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Water Safety Tips To Help Save A Life This Summer

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national-water-safety-month

(OVERLAND PARK, KS) – As families converge on aquatic centers, pools, splash pads, waterparks, and open bodies of water for recreational water activities this Memorial Day weekend, it is vital to ensure safety is a priority for all people. The National Water Safety Month campaign supporters offer six important tips and reminders for parents and caregivers about safer water practices.

As you enjoy time in and around water this summer, keep these six water safety tips in mind:

  1. Capable & Constant Supervision – Actively supervise children and non-swimmers around the water, even when lifeguards are present. Don’t just drop kids off. Avoid distracting activities such as checking email or social media. Drowning is quick and silent.
  2. Water Competency – No matter your age, learning to swim and survive in the water is one of the best ways to be safer in and around the water.
  3. Prevent Unsupervised Access To Water –Barriers and alarms help prevent access to water during non-swim times. Almost 70% of toddler drownings occur during non-swim times. Four sided fencing with a self-closing self-latching gate helps prevent unplanned access.
  4. Swim With A Buddy – Do not allow anyone to swim alone. Even at a public pool or a lifeguarded beach, use the buddy system.
  5. Wear A Life Jacket – Adults and kids should always wear a properly-fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while boating. Non-swimmers and inexperienced swimmers should also always wear a life jacket when in and around the water. Inflatable toys can be fun but are not a substitute for U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
  6. Be Prepared For Emergencies – Learn how to prevent and respond to emergencies by learning CPR.

About National Water Safety Month

National Water Safety Month is a joint effort of the American Red Cross, the National Recreation and Park Association, Pool & Hot Tub Alliance and the World Waterpark Association. Joining the NWSM partnership in 2022 is the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the incidence of drowning and preventing tragedy around water.

These organizations honor National Water Safety Month in May, along with thousands of aquatics facilities and professionals, through educational programs, public service announcements, governmental proclamations, dealer and aquatics business promotions and the distribution of water-safety-themed materials, aimed primarily at the public and designed to help prevent drowning and water-related illness and injuries. 

Detailed information and free resources in support of National Water Safety Month, for both consumers and businesses, can be found at www.nationalwatersafetymonth.org. Connect with National Water Safety Month on Facebook (@watersafetymonth).

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Marianne Trusty

Marianne Trusty is a Press Correspondent for the pool & spa industry. A published author and social media influencer reaching over 20 million people around the world each day. Contact Marianne about publishing op-editorials, breaking pool news and press releases at [email protected].

Pool Builder

Ownership Group Acquires Shasta Pools, Announces Expansion Plans to Offer Complete Home Services

Dansons Capital Group, Accrual Equity Partners, and Hydro Construction purchased Arizona’s premier pool builder with eye on developing national brand

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Private Equity Group Buys Shasta Pools

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona (August 31, 2026) – Dansons Capital Group, in partnership with Accrual Equity Partners (AEP) and Hydro Construction (HydroCon), completed the acquisition of Shasta Pools, Phoenix Metro’s most recognized pool builder, and announced an immediate expansion into the broader home services market with plans to grow the brand into a national powerhouse. Founded in 1966 by brothers Bob and Skip Ast, the third-generation, family-owned pool business has built or renovated more than 150,000 pools across Maricopa County and is among the country’s top premier pool builders. The acquisition, finalized August 6, positions the company with a competitive edge as it enters a new phase of accelerated growth

Building on Shasta’s track record of success, the ownership group will grow the company’s core business divisions, including residential and commercial pool construction and renovation, Shasta Signature Series luxury pool designs, backyard hardscaping solutions, extended warranties, and e-commerce supplies. The deal also directs new capital into Shasta’s high-volume, recurring pool maintenance business, establishing a scalable foundation for an expanded home services portfolio. 

Expanding the Home Services Model

Shasta Pools will also debut Shasta Home Services, the first step in the company’s expansion into a comprehensive home services platform. Shasta enters the space with more than 200,000 customer relationships, route density in Central Arizona, and a 60-year brand homeowners have entrusted with their homes. The company plans to aggressively expand the platform organically and through partnership across the essential services every home depends on.

In addition, work has begun on a new, state-of-the-art design center and headquarters in Scottsdale that will centralize operations and give customers a welcoming, creative atmosphere to reimagine their yards. The campus will also anchor a technology-driven contact center staffed by a world-class team that creates a single point of contact for every Shasta customer, from pool service to the company’s expanding home services platform.

