Backyard Escapes 2015 - Sunshine Pools & Spas

THE PERFECT ESCAPE

FROM THE GROUND UPPlenty of reasons to add a fence to your property

Creating a backyard oasis

SPRING/SUMMER 2015Sunshine Pools & Spas

www.sunshinepools.ca

ON THE MOVE LIFETIME OWNERSHIP EXPERIENCE BACKYARD IDEA GALLERY REASONS TO PARTNER

2 / SPRING/SUMMER 2015 WWW.SUNSHINEPOOLS.CA

innovative features that can’t be found in any other brand. With 24 unique models, there is a hot tub to suit every family.

We hope you are looking for-ward to another amazing year in the Okanagan as much as we are, and we look especially forward to serving you.

Happy swimming and tubbing!

Ken Reid

Change is good, and we’ll keep on changing. Last spring we opened in

our new location at Springfield and Spall, and wow, what a new world it was. With much more product in the store to showcase and lots of room to grow into, we had a very, very busy season. Our staff increased to an amazing 28 people last summer, all dedicat-ed to your backyard paradise.

This year we plan to make

OUR NEW LOCATION After almost 30 years Sunshine Pools and Spas has moved to a bigger location to serve you better.

We are now located at: 123-1889 Springfield Rd., Springfield Centre(Formerly the Woman’s Place Gym)

Pop by and say hello and check out some of our new product lines.

123-1889 Springfield Rd.,

Springfield Centre

things even better. Our emphasis has always been on making pool and hot tub ownership EASY, and we will continue to make sure our customers are LOVING their backyards. With more tools and technology at our fingertips, we’ll strive to make life simpler for you with great advice and new solutions.

This past year we have received more and more requests for fibreglass and concrete pools,

and we are proud to be able to design and build the backyard of your dreams, no matter what your budget and tastes allow for. Automation of pool functions is gaining popularity as well, which makes it even easier to monitor and adjust your pool via smartphone or computer.

HotSpring hot tubs continue to lead the industry with bril-liant new eye catching design, new standards for quality, and

VISIT OUR NEW LOCATIONExpanded product range,

same great staff and servicePhoto: James Young/Young Media

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 / 3

10% OFFSunshine Pools and Spas

Closing/Opening Pool Combo Package

Sunshine Holiday MaintenanceSPECIAL OFFER

regular Vacation Maintenance rates with this coupon.

25% OFF

Let Sunshine take care of your pool or spa while you are away on holidays!

IT’S WHAT’S INSIDE THAT COUNTS

A peek inside our new location

Photos: James Young/Young Media

4 / SPRING/SUMMER 2015 WWW.SUNSHINEPOOLS.CA

REASONS TO PARTNER WITH SUNSHINE POOLS

Photo: Contributed © www.cgardiner.ca

Relaxing Made Easy Long-term, established relationships: Almost 30 years in Kelowna. You know we’re here for the long run.

Full-service dealer with construction, service, maintenance and retail divisions. We make sure your investment is well maintained for years to come.

Desire to earn your business: Large enough to take care of you, small enough to stay personal in our approach.

We make owning pools and spas easy: Upfront pricing, exceptional service and responsiveness, ongoing education.

Experienced resources that understand all aspects of pool building, pool and spa service and maintenance and water chemistry. Quality of construction: Exceeding building code standards.

Environmentally conscious: We can recommend ways to make your pool more energy efficient.

Automatic Pool Cover ServicingAs with any mechanical component

where there are moving parts, it is very im-portant to service your automatic cover on a yearly basis to ensure optimal performance and extend the life of your investment. A mechanical inspection to ensure your motor is running smoothly, along with a rope inspec-tion/adjustment, cleaning the tracks and cleaning the fabric will ensure you get a long healthy lifespan out of the automatic cover.

Preventative Pool Heater ServiceMuch like your home furnace, a yearly

inspection and cleaning of your heating appliance is in the best interest of the unit to ensure a long healthy lifespan. From clean-ing the orifices, to venting checks, this is an

essential service to ensure optimal perfor-mance and efficiency for your pool heater.

Yearly Filter Media CleaningIt is important to ensure your filter

media is clean to start the pool season. If you have cartridge filters, a yearly cleaning and soaking in a special formula solution is imperative to ensure the pool is circulating properly. If you have a sand filter, a cleaning solution should be applied to the sand each season to ensure the same. Remember to change your sand every 5 to 7 years.

