It's been a long time in the making, and has finally come to Winnipeg: the Pool, Spa & Patio Show, which is on now at the RBC Convention Centre.
"It's the first-ever show of its kind in Canada," said Oasis Leisure Centre's Jason Lawrence. "The prairie chapter of the Pool and Hot Tub Council of Canada felt it was time to showcase the great group of pool and spa professionals we have in Winnipeg. If you're looking at getting a hot tub, pool, sunroom or patio, everyone will be together under one roof to answer your questions."
The purpose of the show is not only to showcase the city's fine collection of pool and spa professionals, but to also connect consumers with a reputable group of contractors, he added.
"All the businesses at the show are members of the Pool and Hot Tub Council of Canada. Everyone has been vetted, and has to abide by a strict code of ethics. Not only that, but they have liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. When you enlist the services of one of our contractors, you'll be assured they're reputable and dependable, and aren't a fly-by-night contractor."
The skills of those contractors will be fully on display in strategic spots on the show floor, said show co-ordinator Jay Lemieux. "For example, J & D Penner will be putting up not only a basketball court, but a putting green as well," he said. "We just want to show that when it comes to your home and back yard, you can do anything. If you have an idea, one of our pool and spa professionals can bring it to life for you."
Make no mistake, the concept of making backyards into a retreat is on the rise.
"With the low Canadian dollar and cost of owning and maintaining a cottage, more people are turning their home and yard into a private vacation retreat with the addition of a sunroom, deck or patio, hot tub or pool, or a combination of those options," said Lawrence. "The idea is to be able to take two steps out to your backyard retreat, rather than spending two hours driving to your cottage."
Inspired by TV shows on networks like HGTV, many people are electing to go with the full distance with the home retreat concept.
"People are now going with a hot tub, pool, patio and are putting speakers outdoors to stream their favourite music -- Advance Electronics will have an outdoor speaker system on display to show what's possible on that front," said Lawrence. "Other trends include mod, rectangular or curvy lagoon-style or geometric-shaped pools, automation and UV (ultra-violet) water sterilizers."
Not only does making your yard into a private retreat make sense as a long-term investment, but it also makes sense from two other standpoints -- health and safety, said Lawrence.
"The water in your pool is heated, healthy and clear with no algae blooms to worry about, and if your kids and their friends are in the pool in your backyard, you know where they are. You can also spend quality time with your kids there after work, and make memories for years to come. We invite everyone to come out, and see what our pool and spa professionals can do for you."
The Pool, Spa & Patio Show kicked off Friday and runs through to Sunday at the RBC Convention Centre. Tickets for adults are $10; children 17 and under (accompanied by an adult) get in for free.
Visit poolspapatioshow.com for more information.
tlewys@mts.net