A Partnership Rooted in Shared Values

Dansons Capital Group, a family business led by CEO Dan Thiessen, President Jeff Thiessen, and COO Jordan Thiessen, built and grew a portfolio of backyard-focused businesses including Pit Boss Grills, which they scaled into a worldwide brand before selling in June 2023. 

Jeff Thiessen sparked a relationship with the Ast family during the construction of his own backyard pool, a personal experience that gave him firsthand insight into the industry’s potential. Recognizing the Ast family’s shared values and significant opportunity with strategic investment, he partnered with AEP and HydroCon to pursue that growth together.

“Shasta Pools has national industry brand recognition and has been an Arizona legacy for the last 60 years and we’re excited to reinvest in the company and catapult its growth into the next 60 years,” said Jeff Thiessen, President, Dansons Capital Group. “We’ve already met with more than 200 employees to learn what they love about Shasta Pools and hear their ideas of how we can grow the company and continue providing our customers with amazing customer service.”

Dan Thiessen will serve as Chairman and lead the new ownership team to identify and hire top industry talent and grow Shasta’s home services platform to develop it into a national brand.  

Legacy Preserved, Future Secured

“This was the right time to bring in a new ownership team to take Shasta Pools to the next level and the next generation of growth,” said Skip Ast Jr., who served as president at Shasta Pools. “My father and my family built this company on a commitment to quality to every homeowner who trusted us with their backyard, their budget, and their own family. We’re confident that the new leadership team’s commitment to uphold that will never change. Knowing this team shares our values and will invest in our team gives Shasta Pools the foundation to grow stronger than ever.”

Ast helped build Shasta Pools to a dominant force in the industry, with multiple divisions topping $100 million in combined revenue. The company holds membership in the prestigious Master Pools Guild, one of only 110 members globally.

A Different Approach to Private Equity

“Partnering with Shasta Pools represents the future of home services. A trusted, generational brand, Shasta brings 200,000 loyal customer relationships with a genuine commitment to the people who serve them every day,” said Jacob Tilzer, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Accrual Equity Partners. “Together with our partners at Dansons Capital Group and Hydro Construction, we all share a belief that enduring businesses are built on trust, earned one customer at a time. We’re proud to build alongside this team as Shasta grows into a nationwide home services brand.”

The new ownership group brings more than 150 years of combined expertise in building, scaling, and optimizing service industry brands. Each company shares a faith-based approach to business grounded in stewardship, integrity, and care for the communities they serve. Shasta Pools’ brand will continue its community programs, including swim lessons, support for foster care, and initiatives serving first responders. 

ABOUT DANSONS CAPITAL GROUP:

Dansons Capital Group, headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a family-owned and family-managed investment firm built on shared values, integrity and long-term vision. The firm was established by the founders of Dansons, Inc., the company that launched and sold Pit Boss Grills. The company takes a hands-on approach, actively seeking opportunities across global markets and multiple asset classes. Its growing portfolio includes strategic real estate development holdings across multiple countries, oil drilling technologies, and limited partnership investments. Guided by a deep commitment to quality and the communities they serve, the Thiessen family leads with gratefulness for the blessings God has given them and in turn supports those less fortunate. Dansons Capital Group continues to identify and cultivate opportunities that reflect their family’s values and generational vision.

ABOUT ACCRUAL EQUITY PARTNERS:

Accrual Equity Partners (AEP) is a founder-led, privately funded private equity group built on the belief that every person, every percentage, and every product matters. This commitment, known as the “Power of One,” drives AEP’s mission to empower businesses and secure legacies across fragmented, service-based industries. AEP partners with founder-led and family-owned businesses to overcome barriers and unlock their full potential through strategic investment, operational performance enhancement, and advisory services. For more information, visit accrualequitypartners.com/

ABOUT SHASTA POOLS:

Shasta Pools is Arizona’s trusted name in custom pool building, proudly serving the Valley since 1966. For 60 years, Shasta has transformed backyards into beautiful, functional spaces where families relax, entertain and enjoy life. The company specializes in new pool construction, remodeling, pool service and landscape design with plans for expansion into the home services market to provide customers with complete home care solutions. Learn more at ShastaPools.com.

ABOUT HYDRO CONSTRUCTION:

Hydro Construction, LLC (HydroCon) was founded in 1986 to serve Arizona’s commercial pool construction and renovation market. Under the leadership of Curt Lonsdale, the company’s commercial pool construction division now manages some of the largest and most complex projects in the country.