Seasonal Equipment CheckSunshine Pools’ staff can assess your

pool’s equipment to let you know how your equipment is performing.

Safety conscious: Throughout construc-tion and finished product, we design and build with safety in mind.

Accident protection: Should the unthink-able happen, we are fully covered with both workers’ compensation and liability

insurance. You are insulated from potential costs. Financing available to make your ownership decision simpler.

We accept Visa and MasterCard payments as a deposit to protect your investment.

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE GUIDE

Sunshine Pools Services:

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www.bioguard.ca The most trusted name in Water Care products

www.hotspring.comWorld’s best selling hot tubs.

Hot Spring, Limelight, Hot Spot and Free Flow Spas.

www.hayward-pool.ca Hayward Pool Products.

Pool equipment

www.hydropoolshottubs.comIndustry leader in swim spas.

www.california- outdoorconcepts.com

The original firepit table

www.swissgrills.comBecome a Grill Master

Useful Links

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 / I

XIV ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIPS

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

XVI AN OASIS FOR ENTERTAINING

Canadians clamouring for backyard kitchens.

XX MASON JAR ENTERTAINING

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

II THE PERFECT BACKYARD ESCAPE

Creating a backyard oasis.

VIII THE FINISHING TOUCHES

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

X FROM THE GROUND UP There are plenty of reasons why

you should consider adding a fence to your property.

XII PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS Great ideas to help enjoy

the summer.

WWW.LEISURESCAPES.COM

Published for: LeisureScapeswww.leisurescapes.comOperations Manager: Sarah Acorn

Published by: The Chronicle HeraldChairman and Publisher: Sarah DennisPresident and CEO: Mark LeverVice President, Business Development: Jeff Nearing Editor and Project Manager: Claudia WhiteGraphic Designer: Julia WebbAdvertising Coordinator: Stephanie MunroeCover Photos: Focus360, Heather Quinn © JustaHobby Photo (R&R Pools), Michael Anderson (Cobra Pools)

© The Chronicle Herald 2015All rights reserved. No part of this book maybe reproduced, stored in retrieval systems or transmitted in any form or by any meanswithout the prior written permissionfrom the publisher.

The Chronicle Herald2717 Joseph Howe DrivePO Box 610, Halifax, N.S., B3J 2T2

902 426 2811

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Fritz

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 / III

With utility costs reaching record highs, with no relief in sight, more Canadians are opting out

of buying a second home in favour of a new vacation destination — their own backyard.

Coined ‘staycations,’ this trend of creat-ing a backyard oasis continues to resonate with homeowners. And why wouldn’t it? Avoiding the traffic after a long week at work is reason enough. Pair that with increasing property taxes and decreasing availability, and you see many Canadians are choosing to stay home instead.

There are a few other factors adding to this trend that might surprise you. The biggest reason homeowners, specifically Generation Xers (the 30 to 40 somethings), are investing in these backyard escapes is money. Accord-ing to the experts, investing in the outdoors has one of the biggest returns of any home renovation. Remodeling Magazine even listed the backyard deck in their top three in 2014 for return-on-investment improvements. Savvy homeowners have realized they can have beautiful outdoor escapes in their backyard with a resort feel, and when they are ready to sell their homes, recoup their investment.

So what are the ‘must-haves’ for these personal paradises? Here’s my top three list, starting with number three.

THE PERFECT BACKYARD ESCAPE

Creating a backyard oasisBY

Carson Arthur

Photos: Courtesy BonaVista Pools

Photo: Jeff McNeill © McNeill Photography 2014

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Useable spaceDecks and patios are defi nitely important

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

Pools are backAfter several years of bad publicity from

the real estate companies, pools are once again in demand. Throughout the late ’90s, homeowners were told that if they wanted a pool in their backyard, they were immedi-ately devaluing their property. Happily, this has defi nitely changed. New housing num-bers show that pools are on the rise when it comes to home valuation. Real estate companies have identifi ed that while a pool in the backyard may rule out certain buyers, they defi nitely attract others.

Adding to this new confi dence, home-owners have more options to customize their space. Saltwater continues to be popular, as do waterfalls, infi nity edges and lap pools. Surprisingly, urban homeowners are choos-ing pools for smaller lots instead of lawns, opting to spend their time maintaining a swimming pool instead of grass. Modern de-sign enthusiasts are now using the clean lines and angles of pools to create Zen-like spaces perfect for backyard escapes.

