When Olympic swim legend Michael Phelps, six-time Ironman world champion Dave Scott and professional triathlete Ben Hoffman start raving about something, you know it’s worth paying attention. These titans of athletic prowess are all buzzing about the latest sensation in outdoor living and fitness: swim spas. More than just a fleeting fad, these sleek aquatic marvels are transforming backyard leisure into a dynamic and luxurious experience across B.C.
Leading the charge in B.C.’s swim spa revolution is Randy Bishop, a Langley-born entrepreneur whose passion for elevating outdoor spaces knows no bounds. From his early days in ski sales to mastering the art of patio furniture, Randy’s entrepreneurial journey has culminated in the creation of Bishop’s Outdoor Living –a beacon of innovation and style in the realm of backyard leisure.
If the name Randy “Mad Dog” Bishop rings a bell, it’s no surprise. A true Langley native, Randy made waves as the former owner of the iconic sporting goods store, Mad Dog’s Source for Sports. To fully grasp his remarkable journey, we need to rewind to the day it all began – when Randy boldly purchased five pairs of skis, five pairs of bindings and eight pairs of boots.
“And that’s how I started Mad Dog’s,” Randy reminisces. “Six years later, we were moving 1,000 pairs of skis and had expanded to a total of eight stores.”
Randy noticed a trend from a guy back East who was successfully selling skis in the winter and patio furniture in the summer. Inspired, he decided to give it a shot, and the combination proved to be a hit, seamlessly blending the element of fun that both seasonal products offered. Building on this success, Randy expanded into hot tubs and then swim spas – moderately-sized jetted tubs in which you can stay in one place while swimming against the current created by the jets.
Randy recalls his transition with enthusiasm: “When I introduced the Endless Pools line, I saw how it transformed not just backyards but lifestyles. It’s about bringing fun and fitness together in a way that everyone can enjoy.”
His journey with swim spas began with a vision to bring accessible recreation to local homes. “My family has been in the business since 1940,” he says. “After diversifying from ski and patio furniture sales, we saw an opportunity to redefine outdoor leisure.”
Over the past few years, Randy made a bold move to a new location in Burnaby. Here, he established Western Canada’s largest swim spa dealership, turning Bishop’s Outdoor Living into the ultimate destination for swim spa enthusiasts, as well as all manner of outdoor living furniture and hot tubs. These swim spa models are renowned as being the best in the business and cater to every need – from compact residential units to bespoke installations.
As an avid outdoorsman, Randy understands the allure of making the most of B.C.’s natural beauty.
“There’s nothing better than unwinding in a swim spa after a hard day skiing or fishing,” he reflects, fresh from a successful fishing trip. “We live in a province where enjoying the outdoors is essential. Not everyone can or wants to travel far for recreation. Having a swim spa in your backyard makes that experience accessible and enjoyable year-round.”
The Endless Pools line, endorsed by top athletes and recreational users alike, exemplifies this evolution. From the entry-level R-Series, designed for family fun and low-impact exercise, to the premium E-Series and X-Series, featuring advanced current technology and hydromassage capabilities, each model promises a unique aquatic experience tailored to individual preferences.
“We’ve had clients share remarkable stories of recovery and fitness transformation,” Randy says. “One client near Harrison Mills regained mobility through regular sessions in their swim spa, citing the buoyancy and gentle resistance as pivotal in their rehabilitation.”
Beyond physical benefits, swim spas are lauded for their energy efficiency and minimal upkeep compared to conventional pools. Their compact design makes them suitable for smaller spaces, allowing more people to enjoy the luxury of a swim spa without needing a large backyard. The design and placement of insulated covers help maintain water temperature, reducing energy costs while extending usability throughout the year – a significant advantage in colder climates.
As interest in outdoor wellness continues to surge, swim spas are poised to redefine backyard leisure.
“It’s not just about selling a product,” Randy notes. “It’s about enriching lives through accessible, year-round fitness and relaxation.”
As a true testament to the product, Randy himself has an X-Series swim spa in his backyard that he and his grandkids get to enjoy 12 months a year, because, as he says, “You can turn the temperature up to 104 degrees.”
He adds, “I’m very passionate about this. It’s like skiing in that way, which may sound strange, but it’s all about having fun.”
This feature appeared in the summer edition on Boulevard Vancouver.