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Press Releases

SPS PoolCare Launches BlueWave Advantage Buying Group

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Pool service professional maintaining a residential swimming pool for SPS PoolCare

New venture combines buying power of pool service companies nationwide to deliver better pricing and terms for all

  • Group purchasing organization leverages collective strength of pool companies nationwide to reduce costs of chemicals, parts, and equipment
  • Industry members can access manufacturer discounts, rebates, and streamlined purchasing processes
  • Created by pool care professionals for pool service industry operators

AUSTIN, Texas (Aug. 24, 2026)SPS PoolCare, the largest swimming pool services company in the United States, has launched BlueWave Advantage, a group purchasing organization designed specifically for pool service companies. BlueWave Advantage combines the buying power of pool service companies nationwide, including the largest – SPS PoolCare – to secure better prices, terms, and rebates on products and supplies they use to service customer pools every day.

BlueWave Advantage addresses the ongoing challenge pool service companies face with rising operational costs and supply chain pressures. The organization provides members access to competitive pricing on everyday essentials including chemicals, equipment, and parts while maintaining complete business independence. Pool companies that are members retain full control over purchasing decisions while benefiting from enhanced pricing power through collective negotiation.

“BlueWave Advantage represents our commitment to supporting the entire pool service industry, not just our own operations,” said Lance Martin, CEO of SPS PoolCare. “By leveraging our scale and relationships with suppliers, we can help pool companies across the country improve their margins and operational efficiency without sacrificing their independence, strengthening the entire pool service sector.”

BlueWave Advantage has partnered with Heritage Pool Supply Group, the fastest-growing pool supply distributor in the industry with 150+ locations across 36 states, for efficient product availability and streamlined fulfillment. Members benefit from simplified purchasing processes, standardized supplier relationships, and consolidated billing that reduces administrative burden. The program was created by pool care professionals who understand the unique operational challenges facing pool service companies industry-wide, no matter their size or operation tenure.

“Pool service companies work hard to build their businesses and serve their customers, but they shouldn’t have to struggle with supply costs that eat into their profits,” said Tom Patterson, BlueWave Advantage General Manager. “This partnership gives independent pool service operators of all sizes an opportunity to become more competitive through education, business resources, preferred service partners, and enterprise-level buying power, creating a more level playing field across the industry.”

BlueWave Advantage supports pool service companies throughout their business lifecycle, from startups seeking competitive advantages to established operators exploring growth strategies. The organization maintains relationships with leading pool industry suppliers to deliver discounts and rebates that directly impact member bottom lines. Every percentage point saved on materials and logistics translates to improved profit margins without burdening customers with price increases.

Pool service companies interested in joining BlueWave Advantage can learn more about member benefits, pricing, and how to sign up at spspoolcare.com/bluewave-advantage/sign-up/.

About BlueWave Advantage:
BlueWave Advantage is a group purchasing organization created by SPS PoolCare to help pool service companies nationwide secure better prices, terms and rebates most businesses are unable to achieve on their own. Members maintain complete business independence while accessing manufacturer discounts, streamlined purchasing processes, and consolidated billing through Heritage Pool Supply Group’s national warehousing and logistics network. BlueWave Advantage supports pool service companies at every stage of development, from startups to established operators, helping improve profit margins without increasing customer prices. Learn more at spspoolcare.com/bluewave-advantage/.

About SPS PoolCare:
As the #1 swimming pool services company in the United States, SPS PoolCare is on track to perform over 2,000,000 weekly-recurring pool services in 2026 and employs more than 1,000 staff across five states. Backed by Storr Group, the company is focused on growing its family of brands across the Sun Belt, as it continues to make owning a pool a joy. SPS PoolCare is committed to creating a world-class service experience for its customers and being an employer-of-choice for its team members. Read more at spspoolcare.com.

For more information, contact:
Madeleine Williamson
10 to 1 Public Relations
480-514-1070
[email protected]

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Manufacturer

Pentair Pool and Pool Brain Launch Technology Integration to Deliver Smarter, More Proactive Pool Service 

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Pentair Pool and Pool Brain Launch Technology Integration to Deliver Smarter, More Proactive Pool Service 

Collaboration advances the future of pool care with data-driven insights that enable more proactive, connected pool management. 

LONDON – Aug. 19, 20626 — Pentair Pool, a leader in smart, sustainable pool solutions, today announced the launch of its planned technology integration with Pool Brain, a leading software platform for swimming pool service and repair professionals. The integration combines Pentair’s IntelliFlo3® variable-speed pump, the only Wi-Fi-enabled automation pool pump, with Pool Brain’s service management capabilities, providing pool professionals with actionable insights that help streamline operations, improve efficiency, and deliver better service for pool owners. 