The numbers are also backing this trend, with increased home valuations of 10 to 12 per cent for useable outdoor space. (Centu-ry21 Canada, 2014).

When purchasing a home, buyers will often settle for a smaller indoor footprint knowing they have square footage outdoors. The traditional backyard with the big lawn is definitely changing into a landscaped space with multi-purpose outdoor rooms, complete with functional fl ooring.

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are influencing the buying decision. The outdoor kitchen truly has become an exten-sion of the home.

As a landscaper, this is an exciting time for me. Homeowners are investing in their outdoor spaces and are truly making the most of their backyards in creating these customized escapes. They are making wise choices that benefi t their families, but also continue to increase their home’s value.

The Outdoor KitchenFor years, Canadians have been patiently

waiting for the technology that allows us to have amazing outdoor kitchens in our cli-mate similar to the ones we’ve seen in warm-er locales. I can offi cially say that it’s fi nally here. We now have fridges, sinks, warming drawers, and even overhead heaters to ac-company our barbecues. Even the barbecue has transformed in radical new ways with more models coming out every day.

With all of these new improvements, homeowners do not appear to be concerned about the price. Companies like Appliance Canada are now selling lines like Lynx Grills, which have models upwards of $10,000. These are the barbecues that chefs dream about. They can reach temperatures of 1,200 degrees in minutes, ideal for sear-ing the perfect steak and look good doing it.

The esthetics of the outdoor grill are also now as important as the performance. Not only does it have to work well, the barbecue has to look great doing it as it has become the centerpiece for these outdoor kitchens in the same way a fridge or stove impacts the indoors.

While the barbecue may have once been a male-dominated purchase, more women

When you look out your back door, what do you see? Is it time to rethink how you want to spend your summers? Having your own backyard oasis has never made so much sense, but if you need a good excuse, how about never having to pack the family, pets and food into the car on a Friday and then doing it all over again on Sunday for the return trip?

Tempting, isn’t it?

Photo: Contributed

Photo: Contributed / B. Payne

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 / VII

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Plants can add beautiful fi nishing touches around your pool, but it’s not just

about good looks. A well-planned selection of plants can be ver-satile and practical to suit your lifestyle and maximize your en-joyment of your backyard oasis.

Deciding what will work best for you and your landscape takes some thought, ideally starting at the beginning of your pool proj-ect. How much space will you have for plants, and where? What plants fare well in your climate and environment? Which ones will be low maintenance for both your garden and pool?

Will you need some plants for privacy or sound barriers, for dis-guising fences or a storage shed? Are you dreaming of a tropical setting in the summer or a winter wonderland in the off -season? What about lighting around the plants? The list goes on — and well beyond your pool area.

“The landscape around your house should be cohesive, from the front yard to the backyard to the interior, and everything should be matching up and meet-ing up with your lifestyle,” says certifi ed landscape designer Joe Bidermann, the award-winning owner of Joe Bidermann Land-scaping Design in Fall River, N.S.

Working with a professional, such as a landscape designer or architect, right from the initial planning stages of your pool project can help you with the whole process of poolside planting and other aspects of your landscape. For example: Determining the best location for your pool, where your patio space should be and whether you will need an area for shade or entertainment. Finding out how bylaws may aff ect fences and other parts of your planning

evergreens and broadleaf ground covers. If you are looking for shade by the pool, the planting options usually are deciduous and lose leaves, so he likes to consider other options, such as a cabana or an open-sided covered structure, which also allow for the possibility of an entertain-ment area or small poolside bar.

Dreaming of a tropical setting? For planting beds Flanagan con-siders lush-looking selections, such as large-leaved rhododen-drons or magnolias and yucca plants. More exotic choices, such as a palm tree or coconut tree, can go into in pots or containers, which also are great for fl owering annuals even if you don’t have a tropical theme.

“I think the best pool designs have permanent trees, shrubs and perennials in the beds, and the colour is introduced in con-tainers, which can become focal points around the pool, adding a lot of impact,” he says.

“If you choose weather-resis-tant pots, you could replenish the planting in the late fall with pine and dogwood branches to have a lovely winter scene by your pool.”

Containers can be good pool-side solutions too if you have a small space and not enough room to put in full beds. Also think about vertical gardening to add height to your landscape, using vines or hanging baskets mounted on fences and the house. Even in larger spaces vines can work well too when you want to mask fences or sheds.

