Pool News
Increasing Import Tariffs May Impact The Swimming Pool Industry
With a change in the White House, the word “tariffs” has sparked unsettling questions, particularly about how a rise in the cost of imported goods could impact industries like pool manufacturing and construction. Tariffs—taxes imposed on goods as they enter a country—are designed to incentivize domestic production by making foreign goods more expensive. While this might benefit certain domestic industries, the broader economic implications remain contentious.
President Donald Trump’s proposal to impose steep tariffs—including a global tariff of up to 20 percent, a 60 percent tariff on imports from China, and up to 100 percent on imports from Mexico—has sparked heated debate. Both economists and voters alike have been divided over whether these tariffs will rejuvenate American manufacturing or burden the economy with higher costs and inefficiencies.
The Pros of Trump’s Proposed Tariffs
Revitalizing Domestic Manufacturing
Proponents of Trump’s tariffs argue that the policy addresses the negative effects of globalization on American manufacturing. Since the implementation of NAFTA in 1994, the number of U.S. manufacturing jobs has declined from nearly 17 million to around 12 million by 2016. Tariffs, they assert, could reverse this trend by incentivizing domestic production and discouraging outsourcing. As Trump stated during his campaign: “Under my plan, American workers will no longer be worried about losing your jobs to foreign nations, instead, foreign nations will be worried about losing their jobs to America.”
Encouraging Innovation
Manufacturing plays a pivotal role in driving innovation. According to the McKinsey Global Institute, the manufacturing sector accounts for a significant portion of private research spending. Proponents argue that when manufacturing shifts overseas, the associated supply chains, engineering expertise, and feedback loops between design and production are also lost, stifling innovation. For instance, Apple’s attempt to manufacture its high-end Mac Pro in Texas faltered due to a lack of sufficient domestic suppliers, such as screw manufacturers.
Bolstering Economic Productivity
Manufacturing and other physical economy sectors, including agriculture and resource extraction, contribute disproportionately to economy-wide productivity growth. These sectors anchor local economies and create jobs that personal services cannot replace. By imposing tariffs, proponents believe the U.S. can preserve economic balance and ensure that trade remains mutually beneficial, rather than a one-sided exchange of cheap goods for financial assets.
The Cons of Trump’s Proposed Tariffs
Increased Costs for Consumers and Businesses
The primary criticism of tariffs is that they effectively act as a tax on domestic consumers and businesses. For instance, consider an Intex above-ground pool, a popular low-cost option among consumers. A $1,000 pool imported from China would incur an additional $600 charge under a 60 percent tariff. While this cost is initially paid by the importing company, it is typically passed on to consumers in the form of higher retail prices.
Redistribution of Income
While tariffs benefit protected domestic industries by enabling them to charge higher prices, they do so at the expense of consumers. This redistribution of income can lead to inefficiencies, as protected industries are not always low-cost producers. In the long term, tariffs reduce economic output and lower incomes, as Adam Smith and other classical economists have long argued.
Economic Burden and Complexity
The ultimate burden of tariffs depends on how costs are distributed:
- If U.S. importing firms pass on the cost of the tariff to consumers, retail prices increase, and consumers bear the economic burden.
- If importing firms absorb the tariff cost, they experience reduced profits.
- Alternatively, foreign exporters may lower their wholesale prices to maintain their U.S. market share, thus bearing the cost through reduced profits.
In reality, all three scenarios can occur simultaneously, adding complexity to the economic impact of tariffs.
Potential for Retaliation
High tariffs on imports from countries like China and Mexico could provoke retaliatory measures, leading to trade wars. Such retaliation would hurt U.S. exporters, potentially negating any benefits gained from the tariffs.
Inflationary Pressures
Tariffs can contribute to inflation by raising the cost of imported goods. This effect could lead to an economic downturn unless offset by Federal Reserve actions, such as loosening monetary policy. However, such interventions carry their own risks and trade-offs.
Historical Context and Economic Implications
Tariffs were once a primary source of government revenue and a key tool of economic policy. However, since the mid-20th century, economists have largely advocated for lower tariffs to promote free trade and economic efficiency. The U.S. imported $3.8 trillion worth of goods and services in 2023, equivalent to 14 percent of its GDP. Imposing significant tariffs on these imports would generate substantial revenue but also disrupt established supply chains and trade relationships.
In 2023, tariffs brought in $80 billion, approximately 2 percent of total U.S. tax revenues. While this revenue is valuable, it comes at the cost of economic distortions. Higher import prices can reduce consumer purchasing power and hinder economic growth.
Balancing the Argument
Benefits of Tariffs
- Job Creation: By protecting domestic industries, tariffs can safeguard and potentially create jobs in sectors like manufacturing.
- Strategic Industries: Tariffs can help preserve industries critical to national security and economic stability.
- Trade Equity: Tariffs can level the playing field in cases where foreign governments subsidize their industries, creating unfair competition.
