Backyard Escapes - Holland Home Leisure 2019

Spring/Summer 2019 Holland Home Leisure

HOW TO ACe (pOOL) CHemiSTry

experts share easy steps for clear, safe pool water

Are yOu reADy TO TreAT yO’SeLF TO A pOOL? We dive into the financial aspects of adding a pool to your home

rOBOTiC CLeAnerS

What’s worth it, what’s not and how they can save you money InVesT In YoUr BACKYArD MeMorIes | The 1-2-3 oF sALT wATer | A gUIDe To swIM sPAs | The PerFeCT sPoT For reLAXATIon | JoY AT hoMe

NEW MINAS

8794 Commercial street, new Minas, ns B4n 3C5

AYLESFORD

2317 highway #1 Aylesford ns, B0P 1C0

www.poolsuppliesnovascotia.pro

annapolis valley

may 29 - June 3, 2019 For a full list of events please visit www.appleblossom.com or call 902-678-8322

Photo: Contributed

A Message From The Owners

W

elcome to the 2019 pool season!

Another year in the pool industry is now a blur of a memory, marking our sixth season at Holland Home Leisure.

A bit of a blur yes, but the way that they say, “how someone made you feel is what you will remember,” the same seems to hold true for pool seasons! Or maybe that is just the joy of summer. Regardless, the summer of 2018 was a great one and it was HOT! A hot summer, then what seemed to be a quick fall, a cold but not-too-snowy winter, and now an early spring. We have been due for an early spring ... here’s to hoping it keeps going! 18 degrees on March 31 in Greenwood … that is a great start!

Over the winter, we have been busy getting ready for the pool season to arrive, with the

most notable change being in our Aylesford store. A five-week renovation with a new floor, new layout, new colours and a new feel. Our crew did all of the work, so please stop in and have a look, they did a great job!

In running a business, one of the most important things to understand and focus on is what makes your business stand out.

Why should people choose Holland Home Leisure? Each year this becomes clearer to me. This is not a new revelation, but one that becomes more solidified each year.

Our team is why! The best in the business!

In 2018, we started a new employee recognition program called “I Worked and I Won!” — ­ I will skip the details, but the concept is that each morning, team members recognize teammates for doing a great job www.hollandhomeleisure.com

the day before and at the end of the month we have draws for a few prizes. The stories that this brought out during the season were incredible! Stories of great people making all of us proud! My favourite part of this program (which we are continuing for 2019) has been hearing stories that I likely would not have heard. The little or sometimes big things that people do can sure make a difference in one’s day.

To our customers, we hope you have a great pool and hot tub season and thank you for choosing Holland Home Leisure!

Be sure to bring your dog in the store to say hello the next time you visit!

— Mark and Andrea Van Zoost Spring/Summer 2019 / 3

InVesT In YoUr BACKYArD MeMorIes By

Liana VandenHofRhodenizer

M

y family has had four generations of spending time in water as part of our summer traditions.

The summers were full of family barbecues with a pool as the centerpiece. There was never a shortage of uncles to play with, mothers to splash, cousins to have contests with and siblings to tease. Just thinking of these

memories puts a smile on my face and paints a picture-perfect setting for an afternoon in the sun. Sure, there were probably picky eaters, tears when the “five more minutes” were up in the pool and the odd temper tantrum because it was time to go home, but those are not the memories my family has; my family remembers the happy times, the endless giggling, my

Photos: Contributed

kids and their cousins learning to swim and my dad always saying when we left … “Come by anytime for a swim, the pool is open.”

With my parents’ home being sold in the past year we all were a bit sad to say goodbye; as I felt the pool will be the one feature when summer rolls around that we

will all miss the most. I remember feeling this exact same way when my grandparents moved from their house with a pool (Holland Home Leisure’s first in-ground pool) and when my parents moved from the home I grew up in and hosted my own pool parties as a teen. Saying goodbye to the properties can be difficult,

LIFETIME

Made in Canada

4 / Spring/Summer 2019

www.PooLsUPPLIesnoVAsCoTIA.Pro

but I feel lucky to have so many wonderful memories to hold on to.

Having always had a family pool, the styles, shapes and the size of the pool has always changed, but the usage always the same: Family! Our family backyards have hosted holiday celebrations, July 1 barbecues, birthday parties, family reunions, important conversations with a glass of wine and even wedding receptions. All of these memories include sparkling clear water as the heart of the backyard.

Invest in your backyard memories with a little help from Holland Home Leisure …

Just add water!

49 Ash Lake Court Halifax, NS B3S 1B7 902-835-0741 www.thestonedepot.ca

Come see us for all your Landscaping & Masonry ideas.

We offer a large selection of Concrete Pavers, Pool Caping, Natural Stone & more...

Atlantic Canada’s Largest Selection of Natural Stone! www.hollandhomeleisure.com

Spring/Summer 2019 / 5

A gUIDe To swIM sPAs

Photos: Contributed

making an informed Decision

By

Katie Schofield Hydropool Swim Spas — Aquatic Cross Trainer Hydropool’s Aquatic Cross Training Sessions are a great way to bring the traditional gym workout into your backyard with the added benefits of water.

These are low impact aquatic exercises that will deliver a big difference in your overall fitness.

Exercises using water pressure in a swim spa put less strain on your heart by moving blood around your entire body. The

Rudy Burghardt and Sons

Rudy Burghardt and Sons is pleased to have provided Holland Home Leisure with clean, clear water for their pool installations for over 20 years.

We also offer services such as: Top up water for swimming pools Hot tub fill ups We can deliver up to 6,000 gallons Bulk milk haulage of clean, clear water!

Gravel 88 White Rock Rd, Kentville NS | phone: 902.678.2808 | fax: 902.678.3224

6 / Spring/Summer 2019

water’s resistance against the body’s motions builds muscular strength and tone and activates the entire cardiovascular system.

Exercising in a swim spa keeps the body temperature cooler, resulting in longer, more enjoyable workout periods. Use the exercise rail to ensure you have your balance throughout your exercise circuit training.

What is aquatic cross training?

Similar to land-based cross training, aquatic cross training is designed for whole-body fitness with a mix of aerobics, strength, resistance and flexibility.

Hydropool’s swim spa and its exclusive, multi-level cross training programs offer varied, fullbody workouts right at home. A workout can combine jogging, resistance training and stretching. At any intensity, 10-minute segments will still derive overall benefits to your strength, health and wellbeing.

The WaterWatch In For 2019, Hydropool has launched a swim spa specific WaterWatch that will help you

www.PooLsUPPLIesnoVAsCoTIA.Pro

reach your aquatic cross training goals like never before. The WaterWatch is like having your very own training coach on your wrist. It allows you to analyze your performance by tracking your distance, pulse, calories burned, your time and pace. It also allows you to post your results on a world-wide leaderboard and complete against others! The WaterWatch works with heart rate training by setting your target heart rate and receiving vibration feedback when that target is achieved.

