By PATRICIA A. RUSSELL

Valley Breeze Staff Writer

NORTH SMITHFIELD - In the convenience store business for 22 years, Lisa and Michael Pestana said that, when the opportunity to open a pool, spa and supply store came along, the couple thought: why not?

Ah, the lure of a backyard pool.

Away from the hassle of schlepping to the beach or lake.

With gas prices rising, the couple is banking on more and more people taking the plunge to buy an above-ground pool.

Of course, pools require care to keep the water clean and clear.

Chemicals do the trick.

Branch Village Pool & Spa Needs, 643 Great Road, can help.

Consumers can bring in a three-ounce sample of their pool or spa water for a computerized test. They can be best advised on how to treat their water, if there's a need.

"It's a state-of-the-art water analysis," said Bob Hughes, who was hired to run the store.

The Pestanas actually own all the buildings in the strip mall where the store is located. Previously a pool and spa store, the building's been vacant since January.

With folks in North Smithfield and surrounding towns accustomed to having the store there, the Pestanas decided to "keep it going" and re-opened on March 1. Customers actually started dropping in before it re-opened.

"People are starting to think about pools," said Michael, adding that, even though the temperature is still chilly, folks want to be first on the list to get their new purchase installed.

Since opening, they've had several people buy pool packages.

While the new store manager and her husband have been busy buying new merchandise, including chemicals, Lisa has been having a blast buying pool toys.

"I grabbed a couple nieces and nephews and had them look through a catalog. They pointed to some fun stuff for the pool," she said, as she walked past some inflatable pool toys that line one aisle of the store.

Also selling well are the take-home, fill-it and plug-it-in spas. Different models can seat anywhere from three to seven people.

The owners said they are trying to keep their shelves stocked and their prices reasonable.