something they can enjoy right in their own backyard with friends and family, without anybody needing to travel anywhere.”
IN-POOL FURNITURE Most tanning ledges are designed so they’re under about 10” of water, making them the perfect spot for staying cool in a chair that won’t damage your pool. Companies like S.R. Smith and Ledge Lounger make furniture that’s specifically designed to be placed in pools without causing damage.
SWIM-UP BARS & IN-POOL SEATING AREAS Many homeowners take inspiration from their favourite beach vacation resorts when designing XVI / SPRING/SUMMER 2020
Photo: Contributed by BonaVista Pools Photographer: Jeff McNeill
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Photos: Contributed by BonaVista Pools
SMALL BUT MIGHTY
Exploring the popularity of swim spas and shallow-depth pools BY
Heather Laura Clarke
F
or decades, pools tended to look a certain way: large blue rectangles with a shallow end and a deep end. End of story. But over the years, homeowners decided that just because that type of pool was “standard” didn’t mean it was what would best suit their own needs. Instead of a standard pool with a shallow end followed by a drop-off leading to a deep end, many Canadians are opting to build shallow pools with a consistent depth throughout. These shallow-depth pools go by many different names, like “exercise pools,” “plunge pools,” “cocktail pools” and “dipping pools.” XVIII / SPRING/SUMMER 2020
Andrew Lipscombe with WaterWorld Pools in Peterborough, Ont. says shallowdepth pools have become a popular way for people looking to increase their fitness level with backyard sports, or just play around with their children. “We’re seeing people who aren’t interested in diving so they don’t need or want a deep end,” says Lipscombe. “They want a sports-oriented pool for playing volleyball and basketball.” When the water level is waist-height or chest-height, it’s great for pool sports, silly games like Marco Polo and even water aerobotics. Rae Ferguson with Carefree Pools in
Brockville, Ont. says a shallow-depth pool means there’s something for everyone to enjoy. “Sports pools are a great way to make the whole pool what we refer to as a ‘usable area,’” says Ferguson. “There are still people who want a traditional 8-foot or 9-foot deep end, but most people like a nice flat-bottomed pool where they can set up a net and enjoy a game together — instead of everyone just congregating in the shallow end.” Families with young children also like a constant-depth pool because there’s no deep end. These pools are great for people of all ages who can’t swim. The consistent WWW.IPGPOOLS.COM
depth means that if you can touch the bottom when you first step into the pool, you’re fine to bop around the rest of the pool without worrying about a drop-off point. “We did a nice plunge pool for a family with a child who has special needs because the water helps to soothe them,” says Lipscombe. “It was only a 10x15 pool — very small — but we’re happy to create any kind of pool.” Shallow-depth pools aren’t just for people, either. Ferguson says they sold a small fibreglass pool, measuring five feet deep, to a customer who had no intention of using it for herself — it was a pool specifically for her dogs! “Dolphin Pools offered a model she was interested in, and it’s been perfect for her dogs,” says Ferguson. “It’s pet-friendly because there’s no liner for their claws to rip, and they can easily go up and down the stairs.” While shallow-depth pools are ideal for splashing around for a game of basketball or volleyball, a swim spa is a clever combination of “spa” and “miniature swimming pool.” A standard swimming pool may hold 80,000 litres of water while a swim spa only holds between 6,000 and 10,000 litres — all enclosed in an insulated cabinet so it can be used year-round if it’s kept nice and warm. Swim spas also don’t typically require a
M ost people like a nice flat-bottomed pool where they can set up a net and enjoy a game together — instead of everyone just congregating in the shallow end.” – Rae Ferguson,
Carefree Pools, Brockville, Ont.
fenced-in enclosure, thanks to their thick foam safety covers. And while companies like Peloton are leading the charge for in-home workouts, swim spas make it easy to swim “laps” against a resistance current — all in the comfort of their own yard or patio. It’s also easier than ever to use a swim spa year-round — cranking up the temperature to 90º for a nice winter swim or even 104º for a toasty winter hot tub session. Some homeowners are choosing to split the difference between a shallow-depth pool and a swim spa by building a shallow pool that’s equipped with jets. Ferguson says these are great for small spaces. “When a backyard is tight to get into, we’ll do a smaller pool and maybe put swim jets at one end,” explains Ferguson. “Then you can
swim against the current at your own rate — making it stronger or slower as needed. You can even get exercising equipment for in the pool, like exercise bikes and treadmills.”
Photo: Contributed by Carefree Pools
Photo: Contributed by BonaVista Pools
SPRING/SUMMER 2020 / XIX
Expert advice on simple, effective water care
I
f you’re worried about managing your pool’s water care, the short answer is that it might be easier than you think — providing you follow one important rule.