It is the only exercise watch specifically calibrated to work with Hydropool swim spas and for 2019, Hydropool is including one free with every 2019 swim spa purchased!

The perfect exercises in the perfect pool Your Hydropool swim spa can provide an endless array of enjoyment from family fun to the serious swimmer, to the everyday athlete and the triathlon athlete. It’s all in how you bring the swim spa into your lifestyle. The perfect pool, for so many reasons, from size to the end use of the swim spa will provide you with enjoyment, fitness and a chance to create time for what matters to you. Stop by Holland Home Leisure in New Minas and give ours a try! You won’t be disappointed!

The 1-2-3 oF sALT wATer A

t Holland Home Leisure, we are constantly looking for ways to improve our customers’ pool experience.

The largest growing trend in pool water care is salt water. While we have embraced salt water technology, we are putting even more focus on this growing trend! If you are not familiar with salt water pool care, let me explain what it is and how it keeps your pool water clear, safe and feeling great.

The first thing needed to operate a salt pool is an electronic chlorine generator, also known as an ECG. When salt is added to the water, the ECG generates chlorine from the salt passing through it, putting chlorine in the pool. This brings up a common question: Can I have a chlorine free pool? In Canada, following Health Canada guidelines, the only recognized sanitizers for residential pools and hot tubs are chlorine and bromine. You can get chlorine in the pool by physically adding it yourself to the water, a puck dispenser or chlorinator, or by means of salt water chlorination. So, the answer is no, you cannot have a chlorine (or bromine) free pool! Properly sanitizing your pool water is the most important part of water care to keep you safe from bacteria and water borne illnesses.

Salt water pools need specialized pool care products designed to perform inside the catalytic environment of the salt water generator. Chemicals designed for the use in traditional chlorine pools can break down as they pass through the chlorine generator, leaving your pool unprotected and your money wasted.

We have supplied salt water pool care products for many years now, but we are 8 / Spring/Summer 2019

very excited to add Pristiva to our lineup!

The Pristiva Advanced Three-Step System is the next generation of salt water pool care, specifically designed to overcome the most common issues seen with salt water pools.

Let me introduce you to these amazing products.

THE THREE-STEP SYSTEM: Step 1: Add Pristiva Premium Salt Not all salt is created equal! Pristiva Premium Salt is the highest quality pool salt available, mined right here in Amherst, Nova Scotia! While most pool salt suppliers claim their salt is 99 per cent pure, that still means you are adding one per cent of impurities to your pool water. Impurities like animal waste, bacteria and other organic material from solar salt, to iron, phosphates, sulphates and other metal impurities from other mined salt contribute to major issues over time in salt water pools like staining, cloudy water and underperforming generators from scale formation.

Step 2: Add Pristiva Primer Pristiva Primer is our secret weapon!

Added initially, and then once per month throughout the season, Pristiva Primer provides immediate protection against common issues typically experienced by salt water pool owners. These issues are: • Scaling in the chlorine generator and other pool equipment • Scaling of pool surfaces below the water line • Staining of pool surfaces below the water line by dissolved metals • Corrosion of pool equipment and surfaces www.PooLsUPPLIesnoVAsCoTIA.Pro

By

Jennifer Kendall McGrath Photo: Adobestock

• Cloudy water • Algae growth

Pristiva Primer delivers Pristiva’s isotonic advantage: even more refreshing water that’s soothing to the skin and hair and is easier on the eyes and nose than a traditional salt pool.

Step 3: Pristiva Premium Shock Pristiva Premium Shock is the only shock treatment needed in a salt chlorinated pool!

Add initially in the spring, and then monthly immediately following Pristiva Primer.

Shocking the water helps the Primer in keeping the water clear by removing swimmer wastes and used up chlorine and keeps the water comfortable for swimmers’ eyes.

So, what else is needed? Water balance is still very important. Managing the pH, total alkalinity and calcium level will help protect the pool surfaces, ensure the water stays comfortable for your skin and eyes, increases the efficiency of the chlorine and helps keep the water sparkling clear.

Need to be convinced? Take the Pristiva Challenge! Come into either store, purchase a Pristiva Maintenance Kit (includes three bottles each of Primer and Shock) and receive three FREE bags of Pristiva Premium Salt. That’s right, FREE! The best part? We are offering a money back guarantee on the Maintenance Kit and you get to keep the free bags of premium salt. * Some terms and conditions apply. See in-store for details.

Please come see us at either retail location, call or email about any inquiries you may have about your salt pool or converting your pool over to salt-water. We are here as your salt pool experts because we love salt pools, too!

photos: contributed by bonaVista pools

Published for: leisureScapes www.leisurescapes.com Operations Manager: ray Savage Published by: the chronicle Herald Chairman and Publisher: Sarah Dennis President and CEO: mark lever Director, Product Management: lindsey Bunin Graphic Designer: Julia Webb Advertising Coordinator: Jennifer maclean Cover Photo: contributed,vantage pools, langley, B.c. © The Chronicle Herald 2019 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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Are you reADy to treAt yo'SelF to A pool? we dive into the financial aspects of adding a pool to your home

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A SAFer plAce to SWim How to make your pool area safer for your family and your guests

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roBotic cleAnerS get your pool SQueAKy cleAn what’s worth it, what’s not and how they can save you money

XII

proDuct HigHligHtS great ideas to make your pool or hot tub more enjoyable this season

thechronicleHerald.ca printed by: Advocate printing and publishing co.

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Hop in and test out these versatile water solutions

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toy Story pool experts weigh in on 2019’s hottest toys

HoW to Ace (pool) cHemiStry experts share easy steps for clear, safe pool water

WWW.leiSureScApeS.com

XVIII SWim SpA SenSAtion

like us on Facebook Follow us on twitter @leisurescapes Spring/Summer 2019 / I

Are you ready to treat yo'self to a pool?

We dive into the financial aspects of adding a pool to your home

Photos: 123RF

By

Heather Laura Clarke

How much would a pool cost me?”

I

t’s a question Bill Brady hears daily at Cobra Pools & Spas in Perth, Ont. Brady says he’s currently working on five pool quotes for homeowners. When he’s finished, he’ll invite each of them to come in so he can explain the quote — from the initial dig to the final equipment installation.

“There’s so much to discuss with a prospective pool that it’s really not fair to just answer their inquiry with what it would cost for a certain size of pool,” says Brady. “That’s just a very, very small part of the equation.”

Brady says a full estimate includes accessories the person may need or want, like safety covers, winter covers, variable-speed pumps to conserve electricity, robotic pool cleaners, ladders, handrails and more.

Kara Redden with R&R Pools in Timberlea, N.S. says it’s important to talk to reputable pool companies about exactly what a pool — and everything in it and around it — might cost.

“Sometimes we hear ‘So-and-so is $20,000 cheaper,’ but what do they include with that? What hidden costs are they not telling you about?” says Redden. “They want to get people into the door with a really low price, and then ‘Oh, by the way, you also need electrical and fencing and a pool permit and ...’”

