Pool News
No Water, No Help: Californians Use Pools to Fight Fires
As wildfires tear through Los Angeles County, firefighters and residents are forced to get creative in their efforts to protect homes and lives. With fire hydrants running dry and water supplies stretched thin, swimming pools have emerged as an unexpected and crucial resource in the battle against the flames. This unconventional lifeline has brought neighbors together and revealed both the resilience and the shortcomings of the county’s firefighting infrastructure.
Pools Become a Lifeline Amid Water Shortages
In many neighborhoods, the usual tools of firefighting — hoses connected to fire hydrants — have been rendered useless. Hydrants in several areas have failed to deliver water, leaving crews with few options to combat the fires. With homes burning and resources dwindling, residents have turned to backyard pools as an alternative water source.
The shift to using pool water began out of necessity. In one neighborhood, as flames crept closer, a resident pointed out, “We have no water here in the street, but there’s water in the backyard pool.” This sparked a frantic effort among neighbors to use buckets and hoses to transport pool water to the fire. Makeshift bucket brigades were quickly formed, with residents working together to douse flames and protect their homes.
For firefighters, pools have become an essential resource in neighborhoods where hydrants are failing. Some crews have used portable pumps to extract water directly from pools, a technique that has allowed them to continue their work even as municipal water systems falter. These efforts underscore the critical role that backyard pools are playing in areas hardest hit by the fires.
The Unseen Potential of Backyard Pools
The use of pool water is not a new concept in firefighting, but it has rarely been as vital as it is now. With thousands of homes in Los Angeles County equipped with pools, these backyard features have become unexpected allies in the fight against wildfires. Pools, often seen as symbols of leisure and luxury, are now doubling as emergency water reservoirs.
Firefighters have praised residents who have offered their pools as a resource. One fire chief noted, “We’re doing everything we can with what we have. Pool water is keeping us in the fight when other options aren’t available.” Portable pumps and hoses designed to draw water from pools have become essential tools, allowing firefighters to access hundreds of gallons of water in minutes.
Despite their importance, relying on pool water comes with challenges. Extracting water from a pool requires equipment that not all fire crews have readily available. Additionally, the process can be time-consuming, especially in situations where every second counts. Nonetheless, in a crisis where traditional water sources have failed, pools have proven to be a critical stopgap measure.
A Desperate Community Takes Action
The community response to the fires has been nothing short of heroic. In one particularly harrowing scene, residents formed a bucket brigade to protect a neighbor’s home. Using nothing more than buckets, hoses, and sheer determination, they managed to keep the flames at bay long enough for firefighters to arrive with additional support.
These grassroots efforts highlight the desperation and ingenuity of residents who refuse to give up on their homes. One resident, visibly shaken, described the scene: “It’s embarrassing that we have to rely on pool water and buckets to fight fires, but what else can we do? Our state has failed us.”
While residents have stepped up, the emotional toll of the fires is evident. Families watch as flames threaten to consume their homes, knowing that the odds are stacked against them. One woman, whose grandmother’s home was on the verge of being destroyed, said, “To see our home in this danger is so, so worrisome. We’re doing everything we can, but it’s not enough.”
Systemic Failures Highlighted by the Crisis
The reliance on pool water has exposed deeper issues within the region’s firefighting infrastructure. Water shortages in fire hydrants, aging equipment, and delayed resource replenishment have left crews and residents feeling abandoned. These challenges have raised serious questions about the state’s preparedness for increasingly frequent and severe wildfires.
“This has been years in the making,” one frustrated resident said. “We’ve had tons of warnings but not enough action. Now, we’re paying the price.” The sentiment is shared by many, including firefighters, who have expressed frustration at the lack of resources and planning. A fire chief on the scene admitted, “We’ve never seen anything like this before. We’re doing our best, but the system is failing us.”
The fires have also highlighted the disparity between communities with resources to defend themselves and those without. While some residents have pools and the means to use them in firefighting efforts, others are left with no such options, relying entirely on overstretched emergency services.
A Call for Change
The wildfires in Los Angeles County are a stark reminder of the growing challenges posed by climate change and the urgent need for systemic reform. The reliance on pool water, while innovative, should not be seen as a long-term solution. Instead, it underscores the need for significant investments in infrastructure, including upgraded water delivery systems and improved firefighting resources.
Residents and officials alike are calling for action. Investments in portable pumps, better training for firefighters on using alternative water sources, and community education on wildfire preparedness are just a few of the steps that could make a difference in future crises.
At the same time, the fires have highlighted the importance of community resilience. The willingness of residents to share their pools and work together to protect homes has been a silver lining in an otherwise devastating situation. “We’re all in this together,” one resident said. “If my pool can save my neighbor’s home, it’s worth it.”
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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