The integration combines Pentair’s Lighthouse™ connected equipment intelligence data stream, delivering greater visibility into equipment performance, with Pool Brain’s service management capabilities, providing pool professionals with actionable insights that help streamline operations, improve efficiency, and deliver better service for pool owners. Upon launch, the integration will deliver insights from Pentair’s IntelliFlo3 pump directly into Pool Brain’s service management platform. The IntelliFlo3 pump provides pool owners with entry-level automation capabilities that deliver a connected, simple, enjoyable pool management experience. 

“Pentair Pool is committed to providing innovative solutions that help pool professionals grow their businesses while giving pool owners more carefree days by the pool,” said Christine Richardson, Chief Product and Innovation Officer for Pentair Pool. “By bringing actionable equipment intelligence and water turnover insights directly into the Pool Brain workflow, we’re helping service professionals operate more efficiently, prevent issues before they occur, and deliver exceptional experiences for homeowners.” 

The combination of intelligence from Pentair’s IntelliFlo3 with Pool Brain’s service management platform provides proactive alerts, remote diagnostics, equipment intelligence, turnover monitoring, and daily equipment status within a single workflow. Service professionals can receive early warnings on issues such as priming failures, pressure changes, and operational anomalies, helping them identify and diagnose problems before they lead to costly repairs, water quality concerns, or unexpected service calls. With greater visibility into pool health between visits, service companies can arrive on-site with the right tools and parts, reduce unnecessary truck rolls, improve operational efficiency, and manage more pools without adding headcount. By automating insights and alerts, the integration helps pool professionals increase productivity, scale operations more effectively, and deliver more proactive service. 

“Launching our integration with Pentair marks an important milestone for the pool service industry. Pool companies can finally connect the equipment on the pad to the software platform they use to run their business every day, which has been our vision from day one,” said Adam Beech, founder and CEO of Pool Brain. “Together with Pentair, we’re giving pool pros a more connected and automated way to manage their business. Device data flows into Pool Brain automatically; water movement issues are surfaced proactively to prevent algae growth, companies operate more efficiently, and on-site visits are reduced. We believe this is only the beginning of what’s possible.” 

Together, Pentair and Pool Brain are helping redefine the future of pool service through connected, insight-driven technology. By bringing equipment intelligence and service operations together in a seamless experience, the integration empowers professionals to make better decisions, improve service outcomes, and transition from reactive maintenance to more proactive pool management. 

“Even in the early stages of deployment, we’re seeing the value,” said Brittney Mendez, Service Team Manager for Tribal Waters, a Phoenix-based custom pool and spa builder and 

service provider. “The level of insight and visibility we’re gaining through the integration helps us be more proactive and provide a better experience for pool owners.” 

The collaboration represents another step toward a more connected and efficient future of pool care. Pool servicers interested in connecting with Pentair Pool for information about how to they can help streamline operations, improve efficiency, and deliver better service for pool owners through the integration can click here to connect with a Pentair representative. Learn more about Pentair Pool Lighthouse and the Pool Brain integration here. 

About Pentair Pool 

Pentair Pool is a Pentair plc business. At Pentair, we help the world sustainably move, improve, and enjoy water, life’s most essential resource. From our residential and commercial water solutions, to industrial water management and everything in between, Pentair is a core large cap value S&P 500 equity stock focused on smart, sustainable water solutions that help our planet and people thrive. 

As an industry leader in the pool and spa space, Pentair Pool is driven to help people sustainably enjoy water. Our solutions include industry-leading pumps, automation, lighting, heating, and filtration technologies that help customers enjoy a smarter and more efficient pool. Customer success is central to our vision—bringing family and friends together in the pool and on the deck to build social connections, create lifelong memories, and promote fitness and enjoyment. 

For more information, visit pentair.com/pool and follow Pentair Pool on Facebook and Instagram. 

About Pool Brain 

A modern “all in one” pool software platform built by industry experts to give you more time, more money, and less stress. Key features include fully automated chemical dosing, remote data monitoring, custom alerts, guided workflows, scheduling, route optimization, quotes (estimates), jobs (work orders), automatic billing, self-serve customer portal, products & services management, customer management, multiple bodies of water, equipment tracking, issue reporting, technician controls, built-in customer feedback, mobile app (no signal required), auto-notifications, group emails, reporting and integrations, and more. For more information, visit www.poolbrain.com

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