Spring/Summer 2019 / III

Redden says she doesn’t enjoy phone calls about a competitor’s pricing because she knows either the customer is either going to be upset by an unexpected bill down the road or, sadly, they’ll wind up with an unfinished project.

Once you understand the full cost of your pool and everything it needs, Redden says you can decide how you’d like to pay. After a down payment, she says you can often choose to finance the pool either through the bank or through the pool company’s financing company. Just like when you build a house, there are stage payments required along the way.

A pool is a big investment, so what’s the return on the thousands you might spend creating a backyard paradise?

Jennifer Gannon with BonaVista Pools in Markham, Ont., says the value of real estate in Canada is “secure and going up,” and a well-designed outdoor spaces can certainly contribute to a home’s value.

“A beautifully-appointed home that flows into a beautiful backyard expands the footprint of the home,” says Gannon.

“It makes the interior and the exterior feel connected and gives a buyer more living space to enjoy.”

But if you’re considering a pool because you think it will increase the value of your home, Redden doesn’t believe that’s a good enough reason.

“You should buy a pool to increase the value of your lifestyle, not your home,” says Redden. “There are costs associated with it, yes, and as much as you want to get the money back for it, it’s more about how a pool will create that experience you have in your head — whether it’s having a backyard retreat outside your door, bringing family and friends together or keeping your kids active at home. It’s a lifestyle, so to get the most out of it; you have to embrace it and want it.”

Redden says a pool could increase your property value if you’re in an area that can accommodate that increase, but it could also decrease its value slightly depending on where you live.

“It may take longer to sell the house someday, but the people who are looking for that house are looking for it specifically because they want a pool but they don’t want the hassle of putting one in themselves,” explains Redden. “You’re honing in on a specific type of buyer.”

So which buyers are looking to build a lifestyle around a beautiful, sparkling pool?

Gannon she’s noticing “a real movement towards wellness” as families choose to put in pools — or buy homes with pools — so they can engage in fitness and spend quality time together.

IV / Spring/Summer 2019

Photo: 123RF

“People are looking for alternatives to screen time, and water has a way of pulling a family together,” says Gannon. “You’re soaking in the hot tub having conversations or swimming together or relaxing poolside.”

Gannon says there’s also a movement towards “simplification,” so some homeowners like the idea of investing in a swimming pool instead of a cottage.

“With your own pool, you’re not stuck in traffic trying to get there, and you don’t have two sets of property taxes and two homes to maintain,” says Gannon. “You’re making your home into a castle — a place where you can relax, far from the crowds.”

Craig McNutt with Holland Home Leisure in New Minas, N.S., agrees a major benefit of having a pool is “a lot more time at home, and a lot less time travelling around.”

“Everybody’s lives are getting busier. We have less and less free time,” says McNutt.

“With a pool, you have the ability to take your kids to the backyard to go swimming because you’ve generated leisure in your own backyard.”

When it comes down to it, a pool is about bringing people together. Rhett Bradshaw

You’re not just spending money on a product You’re investing in memories and time spent together.”

– Rhett Bradshaw,

Vantage Pools, Langley, B.C.

with Vantage Pools in Langley, B.C., says investing in a pool is a great way to keep your family connected — and maybe even widen your circle of friends.

“You’re not just spending money on a product. You’re investing in memories and time spent together,” says Bradshaw. “We only have a limited amount of time, so to be able to spend it socializing without having to leave your own home? What greater investment can there be?”

www.leisurescapes com

A safer place to swim How to make your pool area safer for your family and your guests By

Heather Laura Clarke

VI / Spring/Summer 2019

www.leisurescapes com

Y

ou can spend thousands on strong fencing, locking gates and pool safety equipment, but none of it matters if the right person isn’t in the right place to prevent a disaster.

Kara Redden with R&R Pools in Timberlea, N.S. says there’s “absolutely no substitute for adequate adult supervision.”

“A drinking adult doesn’t count. An adult who can’t swim doesn’t count. You need an adult who is competent to supervise swimming and knows they’re the one in charge,” says Redden.

She says it might seem silly to have a lanyard the person wears when they’re in charge of watching the swimmers, but it’s actually very useful because it reminds the person of their responsibilities.

“It’s like ‘OK, here you go. You’re now the designated adequate adult supervision’ or ‘I’m going to the bathroom so here, you’re up next,’” says Redden. “It’s so much better than ‘I thought you were watching the kids?!’

‘Oh no, I was barbecuing’ or ‘I was getting people drinks.’”

Even with proper adult supervision, it’s still important for children to know how to swim. Jennifer Gannon with BonaVista Pools in Markham, Ont., says one of the most important safety decisions a pool owner can make is to put their children in swimming lessons.

Photos: 123RF

“I recommend swimming lessons for every family, whether you have an instructor come to the house or you bring them to a different pool for lessons,” says Gannon. “Any children who are not strong swimmers should be wearing a life jacket to support them.”

Gates and covers only work if they’re closed!”

– Jennifer Gannon,

BonaVista Pools, Markham, Ont.

She says pools should be surrounded with fencing that has self-closing, lockable gates, and swim spas and hot tub should be covered when they’re not in use, but adds that “gates and covers only work if they’re closed!”

Redden agrees, adding that having a four-sided fence around a pool “can lull people into a false sense of security.”

“They assume the fence will prevent children from wandering into the pool area alone, but don’t take into account that a gate may have been be propped open,” says Redden.

Spring/Summer 2019 / VII

Photos: 123RF

While commercial pools are required by law to post a list of pool rules, it isn’t the same situation in a backyard pool. That means it’s up to the owners to make it clear what’s expected and what’s not tolerated in — or around — their pool area.

“Communication is key. The more you talk about it, the more it’s ingrained,” says Redden. “Kids, especially, need to know what they’re not allowed to do and why.”

Bill Brady with Cobra Pools & Spas in Perth, Ont., says “the onus is certainly on the parents,” but he and his team are happy to help lay down the law, too.

“If parents want us to sit down with their kids and explain some of the rules of the pool, we can do that,” says Brady.

Redden offers a safety checklist for pool owners so they know what to check for on a regular basis, like cracks in the deck or breaks in fencing or gates. She also recommends letting guests know about the specific pool rules to keep everyone safe, and stresses that it’s important to always have rescue equipment that’s actually accessible.

“People will buy it and shove it in their shed, but what’s the point of having a rescue VIII / Spring/Summer 2019

Kids, especially, need to know what they’re not allowed to do and why.”

– Kara Redden,

R&R Pools, Timberlea, N.S.

hook if it’s in your shed?” says Redden.

“It’s also not a toy!”

Diving boards and slides are also not toys and they can pose serious safety concerns.

Brady says that’s why Cobra Pools & Spas decided, years ago, not to sell them anymore.