All in all, it’s about making the most of whatever space you have with poolside plants that enhance the look and enjoyment of your backyard oasis. It’s part of making family and friends feel so welcome and comfortable.

or planting. Checking that there will be proper access to the backyard and whether it will mean removing some front yard landscaping.

Your landscape consultant can help evaluate the plants you already have in your backyard and what you can keep, reuse or relocate. If there are some large mature trees, you have to be careful about protecting the root system when you put in a pool,

THE FINISHING TOUCHESA well-planned selection of plants can be versatile and practical to suit

your lifestyle and maximize your enjoyment of your backyard oasisBY

Diane Merlevede

and that even could include your neighbours’ trees, says certifi ed landscape designer Denis Fla-nagan, the manager of mem-bership and public relations for Landscape Ontario Horticultur-al Trades Association.

When it comes to choosing poolside plants, many people want to avoid a big mess from leaves and petals. Bidermann’s no-fuss suggestions include ornamental grasses, broadleaf

Photos: Courtesy BonaVista Pools

Jeff McNeill © McNeill Photography 2014

Jeff McNeill © McNeill Photography 2014

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“The second reason is boundaries. People are very diligent in protecting/establishing what exactly is their property.”

The safety issue is one that is a bit more extensive. Devanney says the safety issue is predominantly to keep either young children or dogs from leaving your yard — ’60 to 70 per cent of all residential fences,’ he estimates — but there are also safety factors to consid-er when you own a pool.

“Any residential pool that is at least two feet deep should require a fence that is at least five feet high,” says Devanney, noting that this guideline is actually a by-law in Halifax. “That way it can prevent wandering

Your dream backyard is almost com-plete — your ideal pool, a well-tended garden, maybe even that cute looking

gazebo with a new brick walk-way — but there is still one key question that needs to be asked: to fence or not to fence?

A seemingly simple and practical under-taking, creating a fence around your space is an important addition, and one that can have quite a long-lasting effect.

Gary Devanney, a life-long carpenter and owner of FenceMaster in Halifax, N.S., says there are a few practical reasons why you should look at installing a fence on your property — privacy, boundary and safety.

“The first reason is privacy, for themselves or for others,” says Devanney. “People may want to know their neighbours are next door, but they may not want to be able to see them all the time or they want to keep their own matters private.

FROM THE GROUND UPThere are plenty of reasons why you should consider

adding a fence to your property

BY

J.L. Hochman

children, intoxicated adults or pets from falling in and accidentally drowning.

“Or in the winter, when a pool is covered and buried under snow, someone doesn’t fall in and sustain a serious injury.”

When looking at what type of fence to use, Devanney says it’s best to look at your reason: chain-link fences cost roughly one-third of what a wood fence would cost, but it provides far less privacy, making them ideal for when safety is your main concern. If you’re looking for privacy, then a wooden fence is more likely your route.

You may want to discuss fence options with your pool contractor. They can offer you information on the best options that fit your particular needs and wants. As well, ensure your LeisureScapes contractors check with local municipality guidelines and advise you according. Guidelines and regulations will vary across the country.

Photo: Jeff McNeill © McNeill Photography 2014

Photo Courtesy: Holland Home Leisure Photo Courtesy: BonaVista Pools

I’ve Done My Homework ...

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I’m Requesting my dealer uses Highbury Pools

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XII / SPRING/SUMMER 2015 WWW.LEISURESCAPES COM

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTSGreat ideas to make your pool or hot tub more enjoyable this season

POLARIS P955 ROBOTIC POOL CLEANERIntroducing the Polaris P955 Robotic Pool Cleaner with 4-Wheel Drive and Motion-Sensing Remote

 Loaded with new innovative features: Easy Lift System drives the cleaner to the surface and evacuates water for easy removal   

Dirty Filter Indicator eliminates guesswork on when to empty the filter canister

7-day programmable timer

CLEAR & PERFECTTM

Clear & Perfect™ is the industry leading 6-in-1 clarifier by Natural

Chemistry. This technologically advanced product quickly and efficiently clears cloudy or dull

water. Clear & Perfect can be used with all filter medias, is

not pH sensitive, and will not adversely affect the pH of pool

water. It is highly concentrated to provide fast acting results!