BE CONSISTENT Rae Ferguson with Carefree Pools in Brockville, Ont. says sometimes people tend to get into chemical problems with their pool when they decide to skip the dealer advice and take a loose, DIY approach to managing their water because they think it will be cheaper. Trouble tends to arise when a pool-owner thinks the water “looks OK” so they don’t think they need to follow any particular program to keep it in balance. While the water may be crystal-clear, there could still be underlying issues putting people’s health at risk. Ferguson says sometimes homeowners will “go crazy dumping in all kinds of things” and then backwashing excessively, which is bad for the environment. Others will turn off their pool pumps temporarily to save power and then wonder why the pool is overtaken by algae — leading to them to need to spend a lot of money to fix the problem. In order to keep your pool running at peak performance — and keep bathers safe — Ferguson says it’s important to choose a water care program and stick with it consistently. “We’re always trying to educate people that we’re not going to sell them any products they don’t need,” explains Ferguson. “We do free water testing, and we’re only going to sell them what they need based on their water sample.” XX / SPRING/SUMMER 2020
Photos: 125RF.com
CLEAR WATER, CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS
BY
Heather Laura Clarke
TEST AT HOME ONCE A WEEK
We provide free water testing and we urge people to take advantage of that because we want them to run a healthy, problemfree pool.” – Andrew Lipscombe, W aterWorld Pools, Peterborough, Ont.
FIND THE RIGHT POOL PARTNER Andrew Lipscombe with WaterWorld Pools in Peterborough, Ont. says it’s a common misconception that managing your pool chemistry is “hard” or “so much work,” but it’s actually very simple once you have the right IPG pool partner to rely on for regular water testing and advice. “We provide free water testing and we urge people to take advantage of that because we want them to run a healthy, problem-free pool,” says Lipscombe. “Summer can feel short, and we want them to get the most out of every day they can enjoy their pool — not spend weeks fighting water quality issues.”
Lipscombe says pool-owners should be conducting a quick self-check for the water once a week. It shouldn’t take long — in fact, he says new automated systems are making water care easier than ever before, with devices alerts to your phone if any levels need to be adjusted. “Pick a day of the week you’re always home, like maybe Sunday evening, and have that be your dedicated time when you’re gearing your pool up for the week,” says Lipscombe.
TEST IN-STORE AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH A pool’s water should be professionally tested at least once a month, and it’s a free service provided by IPG dealers. Ferguson says he “can’t stress enough” the importance of bringing a pool water sample to a trusted pool dealer once a month. “We say this not because we’re trying to sell you more chemicals, but because we want to stay on top of it,” says Ferguson. Lipscombe says the monthly errand is a small task that can help you maintain the value of your investment — your pool — and provide peace of mind that the water is healthy for everyone who swims in it. “On any given Saturday in the summer, we have tons of people bringing in their water samples — even people who have owned their pool for 20 years now — because regular testing is the No. 1 way to ensure you’re running a healthy pool,” says Lipscombe. “You want to spend your time enjoying your pool — not fighting with it.” WWW.IPGPOOLS.COM
THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT What’s new in pool/spa automation?
Photo: 123RF
BY
Heather Laura Clarke “Siri, turn on the pool lights.” “Alexa, warm up the pool to 82º.” “Hey Google, turn on the waterfall feature.”