“We don’t do them and we don’t promote them, but if we come across a client who already has a slide or a diving board, we will explain that there’s a proper way to use these pieces,” says Brady. “There can’t be any clowning around on them or someone will get hurt.”

QUICK TIPS: Pool safety • Make sure everyone in the pool area is aware of your pool rules

• When children are in the pool area,

make sure there’s always designated adult supervision.You might want the person in charge to wear a lanyard so they remember their duties.

• Strongly consider enrolling your children in swimming lessons

• Don’t prop open gates to the pool area, and don’t trust the fence is enough to keep people out

• Keep swim spas and hot tubs covered when not in use

• Be sure your safety equipment —

like a rescue hook — is easily accessible in case of an emergency, not shoved somewhere in your shed.

• Be extra cautious around slides and diving boards.

www.leisurescapes com

Spring/Summer 2019 / IX

Robotic cleaners get your pool squeaky clean What’s worth it, what’s not and how they can save you money By

Heather Laura Clarke

X / Spring/Summer 2019

T

he Jetsons had a robot maid named Rosie and now many pool owners across Canada have their own cleaning robots — except these ones go underwater.

Bill Brady with Cobra Pools & Spas in Perth, Ont., says they include a robotic pool cleaner with almost all of the pool packages they sell.

“People realize that if they’re putting in a premium pool, it makes sense to spend a little bit extra for a robotic cleaner,” says Brady. “We really like the Polaris automatic robotic pool cleaners.

They all have an easy-clean filter canister.”

If you aren’t using a robotic pool cleaner, Brady says you’re likely using a traditional sidesuction filtration system that winds its way around the pool — and these can cause issues.

“Any debris that’s on the bottom is being sucked up and deposited into your pool filter through the backwash system.

Then you have to top the water back up,” explains Brady. “A lot of pool owners are in rural settings and maybe on wells, so it’s not ideal to put all that water back in — and because the water’s around 55 degrees, you’re then required to turn the heat on to heat it up. All because you were using a side-suction filtration system!”

With a robotic pool cleaner, Brady says things are much simpler. Robotic pool cleaners’ built-in filtration system means you’re preserving the life of your pool filter by sparing it from all the junk the robot picks up.

“You just put it in the pool, it does its job, you clean its filter and then you’re good until next time.”

No matter which pool-cleaning robot you and your family decide to “adopt,” Brady says you’ll probably end up giving it a name.

“Most pool owners name them. It’s fun to say ‘Go get Charlie! Put Charlie in the water!’”

Kara Redden with R&R Pools in Timberlea, N.S. agrees that robotic pool cleaners aren’t meant to be left in the water constantly. She compares them to the robotic vacuums that zoom around the house and dock themselves when they’re done, except robotic pool cleaners aren’t quite there yet.

“They all have cords so they won’t go ‘home’ and dock. They do come with caddies for when you want to put them away properly, though,” says Redden.

Robotic pool cleaners range in price depending on how high-tech and fancy they are, but Redden says only the people who are “very into gadgets” tend to opt for the priciest models.

She says robotic technology is now “very much the standard” and much more affordable than it was five years ago.

“Every single pool we install gets a robotic cleaner, and we have different ones based on different footprints,” says Redden.

“Some are better for curvy pools and others are better for large rectangles, so you want the one that’s going to work for your pool.”

Traditional suction cleaners may do an OK job on the bottom of your pool and touch on the sides, but they’re prone to missing spots — whereas robotic pool cleaners are programmed to scrub every inch.

When it comes to robotic pool cleaners, Craig McNutt with Holland Home Leisure in New Minas, N.S., says Holland Home Leisure has carried the Hayward eVac Pro for the last few years and finds it does “a spectacular job.”

“It uses smart steering technology to scour the pool floors and walls,” says McNutt. “It also goes all the way to the water line and scrubs.”

Jennifer Gannon with BonaVista Pools in Markham, Ont. says they’re new to selling the Maytronics robotic cleaner and they’ve always been strong supporters of Polaris’ robotic cleaners — both of which have good warranties. Her advice to pool owners is to always ask about the warranty of a robotic cleaner.

“They’re driven by computerized technology and a lot of robotics products are imported from China, so it’s best to do

your research,” says Gannon.

“We don’t like getting involved with cheap products because they just cause aggravation when they fail. We’d rather carry better-quality items with longer warranties.”

When you’re comparing prices, Gannon says it’s often the warranty that will give you that longevity.

“If you pay $1,000 and it only lasts one season, you might be better off to pay $1,800 and buy one with a warranty.”

McNutt says there’s a big push towards automation as homeowners choose systems that will allow them to control most aspects of their swimming pool from their smartphone.

“We use one that controls up to four different devices, so you can adjust your pool heater from your phone,” says McNutt, adding that he’s a fan of the Hayward Omni system.

Redden says some pool owners like to have their entire backyard running on a home automation system they can control from their phone or using a keypad.

It’s easier than ever, she says, because now many systems integrate with Google Home and Amazon Alexa.

“You can say ‘Alexa, turn on the pool lights,’ or ‘Alexa, turn on the back deck lights,’” says Redden. “For our company, that’s also a standard. Basic automation goes with every pool we do — and automation is only going to get bigger.”

Photo: 123RF

Spring/Summer 2019 / XI

product HigHligHts great ideas to make your pool or hot tub more enjoyable this season

Built-in BeAuty WitH lAtHAm Nothing can enhance the look and enjoyment of a pool like a spectacular entrance-way. Latham’s vinyl over step systems are a beautiful part of the pool structure. The vinyl liner literally covers the entire surface of the pool up to the decking, including the step, for a completely custom finished look. By choosing among a variety of step designs, benches and sun ledges in our vinyl over steel or vinyl over open top steel steps, you can create a great place to sit, relax and cool off.

emerging trenDS WitH vinyl over FeAtureS Today’s trend for new pools and renovations for existing vinyl liner pools is all about the feature-rich, vinyl over applications. The market has been trending from traditional shapes and sizes with molded steps to more customized pool shapes with a heavy emphasis on vinyl over features such as entry systems, benches, and tanning ledges. The industry has seen an increase in the demand of these feature-rich, vinyl over features. These new added features are growing at an extraordinary rate. When you choose Latham’s Vinyl Over or Open Top Steel Steps, you can custom create integrated step and benches in an endless variety of styles.

iAQuAlinKtm pool control in tHe pAlm oF your HAnD iAquaLink, the highest rated pool control app, allows you to control your pool anytime, anywhere.

Using the free app, you can easily access and control up to 32 pool and spa features, like pool and spa temperature, water features, pumps, cleaners, pool and landscape lighting, and much, much more. Schedule your pool or spa to be ready to use as soon as you get home. Forgot to turn the temperature down while on vacation? Not a problem. iAquaLink can be accessed solely on your phone, or combined with wall-mounted or wireless home-based interfaces. Upgrades are available for virtually any AquaLink®, Jandy® or Zodiac® controllers ever made. Professional installation is required, so talk to one of our trusted pool pros.