MINERALUXE. HOT TUB CARE HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER. Mineraluxe is a healthier, simple approach to hot tub care. You just drop a Mineraluxe Cube into the skimmer, add a pouch of Mineraluxe Oxygen to the water, maintain a chlorine or bromine residual and keep the filter clean. That’s it. Come in and find out more!

www.mineraluxewater.com

PicSURE MEASURING SYSTEMThe proper fit of a vinyl liner is imperative for its longevity and appearance. Highbury Pool’s innovative PicSURE Measuring Sys-tem is the most accurate way to measure for a pool liner installation. Only Highbury Pools can accurately 3D render your pool to design a liner. The best fit, appearance and longevity, insist on a Highbury Pools Liner measured with PicSURE measuring system.

www.highburypools.com

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 / XIII

OMNILOGIC ELITE BACKYARD CONTROLLER Control made simple. Now you can control nearly every aspect of your backyard from one device. The OmniLogic user interfaces are intuitive and easy to use thanks to an icon-based graphics touch-screen and phone, tablet and web apps that are designed to do more with fewer button pushes.

www.haywardpool.com

Soft Soak® TRIO – The Feel Good Spa System™The power of 3: three products, three months of soft, clean spa water. TRIO is SIMPLE with no measuring. TRIO is SOFT with our proprietary blend of softening agents. TRIO is CLEAR because it removes major contaminants. Get started today.

Softsoak.ca

LATHAM POOL PRODUCTSLatham Pool Products is fully committed to the fastest growing segment of the pool industry: fibreglass swimming pools and spas. Now with eight manufacturing locations and six distribution centres, Latham has the broadest footprint of manu-facturing, enabling the most cost eff ective and quick-est delivery in the industry. In addition to geographic proximity, Latham has the widest array of models and colours. Latham’s award-winning facilities and award-winning manufacturing processes provide the foundation from which the highest quality swimming pools can be delivered for every order.

www.lathampool.com

SUPERFLO® VS PUMPSNew SuperFlo® VS Pumps now feature

115/230 voltage capability, a true 24-hour time clock, and a digital keypad that displays speed in rpms, watt usage, and time duration

in its current program. Designed for pools requiring up to 1.5 hp, these pumps

bring the remarkable savings of variable speed technology to the everyday pool, while saving up to 80% in energy costs.

www.pentairpool.com

XIV / SPRING/SUMMER 2015 WWW.LEISURESCAPES COM

Achieving maximum energy efficiency starts at the planning stages, says Ken Reid of Sunshine Pools in Kelowna, British Colum-bia. Reid says thinking about energy efficiency before you begin your pool installation can have a huge effect on how much energy they end up drawing.

The pump – the mechanism that circulates the pool’s water through the filtering system – is the operational heart of any pool. Not surprisingly, the energy needed to circulate thousands of gallons of water every day is considerable. The solution lies in a two-speed or variable-speed pumping system. The system works exactly as the name suggests, running at a slower, more energy efficient speed during normal operation with the ability to increase the speed during peak pool usage. “If you are operating a lot of water features like wa-terfalls and jets, you want to run the pump at full power,” says Reid. “But if you’re not operating everything at full pressure, you can cut back and save energy.”

For some pool aficionados, only a heated pool will do, even in the dog days of summer. Dialing up the thermostat to bathtub levels will increase your utility consumption; around 25ºC is an ideal swimming temperature. Another energy saving solution is to install solar panels to create heat energy and keep the pool warm.

Installing a timer to turn on the pump or the heater at optimal times can also help. Many jurisdictions now offer time-of-use electricity rates – a billing system that reduces power rates during non-peak usage hours after 11 p.m. at night or on weekends. A homeowner who can take advantage of time-of-use billing can make the best use of a timer by setting it up to run the pump during the hours of cheapest power. “Most variable speed pumps come with a timer already installed,” says Reid.

In-pool lighting and carefully designed nightscaping can be a dramatic edition to the backyard landscape. It can also be an import-ant safety factor. Keeping at least one light on in or around a pool lets people and pets know where to walk. But lights – particularly old-style flood lights – can be energy hogs. Fortunately, the latest LED lighting systems offer intense underwater lights that deliver considerable energy savings over conventional lighting along with a variety of mood-setting colours. Some LED systems can even be programmed to change colours for dramatic lighting effects.

