Waves and Flames
Your pool and fireplace shop
By Kate Daly Contributing Writer
Shrewsbury - Waves and Flames is located at 295 Hartford Turnpike (Route 20 West), in Shrewsbury. General Manager Deborah McGrath talked about the year-old business, which sells pool supplies and a variety of fireplace options.

PHOTO/KATE DALY Waves and Flames is located at 295 Hartford Turnpike (Route 20 West) in Shrewsbury.

What are the products offered at Waves and Flames? "Waves and Flames offers wood and gas freestanding stoves, inserts and fireplaces, as well as pellet stove and pellets," McGrath said. "We also carry a full line of pool chemicals, spa chemicals, pool toys, accessories and parts. Additionally, we carry above-ground pools, winter covers, Loop-Loc safety covers and spa covers."

What kind of services do you offer? "Among our many services, we offer free water testing, spring pool openings and winter pool closings, pool service, quality and custom elegant hearth products with professional, qualified installers. We are also affiliated with a pellet company that will deliver right to your door."

Any new trends? "Pellet stoves. They're popular. I think that utilities are going to go out of sight, and pellets are going to be economical. Pellets are compressed wood that burns extremely efficiently … With the cost of heating products going up, now would be an excellent time to shop for these types of products."

Future trends? "I really think because of the high price of gas and oil, more people are going to be vacationing at home. That's where we come in. We sell the pools, we can recommend installers, and we handle the chemicals. We have Bioguard chemicals, which are very high quality.

"When you walk into a large chain store or discount store and buy something, you buy it because that's what your test strip said [you needed]. We're explaining to you why you need what you need." What makes Waves and Flames unusual? "We're here to educate the consumer."

The phone number is 508-552-0030, and the website is www.wavesandflames.com.