Learn more at iAquaLink.com

XII / Spring/Summer 2019

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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.

Pristiva Primer Pristiva Primer is a must-have in any salt water pool! It extends the life of your equipment and pool finish by protecting them against staining, scaling and corrosion. It optimizes the performance of the salt chlorine generator while preserving cell life.

And, it even enhances the water comfort and feel of a salt water pool due to its isotonic advantage. Pristiva Primer is an easy, once a month application that will save you money by eliminating the need for stain and scale control, clarifiers, algicides and water softening products.

Spring/Summer 2019 / XIII

Photos: 123RF

How to ace (pool) chemistry Experts share easy steps for clear, safe pool water By

Heather Laura Clarke

‘Chemicals’ sounds like a scary word, but it really isn’t.”

– Kara Redden, R &R Pools, Timberlea, N.S.

XIV / Spring/Summer 2019

P

ools need chemicals to keep the water balanced, but it doesn’t matter if you got a C (or worse) in high school chemistry.

Kara Redden with R&R Pools in Timberlea, N.S. says taking care of a swimming pool isn’t hard — as long as you have a plan and stick to it. “‘Chemicals’ sounds like a scary word, but it really isn’t,”

says Redden. “If you’re making mistakes, it’s usually because you’re not following the routine the pool store has set out for you.”

Bill Brady with Cobra Pools & Spas in Perth, Ont., says they start their new customers off with a chemical kit and a plan to follow. After that, they ask them to bring in water samples and they’ll advise them on what to add and when to add it.

Redden says pool owners sometimes make the mistake of listening to a neighbour’s explanation about what they’re using in their own pool, and that can lead to the pool owner messing around with their chemical routine. Brady agrees it’s not a good idea to take your neighbour’s opinion into consideration.

“Everyone has a different situation and a different water source. www.leisurescapes com

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“enjoyingallthatlifehastooffer” Chemicals from a trusted manufacturer may cost more upfront, but they’ll cost you less in the long run. It can take two to four weeks to clear up algae from using the wrong chemicals, and that’s two to four weeks you’re missing with your pool.”

– Craig McNutt, H olland Home Leisure, New Minas, N.S.

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XVI / Spring/Summer 2019

Even the depth of the pool can make a difference,” says Brady.

“That all has to be taken into consideration when you’re doing a water test and making a plan.”

Redden agrees that it can be a problem when pool owners try to “play chemist.”

“They might say ‘I know how to fix my water by how it looks!’ but 99 per cent of the time, it doesn’t work,” says Redden.

“Clear water doesn’t mean it’s safe water.”

Even if a pool owner managed to finesse their way to “safe” pool water, Redden says it could be eating away at their liner and destroying their investment

because it still isn’t properly balanced.

R&R Pools is selling a new product called pHin that you drop in your pool to monitor the water. It sends an alert to your smartphone when the water needs attention and instructs you how to add the chemicals it needs.

When it’s time to purchase new chemicals, beware the inexpensive brands that promise big results.

Craig McNutt with Holland Home Leisure in New Minas, N.S., says big-box retailers often sell “ineffective and impure” chemicals but pool owners www.leisurescapes com

think they’re getting a great deal because the price is right.

“Those chemicals contain a lot of things you don’t want to be swimming with,” says McNutt.

“Chemicals from a trusted manufacturer may cost more upfront, but they’ll cost you less in the long run. It can take two to four weeks to clear up algae from using the wrong chemicals, and that’s two to four weeks you’re missing with your pool.”

Algae isn’t usually harmful but it can cloud your water and make surfaces slippery. Your pool sanitizers work hard to control it, which means the sanitizers can’t do their job properly — and bacteria and viruses can multiply.

But even a crystal-clear swimming pool can be housing microorganisms like bacteria and viruses, which can cause infections and rashes to the swimmers and costly damage to the pool and its parts.

Rhett Bradshaw with Vantage Pools in Langley, B.C., says maintenance is key to the longevity of any investment and how well it functions — and the

factors like leaves, debris, fertilsame is true with pools. izers and rainwater. It all affects “Staying on top of your water chemistry will probably have the the chemistry of the water,” says Bradshaw. “In a short time, greatest impact on how the pool and its related equipment stands your pool can go from looking fantastic to looking cloudy up over time,” says Bradshaw.

— almost He says overnight Vantage Pools — so testing stands behind it regularly the BioGuard helps to stay line, but it’s on top of it, all a matter and you’re less of finding a likely to run program that into issues.” works for When his your pool and customers sticking with bring in their it. He says it’s monthly important for water sample, pool owners – Kara Redden, Bradshaw says to bring a water R &R Pools, their lab runs sample to their Timberlea, N.S. it through pool store each various tests month for and provides testing because “so much can happen to a body of a print-out that walks the customer through anything they water in a month.”

“There are things that impact need to do.

“It takes the guesswork out,” it on a daily basis, like the bather says Bradshaw. “It tells them load, tanning lotions, deodorexactly what to do, and all they ant, makeup and things going need to do is follow it.” into the water — and outside

We want our pool owners to spend less time on their pool and more time in their pool.”

Jennifer Gannon with BonaVista Pools in Markham, Ont., agrees it’s critical to see a LeisureScapes professional for a complimentary water analysis.

“We have a deep understanding of how important it is to balance the water in addition to sanitizing it,” says Gannon.

“We keep up with the most cutting-edge solutions and changes in pool chemistry so we can resolve any issues in a timely fashion — rather than just throwing underperforming products at it — and be able to maximize our clients’ number of swimming days in their pool.”

Redden says R&R Pools sends everyone on their staff for training on pool chemistry at the beginning of every single season until she feels they know the material inside and out.

“It’s the backbone of the experience that the homeowner is going to have with their pool, so we need all of our employees to understand the chemistry,” says Redden. “We want our poolowners to spend less time on their pool and more time in it.”

Spring/Summer 2019 / XVII

Photo: Contributed by Holland Home Leisure

Swim spa sensation Hop in and test out these versatile water solutions By

Heather Laura Clarke

B

e sure to bring your bathing suit along if you’re shopping for a swim spa, because most pool experts agree they’re something you need to try before you buy.

Bill Brady with Cobra Pools & Spas in Perth, Ont., says they always have a swim spa set up on the floor of their showroom — and they encourage customers to hop in to try it out before making a purchase.

“We sell Hydropool swim spas because we feel they’re the best on the market. They provide an excellent swim and there are so many different models on the market right now,” says Brady.

What are swim spas, exactly? They’re tanks that range between 8’ and 12’ wide and up to 19’ long. They have a much smaller footprint than an in-ground or above-ground swimming pool, which makes them a good option for people with smaller properties.

The temperature of a swim spas can be controlled to make it feel more like a refreshing swimming pool or a warm tub for relaxing. Brady says he loves his swim spa for therapeutic reasons and water exercises, believing firmly that “water therapy is the XVIII / Spring/Summer 2019

best therapy a person can buy.”

