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Pool Cover Cybertruck Strength Test Goes Viral

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One company’s product certainly has folks talking after photos and videos of a pool cover cybertruck strength test went viral. In a daring display of confidence in his company’s products, Aaron Burningham, CEO of Mizu Pool Covers, pulled off a stunning publicity stunt to demonstrate the resilience of his company’s pool covers. In an age where social media thrives on viral moments and jaw-dropping feats, Burningham decided to take a page from the influencer playbook—but with a twist. Instead of risking life and limb, he chose to put his money where his mouth is by testing the strength of Mizu’s automatic pool covers using his own 6,500-pound Tesla Cybertruck.

A New Kind of Publicity Stunt

Burningham, a Utah-based entrepreneur, has a knack for grabbing attention in unique ways. As an active member of the Tesla Cybertruck Facebook group, he initially caught the community’s eye by wrapping his stainless steel Cybertruck in a striking bright red shortly after its delivery. This bold choice set him apart from other owners and earned him a fair amount of online buzz. He followed up with other exploits, such as towing a boat and later a horse trailer, sharing photos and stories that captured the imagination of the Cybertruck enthusiast community.

Could a pool cover support the weight of a Cybertruck? Aaron Burningham, CEO of Mizu Pool Covers was eager to find out. Photo Credit: Aaron Burnigham – Facebook

“Had a decent amount of stares pulling the boat, but even more so with the horse trailer, haha,” Aaron shared in the group. It was this moment of online engagement that sparked his next idea—using his Cybertruck to showcase the strength of his company’s pool covers.

Putting Mizu Pool Covers to the Test

Burningham, ever the creative marketer, decided that the best way to promote his company was through a dramatic demonstration that would get people talking. He arranged for a crane to lift his dual-motor Cybertruck and place it gently onto one of Mizu’s automatic pool covers. As the massive EV was carefully positioned, a camera crew captured every angle of the daring endeavor, which was later shared online.

Burningham’s Cybertruck was lowered by crane on top of a Mizu automatic pool cover. Photo Credit: Aaron Burningham – Facebook

The spectacle didn’t end there. Burningham also included several photos of himself sitting casually in the truck’s bed while it rested on the cover, further emphasizing his confidence in his product’s ability to withstand immense pressure.

The results were as dramatic as the stunt itself: the Mizu pool cover held firm, supporting the full weight of the 6,500-pound vehicle. The demonstration quickly gained traction across social media platforms, drawing viewers’ attention and sparking conversations about the incredible durability of modern pool covers.

Mizu CEO Aaron Burningham posed for photos with his Cybertruck parked on one of his company’s pool covers. Credit: Aaron Burnigham – Facebook

Not the First to Go to Great Lengths

While Burningham’s bold move has certainly captured the public’s imagination, this isn’t the first time a pool cover company has gone to great lengths to prove its products’ durability. Back in the day, Loop-Loc, another well-known name in the pool cover industry, gained fame with an iconic image of their cover holding the weight of an elephant. That visual metaphor became synonymous with strength and reliability, setting a high bar for what consumers could expect from a pool cover.

This new age spin effectively revived this tradition of dramatic product demonstrations, aiming to show that Mizu’s covers are built to the same high standards—or perhaps even higher. By leveraging the popularity of his Tesla Cybertruck and the widespread fascination with eye-catching feats, one thing Burningham’s stunt has done for certain is successfully draw attention to Mizu’s pool covers in a crowded market. The visual also sends a powerful message to potential customers: if a Mizu cover can hold a 6,500-pound vehicle, it can surely handle anything a homeowner might throw at it.

The video and photos quickly went viral, proving that sometimes the best marketing strategies are those that combine humor, daring, and a little bit of risk.

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Pool News coverage brought to you by Pool Magazine's own Marcus Packer. Marcus Packer is a 20 year pool industry veteran pool builder and pool service technician. In addition to being a swimming pool professional, Marcus has been a writer and long time contributor for Newsweek Magazine's home improvement section and more recently for Florida Travel + Life. Have a story idea or tip you'd like to share with Pool Magazine? Email [email protected] your story idea.

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Landmark Aquatic Brings Poolside Adventures Attractions Nationwide

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Landmark Aquatic and Poolside Adventures partnership featuring AquaZip’N pool attractions

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
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Shasta Pools Hires 30-Year Builder to Head Residential Construction

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Shasta Pools 60th anniversary logo over a custom swimming pool

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.

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NTCA Welcomes Jennifer Ibe and Rachel Smith to the Team

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Jennifer Ibe and Rachel Smith join the NTCA team

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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