Electricity isn’t the only consideration when it comes to saving money and resources. Water conservation can also be critical, especially in drought-prone areas or for homeowners who rely on wells for water. Andrew Sacco of Kandu Pools and Spas in Niagara Falls, Ontario, recommends installing a cartridge filtering system rather than a traditional sand filter. “With a cartridge filter you don’t need to backwash,” says Sacco. “You just take the filter out and clean it periodically. It actually cleans better than a traditional backwash-ing system.”

There are plenty of other creative ways to save as well. Covering the pool with a cover when not in use is a good way to stop heat loss. Using a product such as Cover Free to the water can help reduce evaporation. Installing fences and landscaping elements such as trees and hedges that block prevailing winds also helps. Also make sure to keep intake drains free of debris to reduce strain on the pool filtration system – another source of energy loss.

WWW.LEISURESCAPES COM

ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIPSFor some pool aficionados, only a heated pool will do,

even in the dog days of summer

BY

Tom Mason

It’s hard to think of a better form of climate control on a sweltering summer afternoon than slipping into a backyard pool. Refreshing definitely, though swimming pools can be a significant source

of energy consumption in the home. Now, thanks to a new genera-tion of pool controls and products including variable speed pumps, sophisticated timer systems, solar-powered heaters and low-energy LED lighting systems, owning and maintaining a backyard pool can be an energy efficient proposition.

Photo: Igor Zakharevich/123RF.com

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Kitchen parties aren’t exclusively something that just happens indoors. Outdoor kitchens are the new, hot

place to entertain.“Whenever you invite guests to your

house, the kitchen is always the room where everyone wants to hang out,” says Don Hiebert, sales manager with Jackson Grills in Abbotsford, British Columbia. “It’s amazing that the same concept happens in the backyard — everyone is hovering around the outdoor kitchen.

“Kitchens are now the most comfortable room in your home, and in your backyard.”

Hiebert says barbecues used to be pur-chased as “disposable” items — especially in the mid-’90s before stainless steel became readily available. But in recent years, more and more homeowners have chosen to invest in a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen instead of throwing money away on dispos-able barbecues.

The options are endless: double sinks, built-in trash bins, fridges, side burners,

warming drawers, griddles, cold storage, paper towel drawers, drop-in coolers, raised bars, cocktail centres, and even beer taps ready to be fitted with a keg.

Hiebert compares putting in an outdoor kitchen to buying a new vehicle — a few will go for the top-of-the-line $60,000 model, some will choose a mid-range option costing about $20,000, and others will pick something more affordable in the $7,000 to $10,000 range.

“More people are choosing to spend money on improving their homes, so outdoor kitchen manufacturers have really opened up the market to all different budgets,” says Hiebert. “You don’t need granite countertops or a grill that lights up, which are just like the bells and whistles on a high-end car. You can go with something you can afford.”

He says pizza ovens have dropped signifi-cantly in price, making them affordable for most outdoor kitchens.

“We sell a pizza oven called the Salaman-grill, which cooks chicken, fish, and steak,

AN OASIS FOR ENTERTAINING

Canadians clamouring for backyard kitchens

BY

Heather Laura Clarke

Photo: Courtesy Jackson Grills Inc.

Photo: Courtesy EDIT Kitchens Inc.

Making your spa the envy of the neighbourhood has never been easier.When you combine great SpaGuard® products and technologies with the service, support and expertise of the SpaGuard Dealer, you have everything necessary to make owning a spa an absolute pleasure.

spa care thatSIMPLIFIES,PURIFIES,and

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XVIII / SPRING/SUMMER 2015 WWW.LEISURESCAPES COM

people have added to their yards, and fi guring out how much you’d like to spend. Her largest project to date was a $56,000 oversized outdoor kitchen that featured an impressive $8,000 grill.

Some clients want to use their existing grill or charcoal cooker, so they may only need a cocktail station with counters, storage, and a small fridge. If you’re plan-ning to build an outdoor kitchen adjacent to your indoor kitchen, Kasza says you can save money but not including an outdoor fridge — since it would be just steps away from your regular fridge. If you don’t want to connect plumbing to your outdoor kitchen, just opt for an ice chest that can be fi lled with bags of ice.

Counter space is important for meal prep, plating, and serving. Kasza says the rule of thumb is that you can use any material that’s come from the earth — like granite, soapstone, or concrete — and to avoid grout. Some homeowners like a high-gloss stone countertop, just like in their home, but others choose a durable, textured fi nish that almost looks like leather.

“An outdoor kitchen should blend in with the home and its surroundings, so I steer the

too. It can also be incorporated right into the cabinetry, whereas most pizza ovens are stand-alone.”