Swim spas are easy to install — without tearing up your backyard in the process — and can often be used year-round.

They’re also less expensive than a full-sized swimming pool. Parents and grandparents can enjoy them for splashing around together with their children, or a person can hop in solo to get a water workout.

Jennifer Gannon with BonaVista Pools in Markham, Ont. describes swim spas as “the perfect urban pool solution.”

“They’re great for tight spaces, and many subdivisions these days have smaller and smaller back yards,” says Gannon.

She says the adjustable water flow means swimmers of all levels can practice their strokes comfortably within a small footprint.

“Because they have a current with different levels of horsepower, they create an experience where you can swim laps without ever touching one end and needing to turn around,” says Gannon. “They’re a year-round swimming solution — almost like a treadmill.”

Craig McNutt with Holland Home Leisure in New Minas, N.S., says people are often very

curious about swim spas and don’t exactly know what they are.

“People will walk in and say ‘I heard you guys carry these standing swimming pools?’

I’ve heard a lot of names for them,” says McNutt.

Holland Home Leisure has carried swim spas for about five years now, and McNutt says they’re an excellent option for people who want a swimming pool but their yard simply doesn’t have enough room.

They also carry a dual-tank model with a built-in hot tub that’s completely encapsulated, so people can close off the pool side during the winter and use the hot tub side year-round.

He says some homeowners are primarily interested in keeping their swim spa temperature in the 90s so they can sit back and enjoy therapeutic massage jets, while others are eager to do water aerobics and swim “laps.”

“They’re really something you need to try because you’ll be amazed by how much power you can get,” says McNutt. “Some swim spas are designed so you can increase the jet power incrementally as you train.” www.leisurescapes com

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Toy Story

Pool experts weigh in on 2019’s hottest pool toys By

Heather Laura Clarke

T

ake a deep breath and prepare to exhale ... again and again. This year’s hottest pool toys require excellent lung capacity, but it may be a good idea to purchase a pump instead.

“We are stocking literally hundreds of blow-ups,” says Bill Brady with Cobra Pools & Spas in Perth, Ont. “People aren’t just buying them for pools, either. A lot of people buy them for their cottages on the water. There are pink flamingos and white swans that are big enough for 10 people — you can’t miss them.”

Craig McNutt with Holland Home Leisure in New Minas, N.S., agrees that inflatable sales have “really taken off” over the past couple of years.

“A lot of people are using in-ground and above-ground pools as an alternative to having a cottage, so they’re creating these fun backyard spaces where they can vacation at home with XX / Spring/Summer 2019

pool toys and floats,” says McNutt. “The food-themed ones are really big — pizza slices, stuff like that.”

Rhett Bradshaw with Vantage Pools in Langley, B.C., says he was recently watching a

commercial for a reality show about young adults sharing a summer house. They were ignoring the outdoor kitchen and all sorts of expensive toys in order to clamber over a inflatable pool toy that took up half the yard.

Photo: 123RF

“They had all kinds of things back there, but it was the inflatable that really captured everyone’s attention,” says Bradshaw.

He says they sell a lot of inflatables — everything from unicorns and swans to wine bottles and smiley faces.

Of course, inflatables from a pool store are usually very different from the cheap inflatables you can purchase online.

“Like with most things, you get what you pay for,” says Bradshaw. “There are a lot of inflatables on the market now, and they’re not all the same quality.”

Jennifer Gannon with BonaVista Pools in Markham, Ont. says there always seems to be one inflatable that’s the “it” toy of the season.

“It used to be flamingos and unicorns, and this year it’s a llama with lots of sparkle and gold lamé,” laughs Gannon. www.leisurescapes com

She agrees that many customers buy inflatables as a fun temporary toy, knowing they likely won’t last very long. But BonaVista Pools sells a much studier toy that is designed to stand up over time: a floating bean bag chair that can be used in the pool or as a comfy poolside lounger.

“They float, but they’re not an inflatable,” says Gannon.

“They’re a bigger investment but they last much longer.”

Back at Holland Home Leisure in New Minas, N.S., McNutt says pool sports are always a classic.

He’s noticed a trend towards in-ground pools with a consistent depth so most swimmers can touch the bottom in any area, which makes it easier to play water games like volleyball and basketball.

While they do a brisk business in inflatable floats, Brady says Cobra Pools & Spas also sells a “water teeter-totter” that’s very popular.

Kara Redden with R&R Pools in Timberlea, N.S. says pool toys can aid in your relaxation experience and even help create memories with your family. Kids may be attracted to inflatables and toys branded with their XXII / Spring/Summer 2019

favourite cartoon characters, but their moms and dads are drawn to different things entirely.

“Parents tend to be drawn towards retro or classic triedand-true pool toys they played with as kids, like aqua cannons, diving rings and dive sticks,” says Redden. “It pays to buy quality toys that will last season after season without fading or breaking.”

Photos: 123RF

www.leisurescapes com

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Photo: Adobestock

FUn sTUFF P ools and hot tubs, barbecues and patio furniture, that’s our business. So, backyard fun is our specialty! It makes sense then when you see and hear about all the fun things, we do at Holland Home Leisure.

We work hard! Some of us do this year-round (hot tub season never ends) and there is always prep work to make the next season “the best season.” The other side of working hard is playing hard.

We like to have fun here. The staff summer party is bigger and better every year. I don’t know how Mark and Andrea will top

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last year, but I’m sure they’ve got some plans in the works!

Last year, the food was all anyone could talk about, well that and the drinks. We also get a little competitive, with the washer toss tournament at the summer party and axe throwing at the service and construction conference, the prizes are a nice perk, but let’s be honest, we just like to compete with and against each other.

This past year, we started making a monthly service and construction breakfast for all of our crews that go out day after day, into the hot summer sun

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and continue into the cold and dampness of the fall. I know that our crews were expecting some muffins or donuts from a local shop, but our office staff made sure to fill their bellies with a hearty, hot breakfast, with a little home baking for good measure.

This season we will continue to turn our Aylesford store into a little café for an hour or so, once a month.

We like to celebrate the little things and bring some cheer to our fellow co-worker’s days.

Here in the Aylesford store, we have been known to, ummm, “redecorate” our co-worker’s office space, while they are on vacation or out sick. We bring cakes to celebrate birthdays and have pot lucks to mark someones last day. Jonny’s lunches are always a favourite in the service and construction office. If you haven’t had a Jonny’s poutine or tried their deep-fried pickles, you really are missing out!

Last season the new, “I Worked, and I Won” contest started. Any employee who went above and beyond or were commended for their exceptional work, had their name entered into the contest, each month. This was done by customer feedback and co-worker’s comments. The retail staff and service and construction crews had the option, if they won, to choose from the use of one of the company barbecues, event tents or the Hydropool SE5 hot tub. The hot tub was a very popular one this year, with the Big Green Egg coming in as a close second.