W
ith phones in our back pockets and WiFi all around us, it’s possible to control just about every aspect of our pools without even being in the same country. “The pool industry has noticed a big movement towards “all things automation” over the last couple of years,” says Craig McNutt with Holland Home Leisure in New Minas, N.S. “Hayward’s OmniLogic line lets you control your heater, salt system, lights and pump all remotely, using your smartphone or a voice assistant like Alexa or Google Home.” He says having remote access is convenient for people who travel or for those with a pool at a weekend property because “you can check in on everything from a distance and have that peace of mind.” Of course, McNutt jokes that it’s also just fun to sit around with your friends and family and “show off” by switching on your pool’s lights from your phone. Rhett Bradshaw with Vantage LeisureScapes in Langley, B.C. agrees many pool-owners find it “fun and exciting” to have the latest automation gadgets. “People love being able to pull their phone out of their pocket and say ‘Watch XXII / SPRING/SUMMER 2020
this,’ while they turn on their waterfall or start a light show in their backyard,” says Bradshaw. But it’s also extremely convenient, he points out, to be able to access your pool’s features without needing to be right there in person. “You could be on your way back from vacation and decide to fire up the hot tub to get it to your desired temperature so it’s ready for a soak as soon as you get home,” says Bradshaw. Kara Redden with R&R Pools in Halifax, N.S. says automation has been standard on all of the pools they’ve built over the past few years. “It’s affordable, it’s easy to use and there’s no reason not to put in it,” says Redden. “If people aren’t technologically inclined, they can still use everything manually if that’s what they want to do. But automation has the power to make things easier and reduce your energy costs — there’s even a safety component — so we find people get on board quickly.” While pool covers can’t be controlled remotely for safety issues, Redden says pool-owners can get a notification on their phone reminding them if their pool cover is off. When it comes to adjusting your pool’s chemistry, Redden says R&R Pools likes products that automatically alert them
if a homeowner’s pool water needs to be adjusted. “OmniLogic’s new interface makes automation easier than ever,” says Redden. “If someone calls us with a problem, I can quickly pull up their pool’s information and see exactly what’s happening with their pool equipment.” Jennifer Gannon of BonaVista LeisureScapes in Toronto, Ont. says automation is also making it easier to clean your pool. She says the BonaVista Pools team likes the Maytronics products that utilize WiFi connectivity. “You can program them to run for 1-2 hours, but if you want a quick cleaning you can actually drive them around like a remote-control car.” While cleaning up the water, flipping on the lights and sending reminders about the cover are all important, Gannon says the No. 1 perk of pool automation always comes back to one thing: getting that perfect temperature, exactly when you want it. “Homeowners love that automation is making adjusting the temperature of your pool or spa as easy as adjusting the temperature of your home,” says Gannon. “You can use an app to change your pool’s temperature from your office at lunchtime so it’s perfect for an after-work dip — in your comfort zone — when you get home. It’s so easy.” WWW.IPGPOOLS.COM
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TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS Carefree Pools — along with industry partners — ‘pay it forward’ Photos: Contributed
I
t all started when a Kingston, Ont. family decided to have an in-ground pool installed — an upgrade from the smaller above-ground they had in their backyard at the time. Just like thousands of other homeowners considering a new pool, the family’s timing was perfect from a planning and construction perspective. However, what was to happen over the next 130 days with respect to their pool installation would leave many in the industry shaking their heads. In early March, the family did their due diligence by researching different builders and obtaining quotes. By late April, a builder was selected, the permit process was started, a pool was chosen, and a contract was signed. Between the months of May and July, however, a number of issues arose with respect to the builder’s work ethics and ability to perform the necessary tasks to complete the project. Despite having to pay more than what they budgeted, and what was outlined in the contract, the homeowner was left with their newly-purchased fibreglass pool resting beside a partially excavated hole in their backyard. Unfortunately, the homeowner did not select a builder that is a member of the Independent Pool Group (IPG) or a Pool & Hot Tub Council of Canada (PHTCC), who adhere to a strict code of ethics and best practices.
HELP ARRIVES JUST IN TIME “Like many inquiries, the first step is a call from a potential client, which starts with ‘We are considering an in-ground pool and want to know what the next steps are — like
Originally published in Pool & Spa Marketing / Jason Cramp
a site visit and design options,” says Carefree Pools owner/manager Peter Kelly, who was called by the pool supplier to see if his company could help the homeowner during their time of need. “This call was more like ‘I have a pool and need to have it installed,’” says Kelly. “This is not something we’d typically do, but I told the homeowner I would visit the site
locates and the availability of a pool model they selected, not to mention a crane to lift it over the house, the excavation commenced approximately one week after paying the initial deposit. As luck would have it, two days after starting the excavation, the contractor hit rock and asked the homeowner to arrange for a jackhammer. Several days later, the
... what happened to this family was wrong on all accounts. It struck a nerve and I felt, for the betterment of the pool industry, we, together with the Independent Pool Group (IPG), could right the wrongs experienced by this family — pay it forward, so to speak.” – Peter Kelly,
Carefree Pools, Brockville, Ont.
and discuss the options. We’re always up for a challenge, so there was nothing lost to investigate the current state of the project site.” Once Kelly arrived on-site in late July, the talks proceeded to how the homeowner had a pool in their backyard, along with an excavation, but not much else. According to the homeowner, the original contractor was not worried about hitting rock during the excavation and told them if they did, they could handle it. After several delays with regards to performing property
homeowner was told the jackhammer was not working. Finally, after two weeks of impasse, the homeowner hired a subcontractor to handle the removal of excavated rock from their property. Now, with the contractor deeming the excavation and the base for the pool complete, the next step was craning the pool into the hole. Despite the pool arriving on time, it had to sit on a trailer on the street in front of their house because the contractor did not have the appropriate crane to perform the job. SPRING/SUMMER 2020 / 29
Once again, the onus was placed on the homeowner to hire a crane and operator. In doing so, they managed to crane the pool over the house. However, the crane length did not reach the hole, and thus it was set down on the ground beside the excavation. According to the homeowner, it was a good thing they were unable to set the pool in place because they were told by the pool supplier the initial excavation was not large enough for it to be properly installed and, therefore, the warranty may be affected if their recommendations were not followed. With the original contractor now out of the picture, and after Kelly reviewed the situation, he concurred with the supplier saying the excavation was not performed to the specifications required for the pool the homeowner purchased. Therefore, the first step taken by Carefree Pools was to check the excavation met the proper setbacks as per the permit issued by the city. As a result, it was determined the excavation had to be corrected, thereby removing additional rock for the pool profile. After removing the rock, Carefree Pools set the stone base for the pool profile using batter boards (one of a number of boards set horizontally to support strings for outlining the pool’s foundation), while at the same time installing the drainage pipe for groundwater control.