Across the country in Cambridge, Ont., Edit Kasza got her start designing traditional indoor kitchens. She decided to branch out into outdoor kitchen after repeated requests from her clients. That was four years ago, and she’s been happily creating outdoor cu-linary oases ever since, as EDIT Design Inc.

Kasza credits the “staycation” for getting Canadians into the swing of outdoor kitchens.

“The economy was in rough shape, and more people were staying at home — but they wanted to have a nice place to spend time with family and friends outside,” explains Kasza.

She says the convenience of an outdoor kitchen allows a host to put together their meal without being stuck inside on a beau-tiful day.

“You’re still a part of things, and you’re still mingling with your guests while you cook,” says Kasza.

Just like any home renovation, the fi rst step is research. Kasza recommends checking out the kinds of outdoor kitchens other

homeowner toward fi nishes that will look like they’ve been there forever.”

Kasza says it’s critical to design an out-door kitchen that will suit your lifestyle, not just copy one from a magazine — or in your neighbour’s yard. Sometimes she suggests something diff erent from what a client orig-inally asked about, because it would work better for their entertaining style.

“Some higher-end builders are offer-ing outdoor kitchen allowances so their customers can build a barbecue island or a cocktail station, and homeowners some-times choose to put in outdoor kitchens if they’re thinking of selling in a few years because it increases their resale value. But most people want an outdoor kitchen so they can really enjoy it.”

“They’re able to expand their living space without moving to a new home, so it’s like getting a brand-new, extra room for enter-taining.”

For more information on EDIT Design Inc. in Cambridge, Ontario, please visit www.outdoorkitchenontario.ca. For more informa-tion on Jackson Grills Inc. in Abbotsford, British Columbia, please visit www.jacksongrills.com.

Photo: Courtesy BonaVista Pools

Photo: Courtesy EDIT Kitchens Inc.Photo: © Napolean Grills

Hayward, Hayward Energy Solutions and AquaVac are registered trademarksof Hayward Industries, Inc. © 2015 Hayward Industries, Inc.

For more information contact us at 1.888.238.7665

»SIGNATURE COLLECTION«

Introducing The Hayward®

Signature Collection

Hayward is proudto introduce a range of

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swimming experience, from water quality to total backyard ambiance.

Set the scene with a single touch using OmniLogic®,

the most intuitive automation system ever. Then,

enjoy the comforts of superior water quality courtesy

of Hayward heat, filtration and chemical

automation—and peace of mind knowing that every

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season after season.

WWW.LEISURESCAPES COMXX / SPRING/SUMMER 2015

Jam Jar EntertainingIf your cupboards are like

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

Complimentsfor the Condiments

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

MASON JAR ENTERTAININGThe Mason jar has long held more than jams and preserves

BY

Mark DeWolfBohemian Glamour

There is a certain bohemian charm to dressing a table with mason jars filled with wild fl owers. In fact, you’d be remiss to head to a fl orist, as you’ll get more compliments for your re-sourcefulness by simply picking what’s available in the nearest meadow or better yet make an inspired by the roadside fl oral display. East coasters can fi ll the table with the colour purple thanks to the millions of lupins that line Atlantic Canada’s high-ways while western Canadians and Ontario residents might opt for black-eyed Susans, sunfl ow-ers or any number of wild fl ower varieties.

Photos: 123RF

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 / XXI

Dress Up the Summer Salad RoutineConsider adding a little joie de vie to summer salad by replacing

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

Rosé Coloured Glasses

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

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XXII / SPRING/SUMMER 2015 WWW.LEISURESCAPES COM

Mason Jar Strawberry Splash CocktailServes: 6

Ingredients:1 cup sugar1 lb strawberries, hulled,

chopped2 cups water¼ cup loosely packed mintSparkling wine or soda

Instructions:Begin by making a strawberry

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

Serves: 6

Ingredients (Lamb):1 kg lamb, cut into

2-cm cubes1 tablespoon crushed

dried chili flakes3 tablespoons chopped

rosemary1 lemon, zested2 tablespoons olive oil6 pieces flat bread3 plum tomatoes, seeds

removed, chopped

1 red onion, sliced1 cucumber, choppedSalt & pepperSk ewers (soaked in water)

or extra-long rosemary spears

Ingredients (Sauce):2 cups yogurt1 lemon, juiced1 cup chopped mint¼ cup minced dillSalt & pepper to taste

Instructions:Place the lamb, chili flakes, rosemary, lemon zest and olive oil in

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

Minty Lamb Kebabs

Making your backyard the envy of the neighbourhood has never been easier. When you combine great BioGuard products and technologies with the service, support and expertise of the BioGuard Dealer, you have everything necessary to make owning a backyard family resort an absolute pleasure.