Ribs cooked on the BGE are beyond words! For the summer staff, they have the opportunity to win gift cards to local shops.

www.PooLsUPPLIesnoVAsCoTIA.Pro

We’ve also been known to gather at the K-Town comedy club to enjoy one of their, always entertaining comedians. We share food, drinks and laughs together. We like to celebrate our Holland Home Leisure family, their achievements and special occasions. This past year we celebrated two marriages. One was a quiet elopement of two former summer staff and the other was the beautiful wedding, of one of our pool service technicians, that was a joy to see. We’ve had staff purchase their first home and some looking for their first home, exciting times.

In December 2018, myself and two co-workers got to travel to Niagara Falls, Ont. for the Canadian Pool & Spa Conference & Expo. We got to take part in two days of conferences, learning about new and improved things in the industry.

From automation to new advances in leak detection, all of it was an amazing learning experience. Our final day there, we attended the Expo, it was amazing to see all of the different vendors and all they had to offer.

Just a week later, some of our staff had the opportunity to attend the Hydropool conference and awards in sunny Mexico.

They learned about the new things coming for the 2019 season and received Holland Home Leisure’s awards, Platinum Dealer Award for hot tubs and Silver Dealer Award for swim spas.

I’m sure they had a little fun while they were there. We’ve all heard the stories!

At Holland Home Leisure, we enjoy assisting our customers then we have fun in our down time as well. It’s nice that year after year, there is very little employee turnover. Most of our seasonal staff and even some of our summer staff come back for each season. With seasonal work this is not the norm. It’s great to see the same people back, each spring. They bring with them all of their knowledge from previous years and room to learn and grow.

We are all looking forward to a busy season, helping all of our customers enjoy their vacation at home.

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JoY AT hoMe With a little help from Holland Home Leisure!

I

By

Liana VandenHof-Rhodenizer

n the age of everyone being so caught up in technology, with time passing us by quickly, we sometimes forget to stop and enjoy the moments that give us Joy! With the Netflix craze about finding items in your home that give you joy, I started thinking about the moments growing up that were memorable, and they were not surrounded by technology but good old-fashioned fun!

Holland Home Leisure has been helping families have fun and connecting with loved ones at home for 39 years! Here are a few ways we can help you create joy right at home!

up with hot chocolate and you will have all the kids chatting about this amazing day!

Even teenagers enjoy a “spa” themed party with a luxurious soak in a hot tub to top off a day of face masks and pedicures! *Totally Instagram worthy*

A. Birthday bash with a SPLASH!

In the summer, nothing is more fun than a birthday party surrounded by an inground or above ground pool, throw in a BBQ and you have the perfect day! Cannonballs, giant pool floats and the ultimate handstand competitions will give your party the excitement everyone is looking for. Keeping everyone outside makes clean up easy and the kids will love every second!

For the winter lovers, a hot tub party after an afternoon sledding or skating is a unique and exciting experience, follow it

for weeks to come. Summer parties can be fun for kids and adults, let the kids splash as the adults enjoy snacks and conversation, without kids interrupting because they are bored.

C.

B.

36 / Spring/Summer 2019

Photos: Contributed

Nothing like being home for the holidays!

Nothing beats a Christmas morning or New Years Eve soak in the hot tub. Picture some light snow coming down and a glass of Champagne (or orange juice!) in hand.

The hot tub can create an amazing way to wind down during busy holiday seasons, when time seems to be passing you by. A great way to escape the noise and be able to concentrate on what is right in front of you … family and friends. Chatting about your next year’s resolutions with loved ones, reminiscing about years past, and truly soaking in the moment equals a perfect way to create memories.

July 1 pool parties are a great way to celebrate summer! Strawberry shortcake tastes even better pool side, and the Big Green Egg can be smoking your favourite meats for a meal that everyone will be chatting about www.PooLsUPPLIesnoVAsCoTIA.Pro

Keeping connected without Wi-Fi! Growing up with a hot tub in the backyard, it was the centre of many conversations with my family. It was the place I seemed to open up the most with no distractions, as a teen it was where my dad and I had our best “father daughter talks.”

The hot tub was our safe spot where I could share secrets and he could help me solve problems. In a big and busy family, I cherished the one on one time so much… and the hot tub was the place where the world was quiet and there were nothing but the stars and conversations.

In the summer the pool was our vacation spot of choice. I as a child, truly felt that every day was summer vacation, without having to drive to the beach or cottage! As long as the weather co-operated we were taking advantage of the time outside! Our backyard was the destination for family and friends, and we were lucky to call it home! The pool is the centerpiece of the backyard, just like the kitchen is the heart of the home.

The PerFeCT sPoT For reLAXATIon

L

By

Katie Schofield

et’s face it, life gets busier and more demanding each day. It seems you never have time to rest. Imagine your own personal get-away, a place where you can relax, meditate, and enjoy quiet time by yourself, with family, or with friends. Feel the stress and tension drain from of your body as you sit back, stretch out, and let the combination of warm water, pulsating jets, and the natural buoyancy of the water do its magic. Indoors or out, a Hydropool Self-Cleaning hot tub will create more time for what matters. Whether in a corner of your home, in a solarium, conservatory or installed on your deck or in the backyard, a Hydropool Self-Cleaning Hot Tub will rekindle romance and relationships with family and friends.

Start your day off right Just think how much better your day will start when you slip into your own Hydropool Self-Cleaning Hot Tub for a few minutes each morning. Your circulation will improve, your muscles will relax and feel better, and your state of mind will be enhanced. You will be better prepared to face a hectic day at work, a workout at the gym or a round of golf at the club.

Relieve stress and relax When you’re relaxing, you enjoy life more. It is easier to

converse, share intimacies, smile and laugh. You’ll look forward to your times in your hot tub. Hydropool hot tubs are also great for entertaining.

Your guests will leave with fond memories of the time spent with you in your hot tub.

Soothe those tired and aching muscles The heat of your hot tub water results in collagen tissue becoming more flexible, benefiting many people with arthritis.

Soaking in warm water several times a day relaxes muscles and joints and helps induce restful sleep. The resulting stress and muscle tension relief has also led many migraine sufferers to claim that hot tub use reduces the frequency and severity of their headaches.

Sleep better Who couldn’t use a little more sleep? When you soak before bed, the heat, improved blood circulation, tension relief, and quicker lactic acid removal will result in a comforting state of relaxation and tranquility, assisting you to sleep better at night.

With the largest selection of Hydropool hot tubs in Nova Scotia, we’ll be sure to find the perfect hot tub to suit your needs. Stop in today and let one of our trained sales staff help you and your family find the hot tub of your dreams! www.hoLLAnDhoMeLeIsUre.CoM

Spring/Summer 2019 / 37

The BesT oF BoTh ...in the barbecue world

Photos: Adobestock

By

I

Amber Robertson

n the hustle and bustle of the summer season, who doesn’t like the sound of “quick, simple and delicious?” Here at Holland Home Leisure, we love food! Not only do we love food, we love to spend as much time with our family and friends as we can. When it comes to the perfect meal this summer, we have done all the time-consuming work for you; The Big Green Egg and Saber Grills have taken barbecuing to the next level of grilling.