Drawbacks of Tariffs
- Consumer Costs: Higher prices on imported goods reduce affordability for consumers.
- Economic Inefficiency: Tariffs protect less efficient industries, leading to lower overall productivity.
- Risk of Retaliation: Trade wars can harm both importing and exporting countries, creating global economic instability.
Net-Net: Impact on the Pool Industry
President Trump has announced plans to impose tariffs on imports from countries such as China, Mexico, and Canada upon taking office on January 20, 2025. The pool industry relies on various imported materials and components, including pumps, filters, chemicals, and many other components. The imposition of tariffs can lead to increased costs for these imports, which manufacturers and suppliers may pass on to consumers.
- Supply Chain Adjustments: Businesses may seek alternative suppliers or adjust their sourcing strategies to mitigate tariff impacts. These adjustments can take time, potentially delaying the immediate effect on consumer prices.
- Inventory Levels: Existing inventory purchased before the tariff implementation may temporarily shield consumers from price increases. Once this inventory depletes, new stock subject to tariffs could reflect higher prices.
- Market Dynamics: Competitive pressures and demand elasticity influence how much of the increased costs businesses pass on to consumers. In some cases, companies may absorb a portion of the costs to maintain market share, affecting the timing and extent of price changes.
Realistic Timeline for Price Increases:
Considering these factors, consumers in the pool industry might begin to notice price increases within 3 to 6 months following enforcement of any new tariffs. This timeline accounts for the administrative implementation period, depletion of pre-tariff inventory, and adjustments within the supply chain.
The proposed tariffs aim to address the shortcomings of globalization and revitalize American manufacturing. By incentivizing domestic production and innovation, tariffs could strengthen the U.S. economy in the long term. However, the immediate costs—higher consumer prices, economic inefficiencies, and the risk of retaliation—pose significant challenges.
Ultimately, the impact of these tariffs will depend on how businesses and consumers adapt. If domestic industries rise to the challenge by improving efficiency and innovation, the U.S. could benefit from a more balanced and resilient economy. Conversely, if tariffs lead to prolonged trade wars and inflation, the costs could outweigh the benefits, leaving the economy worse off.
Poolside Adventures and Landmark Aquatic have joined forces to bring big-impact attractions with a small footprint to aquatic facilities across the country. The partnership pairs Poolside Adventures’ AquaClimb®, AquaZip’N® and AquaNinja® FLX attractions with Landmark’s expansive nationwide reach and proven expertise in aquatic facility design, construction, renovation, and maintenance.
Poolside Adventures attractions add excitement to aquatic facilities without a major renovation because they anchor directly to an existing pool deck with no water hookups, special tools or added concrete and reinforcement. In fact, the modular AquaClimb® walls can start with one section and grow with budgets. The AquaZip’N® is rapidly becoming a new, safer alternative to diving boards as it only requires four feet of water depth, can be installed in just a few hours, and has a throughput of six riders a minute.
“Some municipalities can’t afford a new water park or perhaps cannot renovate their pool this year,” said Cherie Moy, VP of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships for Poolside Adventures. “Our products are an easy answer: a big impact with a small footprint, adding an ‘active attraction’ that makes the pool more exciting.”
“Landmark has a large footprint across the country, and we’re especially excited about their reach into HOA communities, a growing market where our partnership has already led to multiple installations,” said Moy. “Together, we will help clients find the right fit for their space, their budget and to add action and adventure to their pool experience.”
Matt Cappello, Vice President of Design at Landmark Aquatic agrees saying, “We’re excited to collaborate with Poolside Adventures to promote the versatility, ease of installation and entertainment value their products will bring to more pools across the country.”
About Landmark
Since 1967, Landmark Aquatic has helped communities and organizations bring complex aquatic facilities to life and keep them performing. Today, we are the nation’s largest integrated commercial aquatics platform, providing design, construction, renovation, restoration, and maintenance services nationwide. Our construction-led expertise and long-term service capabilities give customers one trusted partner across every stage of a facility’s lifecycle. For the life of your pool. Learn more at www.landmarkaquatic.com.
About Poolside Adventures
For more than 20 years, Poolside Adventures’ flagship AquaClimb® has led the market for poolside climbing walls. Its full line, including the AquaClimb® Luxe, AquaZip’N® and AquaNinja® FLX, delivers challenging, safe fun for swimmers of all ages. For more about Poolside Adventures visit www.aquaclimb.com.
Vic Harshman brings extensive pool building experience to key leadership role
- Decades of proven pool construction experience across Nevada, Arizona and Texas
- Previously served as Shasta Pools’ exclusive excavation contractor
- Predecessor handpicked Harshman to grow position under new leadership team
SCOTTSDALE, Arizona (October 5, 2026) – Shasta Pools, Phoenix Metro’s most recognized pool builder, named Vic Harshman as Head of Residential Construction. Harshman joins the new leadership team with more than three decades of hands-on industry experience and a long-standing relationship with the company to one of its most critical leadership roles.