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

Learn more at pentairpool.com.

SMART LOOKSFOR SUMMER

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

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

No expensive rewiring. Runs onstandard 115/230v

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 / 29

The great advantage of purchasing a pool or Hot Spring hot tub from Sunshine Pools and Spas is that we take care of you for the full life cycle of your investment. Our objective is to make

your life easy, so you can count on us to provide the best, most cost effective professional service, no matter what your current needs are. In addition to offering all standard services, like equipment repair and leak detection, Sunshine Pools and Spas has a wide range of specialities designed to make pool and hot tub ownership simple.

OPENINGS AND WINTERIZINGS More than you want to bite off ? Ever had a friend or neighbour suffer the expense of an improper winterization? Let us start up and winterize your pool or hot tub yearly. We have three levels of service available. Enquire about our economy, standard or premium service packages. Remember to book early to avoid disappointment.

WEEKLY & HOLIDAY VALET SERVICE How great is this? We will take care of your pool and hot tub so you don’t have to brush, vacuum, clean pumps or filters, or add water care products. Just sit back and enjoy your backyard paradise and let us do all the dirty work. We even test your water in our lab ‘for free.’

POOL CHECKUPS Are you concerned about your pool’s health? We can do an annual checkup to let you know the condition of your equipment.

AUTOMATIC COVER SERVICING Sunshine Pools and Spas also offer a yearly Automatic Cover Main-tenance Service. Ensure your cover system is running as efficiently as possible. Regular service will lengthen the life of your Automatic Cover system.

LINER REPACEMENTS Is your current liner looking a little worse for wear? We can pro-fessionally measure and install a custom replacement. You will be astonished with the results. Your backyard investment will look brand new!

THE ABSOLUTE BEST LIFETIME OWNERSHIP EXPERIENCE

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AUTOMATIONIs it time to FUTURE PROOF your pool? Our professional technicians can retrofit older pools with new technology to save you money and make your pool more environmentally friendly. Heat Pumps, Salt Systems, UV Systems, variable speed pumps, automatic covers, ORP sense and dispense technology, Dechlorinization, and Natural Enzyme Water Products. These are just some of the many exciting changes happening in our industry.

INSPECTIONS Thinking of buying a property with a current pool or hot tub? Our experts will prepare a written report which rates more than 25 areas of potential concern. We even include an estimate to repair or replace items as required.

POOL SCHOOL New to pool or hot tub ownership? Confused about operating your equipment? Having problems with your water chemistry? Just let us know and we can have one of our experts come to your house and offer a Pool School. You will then be equipped with everything you will need to know to operate your pool or hot tub.

Photo: Contributed

WWW.SUNSHINEPOOLS.CA30 / SPRING/SUMMER 2015

VINYL POOL GALLERY

Photos: Contributed © www.cgardiner.ca

Photos: Contributed by San Juan © Tom Rounds

Fibreglass Pool Gallery

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 / 31

Photos: Contributed by Hydropool © Greg van Riel

Swim Spa/ Aqua Trainer

Gallery

HOT TUB GALLERY

Photos: Contributed by HotSprings

WE’VE MOVED!!

We are now located at: 123-1889 Springfi eld Rd., Springfi eld Centre

BOOK YOUR OPENING NOW!

Hurry as bookings fill very quickly.Choose from 3 packages.

Economy Standard Premium

123-1889 Springfi eld Rd., Springfi eld CentrePh: 250-717-8381 Toll Free: 1-888-797-8381

www.sunshinepools.ca

Our Daily MissionMaking Pool and Hot Tub Ownership

EASY! Pools and hot tubs are all about fun and relaxation, rejuvenation, and

stress relief. They should definitely not be something else in your life to worry

about – leave that to us.

ASK ABOUT OUR INITIAL CLEANING & WEEKLY VALET SERVICES

Valet Customers Receiveall labour & water care products. Call Sunshine Pools & Spas for details.10%

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After almost 30 years Sunshine Pools and Spas has moved to a bigger location to serve you better.