It has taken years to find the perfect fit for gas grills. The traditional gas grill circulates hot air, like an oven, around the food which dries out natural moisture and shrinks meat and when that grease drips through the open grate, it causes flare ups that can char meat and create temperature fluctuations.

Saber Grills use an exclusive and patented cooking system that uses infrared heat, which directs airflow away from the cooking surface, locking in food’s natural moisture, producing more juicy results. Quick and easy pre-heating in 10 minutes or less.

Say goodbye to flare-ups and charred meat with the design of the cooking grates and infrared emitter; let the cooking system do the work for you by vaporizing drippings and adding a natural smoke flavour to grilled foods. Since liquids and debris are prevented from reaching the burner system, maintenance and clean-up are much easier. Made with 304 commercial-grade, corrosion-resistant stainless steel in the construction of the burners, infrared emitters and cooking grates, Saber guarantees years of worry-free and maintenance-free cooking.

Saber Grills are extremely energy efficient utilizing infrared’s longer energy wave more effectively and accurately to cook food, lock in moisture and reduce cooking times. You can now cook faster with fewer BTUs, reducing your gas consumptions by 30 per cent! This makes a Saber Grill good for both your wallet and the environment.

Saber Grills are designed to provide a new level of cooking experience. With use of their advanced cooking system, you can taste the difference. Mistakes like overcooking or charring a piece of meat will be a thing of the past. They combine performance and innovation, incorporating features that allow you to relax and enjoy delicious food with family and friends.

Looking for cooking flexibility? Big Green Egg stands alone as the most versatile barbecue or outdoor cooking product on the

38 / Spring/Summer 2019

market, with more capabilities than all other conventional cookers combined. With its unparalleled flexibility of use, you can use your Big Green Egg for everything from grilling a steak to slow cooking a tender brisket to baking a loaf of bread. Vegetables to desserts, you can cook everything that you need for an entire meal at once!

Using space-age ceramics, the EGG retains heat and moisture so well that food do not dry out. Meats and other foods undergo little or no shrinkage and are tastier because of the natural juices and flavours stay locked inside.

With the ease of start-up, the Big Green Egg reaches cooking temperature and is ready to use in approximately 10 minutes. The inventive design of the EGG draws air into the lower draft door, through the charcoal, and out the damper top. You have complete control over temperature, maintaining accuracy within a few degrees just by adjusting the dampers. Giving you precise temperature readings from 0°F to 750°F+.

Clean up made a breeze as the exterior has a lifetime baked-on glaze that maintains its good looks and easily wipes clean. Inside, the heat burns off any grease build up just like a self-cleaning oven.

The Big Green Egg is easy to use in all climates, evening in freezing temperatures, snow or rain.

Regardless of the weather conditions, Big Green Egg is guaranteed to meet your expectations and provide meals for a lifetime. All Big Green Eggs and accessories are stocked in Canada and carry a Canadian service warranty. Since there are seven sizes of the Big Green Egg to choose from, you can find the best EGG to fit your barbecuing needs!

No matter how big or small your crowd will be, the staff here at Holland Home Leisure are ready to help make all your grilling dreams come true!

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A BeAUTIFUL BACKYArD ADDITIon Photo: Contributed

T

he perfect decoration to any deck, poolside or hot tub room is the accent of plant life. One option for making your surroundings greener is to purchase artificial plants. This year, Holland Home Leisure will be expanding our products to Décor Veronneau high-quality indoor and outdoor plants. They have a large selection to choose from including exotic, tropical, shrubbery, hanging flowers and even trees. They are proudly Canada’s only artificial plant manufacturer.

But why buy artificial plants? There are

By

Joff Fevens several advantages and benefits.

Maintenance is the number one reason why buyers look at other options. Real plants demand a lot of care and attention.

Artificial plants require very little because they are synthetic. Artificial plants do not need special lighting. You can place them anywhere. They do not need air or water.

They are not sensitive to climates. You won’t need to prune them to encourage growth.

There’s no need to use fertilizer or supplements. The only thing you’ll want to do is wash them from time to time to keep them shiny and looking fresh.

Every consumer wants their purchase to last. An advantage of artificial plants is that they are not limited to any particular season and won’t die. They will stand up to a variety of different environments much longer than most real plants. This means that you can be very flexible with where you’d like to place them. They allow you to be very creative with your design and give a new presentation to your garden or room. Also, re-potting is easy should you prefer a new shape, new colour or new look. Real plants can be extremely heavy and difficult to move. Artificial plants are much lighter.

To start, I recommend placing artificial plants in a well-lit area. Rooms with large windows are the best choice. Positioning a medium-size potted plant on a desk can increase creativity and productivity. A properly allocated collection of small plants on a shelf can make you feel refreshed. And a large plant resting in a corner can give your room a more refined and polished interior design.

Enhance your lifestyle with Décor Veronneau artificial plants. Available at Holland Home Leisure.

serVICe & ConsTrUCTIon By

O

Kristi Huestis

Photos: Adobestock

ur company started in the 1980s as an in-ground pool installation business called Holland Contracting Ltd. Over the years, we have evolved into what is currently Holland Home Leisure, with two retail locations, an online store and a service and construction department.

Currently, we have three pool service crews, one hot tub crew and four construction teams. We range between 15 to 18 crew members and four office staff during May to October.

In 2019, we will have 10 company vehicles and six trailers serving our clients and service the Annapolis Valley, the HRM, the Yarmouth area, as well as the South Shore.

We have some staff that have more than 20 years experience in the pool industry and many more than ten years and few that are newer. We pride ourselves on our customer service and our experience to help build your dream backyard and assist with repairs and maintenance as required.

To reach the service and construction department for Holland Home Leisure, please call 902-847-9392, email service@hollandhomeleisure.com or go to our website www.hollandhomeleisure.com or www.poolsuppliesnovascotia.pro. We are happy to help you with questions or service!

Our swimming pool service crews are proficient in the following tasks:

• • • • • • • • • •

Our hot tub crews are able to perform the following tasks: • open and close hot tubs and swimspas open and closing pools winterizing hot tubs • Pump and filter service and swimspas and installation • Draining, cleaning Cleaning sand and and re-filling tubs cartridge filters and swimspas Leak detection Delivering hot tubs • and repairs and swimspas Liner replacements • relocating hot tubs Plumbing replacement • Pump service heat pump and solar • heater service panel installation skimmer replacement • Plumbing replacement Automatic control systems Cover installation

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Our construction teams spend their days performing: • Above ground pool installations • In ground pool installations • Liner replacements • Pool renovations • wood, decorative metal and chain-link fence installation • Concrete, paving stone and patio decks • Concrete or patio stone pads for hot tubs or swimspas

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