SETTING THE POOL IN PLACE With the excavation corrected and properly prepared to accept the pool, the vessel could finally be placed in the ground. To do so, Carefree used an excavator to lift the pool and set it in place according to the permit specifications with respect to set-backs and easement. Once the vessel was in place, it was levelled using jacks to fine-tune the pool lip to ensure it was straight and true. After this was completed, the pool was filled with water, and the backfill process was started. While the pool was being filled, the plumbing was connected to the skimmer and return fittings, which were previously installed into the pool shell. Once the plumbing was completed, stone backfill could be placed around the pool structure as the water level rose to ensure balanced pressure on the interior and exterior of the pool. Once the water and backfill were level with the plumbing, the lines were encased in spray foam insulation. This was done to protect the lines from the stone backfill, as well as to provide a higher R-value with respect to heat retention. Once this was completed, the area was backfilled to the finished grade and the pool was prepared for the concrete collar (the base for the bullnose coping stone), which adds structure to the pool perimeter. “Due to the backyard’s elevation (slope), we had to construct a 7.3m (24 ft.) retaining wall to maintain drainage for easement and to retain the backfill from the existing shed,” added Kelly. This remaining wall also allowed the pool’s solar blanket to be concealed within the completed retaining wall, enabling the homeowner to keep it out of sight when it was not being used. After the wall was constructed, the concrete was poured for the collar and the coping stone was installed around the pool perimeter using thin-set mortar.
PREPPING THE DECK Once the pool’s coping was completed, the base was prepped for the concrete deck. While this was being completed, the filter system was installed in the shed, the lights were hooked up, a salt chlorine generator was connected and the circulation system was started. With the concrete deck poured and control joints cut to prevent cracking, the final stages of the project were within sight. This meant completing the fence to comply with municipal codes and install the interlocking concrete paver (ICP) patio. To make the backyard childsafe, ornamental iron fencing was installed to separate the pool area from the rest of the property, while keeping an accessible play area for the homeowner’s children. 30 / SPRING/SUMMER 2020
WWW.CAREFREEPOOLSLTD.COM
We are in the pool business as a profession providing technical expertise in the design, build, and service of the backyard oasis.” – Peter Kelly,
Carefree Pools, Brockville, Ont.
Finally, a 3x7m (10x23 ft.) elevated deck was installed off the back of the house to provide an additional entertainment and dining area that overlooks the pool environment. This controlled area ensures access to the pool cannot be gained by the kids, unless supervised.
THE FINAL WORD “I’ve been in the pool industry for more than 40 years and have seen dealers come and go, poor workmanship, and installations gone awry, but what happened to this family was wrong on all accounts,” says Kelly. “It struck a nerve and I felt, for the betterment of the pool industry, we, together with the Independent Pool Group (IPG), could right the wrongs experienced by this family — pay it forward, so to speak.” “We are in the pool business as a profession providing technical expertise in the design, build, and service of the backyard oasis.” After the homeowner’s taxing experience — broken promises, appointment no-shows, early morning and late night texts and emails — the final result of this project was above and beyond what the family expected. Although the end never seemed near, thanks to everyone who lent a hand on the project, the family was not only able to swim in their new pool by August, but was also able to breathe a sigh of relief knowing it was installed properly and would provide them with years of enjoyment and relaxation. This project was completed with the generous participation of the following companies who donated either their time or products: A & J Urethane Insulation, All Season Fencing, Brampton Brick, Cleardeck Systems Ltd., Fresh Crete, Hayward Pool Products Canada, Hinspergers Poly Industries (HPI), Home Hardware (Brockville, Ont.), Independent Pool Group (IPG), Northeastern Swimming Pool Distributors, Nuvo Iron Fencing, Sani Marc Inc., San Juan Pools & Spas Canada Inc., and the construction and service staff of Carefree Pools Ltd. Their contributions are gratefully acknowledged; without their assistance, this pool could not have been installed. SPRING/SUMMER 2020 / 31
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