The May long weekend was a snow job for those who believe in global warming, but it didn't prevent tenacious Manitobans from booking a record number of campsites. We remain cockeyed optimists, even though we know from bitter experience variable weather conditions are a hallmark of this capricious season called spring.
After such knowledge, what keeps our spirits aloft?
The answer is a sale. Yes, we are renowned for getting a deal whenever and wherever possible. In this case, Crown Spas and Pools is celebrating its grand opening with 50 per cent off patio furniture and 10 per cent off Barkman concrete products.
Crown Spas president Mike Sudoski Jr. has just completed a floor-to-ceiling renovation of a new showroom: an 11,000-square-foot building at 760 Century Street, formerly an overflow warehouse.
"This is a dream come true for me. It offers customers a realistic view of what, for example, a full-size Barkman Oasis fireplace would look like in their backyard, surrounded by a semi-circular wicker sofa and centreed by a round coffee table," Sudoski said.
The beautiful floor in front of the fireplace and extending under the sofa is covered with Barkman's travertine white tiles (available in 12-inch, 18-inch and 24-inch-by-24-inch slabs).
The impressive showroom also includes two large swimming spas, one of which is a top-of-the-line Endless Pool that uses hydraulic motors to spin a large propeller. If swimming against the current generated isn't sufficient exercise, an underwater treadmill can be purchased so fitness aficionados can run into the current.
Despite its formidable size -- seven feet by 14 feet with a maximum depth of 54 inches -- this model of Endless Pool can be fitted into the basement of a small house.
"We're installing one in a 900-square-foot bungalow as we speak," said Sudoski, adding the pool can be set up indoors or outdoors; the main requirement is a solid foundation to support more than 100,000 pounds of water.
"If people want to test any of the spas or pools, they're welcome to bring a bathing suit and give them a try," he said.
Special edition hot tubs will be discounted by $5,000 during the sale from May 23 to May 31.
Sudoski's selection of patio furniture is extensive, including wicker chair sets, umbrella lounges, demilune and modular wicker sofa sets and round moon beds, available in brightly coloured fabrics which can be upgraded to Sunbrella upholstery.
To date, he said, a hot seller has been moon beds with a round wicker base, round mattress, throw pillows and an adjustable half-canopy.
"The beds are available in bright red, yellow and other eye-catching colours that really appeal to kids. Our sale price is $1,100," Sudoski said.
Another catchy item is a roomy gazebo with a black metal roof, metal posts and mosquito netting that covers all sides; privacy curtains can be purchased as accessories.
Also available is a selection of acrylic outdoor rugs, as well as a slip-free pool deck material that is cool on the feet and can be ordered with inlays of dolphins or whatever designs appeal to customers.
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