BACKYARD GETAWAYS
A pool goes a long way toward adding to the joys of a summer staycation
With warmer weather approaching, it’s expected that homeowners will be spending a substantial amount of time in their backyards in the coming weeks. In fact, given how the COVID-19 pandemic has limited travel for the foreseeable future, many in the pool and garden industry are expecting the 2020 season to be the summer of staycations, resulting in high demand for backyard upgrades such as furniture, pools, and spas.
To the relief of many, it was recently announced that pool and landscaping businesses are now considered essential services and are to be permitted to operate under specified guidelines.
“We knew people would be excited about our stores reopening so we anticipated the demand and prepared accordingly to ensure everyone’s safety by putting in the necessary measures and by carefully managing the flow of customers,” said Alain Gravel, director of marketing at Trévi, a popular Montreal pool specialist with several locations. “There’s been a ton of demand; even while we were closed our sales teams have been working by phone, teleconference and online to keep up.”
The demand for backyard services is understandable, given the current situation, he added. With so many people working from home, and travel not really being an option in the coming weeks, homeowners are looking to make the most of their own properties during the upcoming summer season.
“Travel has always been a competitor to our industry but now, with no one able to realistically
Let’s face it, we’ve all been stuck inside for weeks and are eager to enjoy the outdoors. Going outside feels like a vacation at this point.
plan trips for the summer, people want to invest in their own backyards,” Gravel said. “In these circumstances, it’s the best way to ensure safe summer fun and, let’s face it, we’ve all been stuck inside for weeks and are eager to enjoy the outdoors. Going outside feels like a vacation at this point.”
Gravel anticipates that the biggest trends and best-selling products for the summer 2020 season will be pools and spas, and outdoor living pavilions with covered areas for rain and sun protection. Outdoor dining areas remain popular as well, and are often equipped with features like fire tables for added ambience.
“We developed the concept of outdooring about 10 years ago, whereby people are using their backyards as an extension of their home’s interiors, and we expect to see that flourish this year,” he said. “People want to really enjoy living outside, and they’re setting up living rooms and essentially different stations in their yards to maximize their fun.”
Homeowners and buyers on the market have, indeed, been paying extra attention to backyard spaces in recent years — especially seeking out pools, or at least space to add one in.
“The popularity of pools today makes sense; with all the advancements we’re seeing in the technology and the availability of different styles and sizes, having a pool is more accessible,” said Daniela Lamorte, real estate broker with M Immobilier. “During home visits, when we walk through the backyard, often one of the first assessments we make is where the pool can go.”
Add to that the fact that this season homeowners will, in all likelihood, be spending their summer vacations at home rather than going away, and the result is a heightened desire to maximize home entertainment.
“People are making a huge investment when they buy a home, and I think they want be able to enjoy their properties to the fullest — especially families with kids,” Lamorte said.
“A big part of that is having a comfortable place for their children to play and be entertained during the summer, so that’s really the attraction in having a well finished backyard.”
If you’re considering an upgrade to your backyard for the upcoming season it’s best to first do your homework, and determine the types of products and styles you’re interested in.
“People spend a lot of time today online, researching plans and pulling ideas from all over,” Gravel said. “People are really investing their time and are well prepared when they come to the store.”
A good way to start is to identify your priorities, he added.
“Think of what your family needs and how you plan to use the space,” Gravel said. “Maybe you have kids, so a pool would be great; or you’re a retired couple looking for a spa to relax.”
No matter where your interests lie, seeking expert opinions is critical in choosing the right products.
“We have specialists in every store who are experts in different products and can guide clients based on their needs, budget, taste, and space,” Gravel said. “People want to enjoy and take care of their properties and we’re here to help. I feel fortunate to be in this position and help people make the most of their homes, especially in these circumstances.”