Pool News
Pool Industry Standing Shoulder to Shoulder After Hurricanes
After two brutal back to back hurricanes, pool professionals in Florida continue to struggle while facing massive cleanup efforts. These past few weeks have tested the pool industry in Florida in ways like never before. Hurricane Ian caused a level of damage and devastation unseen in decades. Just as the industry was catching a breath, a second storm, Nicole made landfall and reminded us all that hurricane season isn’t quite over yet.
To find out how the pool industry in Florida is coping with the damage from the hurricanes during this timeframe, we recently spoke with Elizabeth McMurray, Executive Director of the FSPA, Nicki Pressley-Rice of WEK & Associates and Virge Jones from PoolCorp on the Pool Magazine podcast.
PM (Pool Magazine: “What are you seeing in terms of how pool contractors are recovering from hurricanes Ian and Nicole?”
EM (Elizabeth McMurray): “It’s definitely a complicated situation because people are personally affected but their businesses are additionally impacted. We’ve got some member businesses who have lost their operating structures and so they basically have lost their physical presence due to the hurricanes. Others are still able to work and have boots on the ground as far as servicing their customers or providing our distributors are able to provide materials and still have their storefronts open and their doors open to serve their customers. There are more people on the road, there are more contractors coming in from out of state. So there are a lot of other challenges that are going on just as far as the organizing of resources and actually physically getting around and being able to get to those pools that are potentially damaged or need to be serviced.”
NPR (Nicki Pressley-Rice): “There are so many people here. I’m on the road almost every single day in sales and it is extremely difficult to get around anywhere right now, regardless if you’re cleaning pools, building a pool, or subcontractor. To be honest with you, it is very challenging. Everybody down this way is dealing with the personal side of it too, which you do think about even when you’re working. You try to kind of balance it all out, but cleanup is going to take months, maybe years.”
“It’s emotional more than anything, but we are coming together. I really appreciate what FSPA has done. Shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand, we help each other as a family in the pool industry. That makes me extremely proud.”
VJ (Virge Jones): “Most pool professionals are dealing with the situation as best they can. They’re not in panic mode and are taking care of things best they can, one pool at a time. Some are being proactive and taking advantage of opportunities to do more business; cleaning up cages and things like that. Some are just managing their pools and leaving that kind of clean up to more professional people.”
“A lot of people are asking for warranty. I’m telling them that right now, the way things are with some of the manufacturers, I’ve actually got to put the warranty on hold for a little bit. They are not going to cover the warranties knowing that some of those pool pumps have been submerged for a certain amount of time. They’re like, forget the warranty. I’m just going to put a new pump. So we’ve been selling a lot of pumps, not even motors, but mostly pumps. A lot of electronics being asked for, stuff like that, a lot of cartridges. We sold twice as many in eleven days in October that we normally do in a month.”
PM: “From the very beginning, FSPA was trying to inform folks about how serious these hurricanes were going to get and how to prepare for them. What are some of the challenges in getting that kind of information out to the general public before an event such as this happens?“
EM: “Everyone is dealing with the personal impacts and their own personal preparation, but then you’ve also got the business preparation as well. People are trying to prepare their personal homes and their families and figure out, are they staying? Are they going? Those are the same people that need to help their customers during the hurricanes, so they’re trying to take care of their families and their customers at the same time.”
“Consumers are sometimes misinformed or need better information. The FSPA is working really diligently with our members to ensure that consumers get the right information. We want to be that resource for what to do to prepare your pool if bad weather is coming; ensuring that they follow the right procedures to prepare their pools in those types of scenarios.”
PM: “Virge, let me ask you a question. We saw that storm that hit Texas a couple of years back. Do you think the extent of damage that occurred in Florida is possibly going to take a lot of that equipment out of circulation?”
VJ: “Definitely going to. My branch has been suffering because unfortunately of the way we are being replenished, but that’s an internal issue, so we’ve been struggling down here. With that said, I think we’re in much better shape than we were two years ago. I think the manufacturers are finally getting back on track, compared to what it was.”
PM: “So just to clarify things, we’re not going to see the same kind of glut that we saw in the demand for equipment we saw in the ice storm that happened two years ago?”
VJ: “I don’t think so. I think manufacturers are a little more proactive right now. They’re preparing for the early buyers and all that for next year.”
PM: “No need to go out and start panic buying, right?”
VJ: “Yes, that’s correct.”
PM: “Elizabeth, what we saw during the hurricane was a lot of folks throwing furniture in their pool. In one unfortunate incident, an elderly man died while trying to drain his pool during the height of the storm. I mean, how do we keep pool owners from following that bad information that’s out there that can damage their pool and potentially even cost lives?”
EM: “That’s a great question. I mean, I really believe that the FSPA is here to service our members as well as the consumers at large. We did a huge digital media push prior to the storm arriving in regards to what to do with your pool from a consumer perspective. We also have resource pages on our website for both industry professionals and for consumers. We definitely want to be that resource and help educate pool owners about what you should do and not to drain your pool. A lot of consumers aren’t aware what pool popping is and what happens when you remove the weight of the water out of your pool. We want to help ensure that consumers are educated. We hope that our partners, like yourselves, will assist us in that by pointing consumers to our pages, to our resources, to ensure that they do the right things and follow the right processes when there’s bad weather coming their way.”
PM: “A lot of pools damaged during the hurricanes, and lots of folks are still trying to get back on their feet. How is the FSPA helping to coordinate efforts to help members in this time of need?”
EM: “We have a lot of different initiatives going on. Consumers and industry professionals can find those resources on our website, Floridapoolpro.com. We have tips dedicated to hurricane recovery for both pool professionals as well as pool owners on what to do with their pools now that the storm has come and passed. Additionally, we are trying to coordinate donation efforts towards our industry members that were impacted. Basically, if you are able to donate labor, time, supplies, any type of inventory or materials that might help a fellow industry member, there is a form that you can complete on our website. And then if you’re one of those members who need those supplies, who needs labor, who needs someone to come and help them with clean up after the hurricanes, you can also let us know that you are in need and we will help connect you to those who are donating.”
“Finally, the other big thing, we have is a list of different personal and business resources such as the US Small Business Administration has a disaster loan. There are different disaster contractor networks that they can get engaged with. We have resources on how to file commercial insurance claims. Above and beyond that, we’ve engaged our Florida Swims Foundation and are fundraising for grant money that goes directly to our members. Member businesses can apply for recovery grants. The purpose of the grant is for them to utilize the funds that they receive in the form of a forgivable grant. This is to pay for their business insurance deductibles, to make payroll. It’s for employees who can’t currently work due to impacts of the storm. It’s also to help pay for physical losses to their building or to their inventory that perhaps is not covered by insurance. Things of that nature. So we’re kind of trying to be holistic in our approach and help people to help themselves while continuing to be that resource for both the consumers and the professionals in the industry.”
Listen to our entire conversation on the Pool Magazine podcast.
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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