THE PERFECT ESCAPE

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

Creating a backyard oasis

SPRING/SUMMER 2015Vantage Pools and Spas Inc.

LANGLEY 604-888-1736MAPLE RIDGE 604-460-1779

www.vantagepools.ca

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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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customers when they come to our store for supplies, we get to see smiles every day.

This year also serves as a reminder for us that we want to continue to deliver the best ser-vice, quality products and the knowledge that you expect from us. Were committed to being a cut above the rest. Simply put, you deserve the best.

We expect great things in the years ahead and its all thanks to the customers we get to serve. Thank you for the support, the laughs and the little things that make us who we are.

From our family to yours,Doug, Ann, Rhett and the Vantage Pools family

Time fl ies when youre hav-ing fun. The last 20 years have been full of amazing experiences and we look forward to many more years to come. This summer marks Vantage Pools and Spas 20th anniversary, and a large part of our success is because of the support we receive from all of you.

One person walked in to our store and said, It smells like vacation in here. Thats the state of mind that we try to bring to you every day. Being able to work in such a creative, luxurious and playful industry is a privilege we really enjoy. Whether were bringing a backyard vacation to a family, or seeing our regular

To take a closer look at Hayward products, go to Haywardpool.ca or call 1.888.238.7665.

Hayward, is a registered trademark of Hayward Industries, Inc. 2014 Hayward Industries, Inc.

OMNILOGIC BACKYARD AUTOMATION

OmniLogic lets you control nearly every aspect of your backyard from one device and with fewer button pushes. Its icon-based touchscreen interface is unmatched in the industry - apps are available for smart phones, tablets and other devices.

VARIABLE SPEED PUMPSHayward manufactures the broadest lineup of variable-speed pumps in the industry. Quiet and energy-efcient, our ENERGY STAR certied pumps offer pool owners savings of up to 70% when compared to single-speed pumps.

See how much you can save! Visit our Energy Calculator at

Haywardpool.ca

AQUAVAC 500 ROBOTIC CLEANER

AquaVac 500 comes equipped with a microprocessor that determines the most efcient cleaning path possible. Pool owners simply select the cleaning frequency that best matches their pool debris load and AquaVac 500 gets to work to scrub and vacuum the pool oor, coves, walls and waterline.

New Products That Offer The Utmost In Savings And

Convenience.

COLORLOGIC 320 LED RETURN LIGHTS

New ColorLogic 320 Return Lights are ideal for highlighting steps, jets, bubblers, baja shelves, fountains and more. The easiest 1.5 models to install wet or dry, these energy-efcient LED lights allow owners to sync the lighting in all water environments.

#201-20167 96 Avenue Langley, B.C.604-888-1736

info@vantagepools.ca

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20 YEARS OF POOLS, HOT TUBS

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4 / SPRING/SUMMER 2015 WWW.VANTAGEPOOLS.CA

The dinner table used to be a place not only to eat together, to spend time together as a family, a great place to gather the family to discuss the days events.

For many families that have an active social schedule and a day filled with work, school, endless sports, guitar lessons, gym routines, rehears-als and the like, dinner is more on the go. Fast food is just that ... fast food. By the time a family actually comes together at the end of the day they only have a small amount of time just before everyone has to go to bed. So besides gathering around a TV where everyone is programmed to watch rather than relate, there arent

FAMILY THERAPYRecapture valuable family time with Viking Spas

that many opportunities to recapture that valuable family time.

What if there was another way to spend time together that was easy and relaxing? You will find that dragging together the family is not that difficult when you can gather in a hot tub.

Everybody benefits and most importantly, everyone sits in an inti-mate environment in a relaxed way. Tension is gone and finding out how everybodys day went is much more enjoyable. Will the hot tub replace the dinner table as a family gatherer? Probably not, but it does provide a nice alternative to salvage some family time when life is moving full speed ahead.

Photos: Contributed

To see the current Viking Spas lineup visit our staff at Vantage Pools and Spas Langley showroom or visit vantagepools.ca/hot-tubs/viking-spas.

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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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Printed by: Lowe-Martin Group

NATIONAL SECTION

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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 wouldnt 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? Heres 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 homes 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 weve seen in warm-er locales. I can offi cially say that its 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, isnt 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 its 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 dont 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, its about making the most of whatever space you have with poolside plants that enhance the look and enjoyment of your backyard oasis. Its 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. Bidermanns 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 doesnt fall in and sustain a serious injury.

When looking at what type of fence to use, Devanney says its 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 youre 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

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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

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

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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. Thats it. Come in and find out more!

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PicSURE MEASURING SYSTEMThe proper fit of a vinyl liner is imperative for its longevity and appearance. Highbury Pools 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.

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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.

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Soft Soak TRIO The Feel Good Spa SystemThe 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.

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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. Lathams award-winning facilities and award-winning manufacturing processes provide the foundation from which the highest quality swimming pools can be delivered for every order.

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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.

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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 pools 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 youre 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 25C 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 isnt 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 dont 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

Its 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

XVI / SPRING/SUMMER 2015 WWW.LEISURESCAPES COM

Kitchen parties arent 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. Its 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 dont 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.

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XVIII / SPRING/SUMMER 2015 WWW.LEISURESCAPES COM

people have added to their yards, and fi guring out how much youd 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 youre 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 dont 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 thats 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 shes 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.

Youre still a part of things, and youre 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 theyve been there forever.

Kasza says its critical to design an out-door kitchen that will suit your lifestyle, not just copy one from a magazine or in your neighbours 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 theyre 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.

Theyre able to expand their living space without moving to a new home, so its 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

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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, ltration and chemical automationand peace of mind knowing that every Hayward solution is built for efciency and reliability, season after season.

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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 dont 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

Theres 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, youd be remiss to head to a fl orist, as youll get more compliments for your re-sourcefulness by simply picking whats 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 Canadas 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?

Ros Coloured Glasses

Life looks better through ros coloured glasses, especially when its mason jars fi lled with ros wine. Pink hued ros is now one of the wine worlds most fashion-able drinks. Be sure to look for authentic ros. Ros 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 ros 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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Whether you already own a pool or just starting to think about owning a pool, you can nd resources, ideas and tips to help you get the most from your backyard oasis.

XXII / SPRING/SUMMER 2015 WWW.LEISURESCAPES COM

Mason Jar Strawberry Splash CocktailServes: 6

Ingredients:1 cup sugar1 lb strawberries, hulled,

chopped2 cups water 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 mint 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

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Whether you already own a pool or just starting to think about owning a pool, you can find resources, ideas and tips to help you get the most from your backyard oasis.

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When the team from Vantage Pools and Spas sit down at the drawing board, amazing creations reveal themselves. Thats what the owners of these three swimming pools discovered as we wrapped up the finishing details of their backyard projects.

Several elements need to be considered to turn a backyard into your private resort.

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Entertaining, functionality, and esthet-ics are just a few keys to tying a project together. Some of our recent undertakings have included man caves, fire pits, outdoor showers, touch screen automation, L.E.D. lighting, and water features. Collaborating with other skilled trades who have an artistic touch will broaden the possibilities for your project.

Taking these things into account made all the difference for Rob and Sonia Govorcin of North Vancouver. When their pool project was completed Sonia said, Wow! We are speechless! Thank you for your dedication, professionalism and hard work! So happy we hired you for our pool project.

If this has got your creative juices flowing, contact our team at Vantage Pool and Spas today and you could be entering your private resort sooner than you think.

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