The perfect storm is coming and the Canadian pool and spa industry is right in the middle.

High gas prices are expected, with a predicted $1.50 (ref) for the summer. Interest rates remain at an all time low with a Bank of Canada Over Night Rate of 1% (ref) and 5 year fixed rate mortgages at 3.49% (ref). Canada is now the only G7 country to have surpassed the 2008-2009 recession levels and is tracking well for 2012 (ref) with the Index of Consumer Confidence increasing the third month in a row for March (ref).

Now enter the unusually warm temperatures that much of Ontario and Canada have seen and voila, increased activity in Pool and Spa businesses with more green lights for big backyard projects,

All this gives consumers a good reason to cocoon in their homes this summer. Let's hope that the warm dry weather continues and our industry grows stronger.

If you have any stories or input on the start of the season then please comment below.

Here's to a great start to the 2012 season.

(The above picture of $1.399 litre gas was taken in the town of Shakespeare Ontario at 8:00 pm April 8, 2012)

Early Spring in Ontario!

We have had some amazingly warm temperatures this winter season with above average temperatures peaking in the double digits here in Ontario.

I have spoken to many swimming pool dealers now and they are all seeing increased activity in consumer interest.

The phones are ringing with requests for early pool openings, repairs to their pools or to quote on a new project.

I have heard of inground pool projects now being started with one dealer about to start his fourth (yes 4) inground swimming pool build! These builders are predominantly in the Greater Toronto Area with one starting in in Orillia. I have asked him to send me some pictures and as you can see, conditions are great to get an early start.

But be caustious, as not all regions are the same and each job site needs to be treated on a case y case basis.

Half loads are still in effect, water tables are still high, the ground is still saturated so you may end up with a messy back yard and the weather may change leaving your project in mid build.

I have decide to open my own pool early after looking at the long range forecasts and just hoping that they they are correct.

According to Environment Canadas weather office, we are expected to have a full month of uncharacteristically high temperatures through to April 15th. It looks like only Vancouver and area will receive below normal temperatures. Percipitation forcasts are also good as they call for 50% percipitation for the same time period for Southern Ontario.

See this link to the Weather Office for up to date data Enviroment Canada weather forecast

Looking at the Historical data we are doing well with daily seasonal being daytime high of 4.3°C and a night time low of -4.8°C. Record high was 19.4°C in 1945 for March 17th.

Here's to a great start to the 2012 swimming pool season, lets hope this weather keeps up!