Harshman has held senior construction leadership positions in Arizona and Texas, and worked closely with Shasta Pools, developing firsthand knowledge about the company’s standards, culture and customers. The appointment reflects the momentum Shasta Pools has built since its August 6 acquisition by Dansons Capital Group, Accrual Equity Partners, and Hydro Construction, and positions the full-service 60-year old pool company for continued growth.
Leadership Perspective
“Vic brings exactly the kind of no-nonsense, customer-first leadership our residential construction division needs,” said Jeff Thiessen, President, Dansons Capital Group. “His philosophy is deeply aligned with ours. Keeping customers’ needs as the foremost priority at every stage of the build process is at the center of everything we do, and Vic lives that every day.”
Harshman’s career in pool construction began at age 19, when he purchased a backhoe and launched a business digging plumbing trenches and footings. When the housing market declined in the late 1980s, he relocated to Las Vegas and began excavating swimming pools, a move that led to the creation of Harshman Excavating.
Harshman built and operated excavation businesses in Nevada, Arizona and Texas, primarily serving the pool industry, and served for a period as Shasta’s exclusive excavation contractor.
In 2012, Harshman joined A&A Manufacturing, serving pool builders across an eight-state region and growing annual sales by 10x. In 2020, he joined Keith Zars Pools in Texas as Director of Construction, where he brought together decades of ownership, leadership and industry knowledge.
A Return Rooted in Relationships
“I have always believed that strong relationships, hard work, accountability and taking care of people are the foundation of a successful business,” said Vic Harshman, Head of Residential Construction, Shasta Pools. “Shasta has been a meaningful part of my career for many years. I am genuinely excited to come back and help lead this team into a very exciting future.”
Harshman steps into the role with the full support of Dan Thiessen, Chairman of the new ownership team, and John Mortensen, the outgoing head of residential construction. Mortensen recommended Harshman for the position and will now serve as the company’s lead trainer. That transition reflects Shasta Pools’ commitment to investing in its people and preserving institutional knowledge as the organization continues to grow.
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 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 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.
Flowood, MS, October 1 – The National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) is pleased to announce the addition of Jennifer Ibe as Membership and Sponsorship Sales Manager and Rachel Smith as Membership Marketing Manager. The two new positions strengthen NTCA’s focus on membership growth, retention, engagement, and delivering greater value to members.
“Growing and strengthening our membership is a key priority for the NTCA, and Jennifer and Rachel bring the experience and expertise to help us do that,” said Jeremy Sax, Deputy Director of NTCA. “Their complementary skills will allow us to take a more strategic approach to both membership development and the overall member experience.”
Jennifer Ibe, Membership and Sponsorship Sales Manager
Ibe brings more than 10 years of experience in association events, sales, sponsorships, relationship management, and strategic growth. Most recently, she served as Director of Sponsorship and Sales for the Global Workspace Association, where she led major conferences, sponsorship development, budgets, and initiatives that increased attendance by 33% and profitability by 30%.
At the NTCA, Ibe will lead membership recruitment, retention, re-engagement, and relationship development while supporting sponsorship and partner revenue opportunities. She will also represent the NTCA at major industry events and help strengthen relationships with members and prospective members.
Ibe holds a B.A. in Communications from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Rachel Smith, Membership Marketing Manager
Smith brings extensive association experience in membership, communications, digital engagement, and member programming. Most recently, she served as Digital Communications Manager for the Association of Electric Companies of Texas. Previously, as Director of Membership for the Texas Economic Development Council, she managed more than 1,000 members and developed programs to increase member engagement and networking. She also served as Membership Coordinator for the Texas Association of Community Health Centers, where she managed more than 5,000 members and led new-member onboarding and retention initiatives.
At NTCA, Smith will focus on member onboarding, retention campaigns, communications, digital engagement, webinars, events, and community development. She will also support membership analytics and digital initiatives aimed at strengthening the member experience.
Smith holds a B.A. in Communications with a minor in Social Justice from West Virginia Wesleyan College.
“Jennifer’s focus on relationship-building and membership development, combined with Rachel’s experience in member communications and engagement, gives us a strong team focused on every stage of the member journey,” Sax added. “We’re excited about what this means for our members and for the future growth of NTCA.”
About NTCA
Established in 1947, the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) is a nonprofit trade association dedicated to the professional installation of ceramic tile and natural stone. It is widely recognized as the largest and most respected tile contractors’ association in the world. For those seeking to improve their tile business, NTCA provides unparalleled educational experiences, supportive peer interaction, unique cost-savings programs, and a commitment to help develop the skills needed to improve your work, recruit, train, and manage your employees, and ultimately, make your business more profitable. Find out more at www.tile-assn.com.
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