Pool News
Recession Proof: Luxury Pool Projects Still Riding High

While many segments of the pool industry are experiencing a slowdown in new construction, the sentiment among professionals engaged in high-end luxury projects remains remarkably positive. According to Jason Jovaag, owner of Hammerhead Aquatics, demand for premium pools and outdoor living spaces has held steady. “We deal with a lot of high-end builders and high-net-worth individuals,” Jovaag shared. “I wouldn’t say it’s recession-proof, but there’s still strong demand for what we do. We haven’t seen much of a slowdown in these higher-end projects.”
Jovaag, whose expertise lies in acrylic pool design, is frequently tapped to collaborate on innovative, large-scale builds across the country. In a recent conversation with Pool Magazine, he emphasized that the upper-tier market shows no signs of weakening. “We’re still getting new designs daily, and while some builders may be cautious with election uncertainty, the flow of high-end projects has continued without interruption.”
High-End Work Continuing Without a Hitch
The frenetic pace of new work for Hammerhead Aquatics has been emblematic of the resilience of luxury projects. The firm’s recent work includes the renovation of the Siesta Key Market pool, a property once featured on MTV’s Siesta Key. “The owner wanted to give the pool a facelift after the show wrapped,” Jovaag explained. “We added a four-sided acrylic window looking down into a bar area beneath the pool. The result is stunning, with ambient lighting enhancing the pool’s appearance throughout the day and night.”
Jovaag’s involvement in marquee projects underscores the strong demand for luxurious, high-concept pool designs. A standout among these projects is a recent installation at the St. Regis Resort. “We installed 24 acrylic windows in small plunge pools across three residential towers,” Jovaag noted. “Each unit has its own individual pool, and the stainless-steel vessels we used were a perfect fit for the project. This is a one-of-a-kind addition to a world-class property.”
Another eye-catching endeavor involved a rooftop pool renovation in downtown Miami. The stainless-steel pool, designed in partnership with Bradford Products, had to be delivered in multiple pieces by helicopter. “It was a challenging project,” Jovaag admitted. “Once the pool structure was installed, we added six acrylic windows around the perimeter, offering panoramic views of the Miami skyline. It’s a breathtaking addition, especially with the ambient lighting extending into the bay.”
High-end work such as this highlights a trend that has defined 2024—despite economic uncertainty, the luxury market continues to thrive. “These projects take years of planning, and the investment level remains high,” Jovaag said. “We’re working with clients who want to make bold statements with their properties, and they’re willing to pay for the best materials and craftsmanship.”
Expanding Opportunities and Continued Optimism
Looking ahead, Jovaag’s firm is poised to take on even more ambitious projects, including collaborations on international resorts and high-profile developments. “We’ve got some exciting projects lined up,” Jovaag revealed. “There’s Hilton work coming, resorts in the Bahamas, and a large-scale project in Anguilla that will push the boundaries of what we’ve done before.”
Hammerhead Aquatics is also involved in a unique build in Beverly Hills, working with McClean Architecture. “The project features a pool that is 80% acrylic, suspended over another pool on a lower level,” Jovaag explained. “The design includes eight acrylic windows built into the pool floor, with a U-shaped acrylic structure cantilevered off the house’s edge. As you drive through the Bird Streets, you’ll see this body of water seemingly floating off the side of the house.”
This level of complexity demonstrates how demand for high-end pool designs remains strong despite broader industry challenges. Jovaag emphasized that the market at this level has proven resilient. “We’re not seeing doom and gloom,” he said. “There’s some cautiousness with the upcoming election, but the high-end builders and designers I work with are staying busy. We’re planning well into 2025, and there’s no indication that the flow of luxury projects will slow down.”
Post-Pandemic Shifts Bolster Luxury Market
Jovaag attributes some of the ongoing demand to changes in consumer behavior sparked by the pandemic. “COVID made people rethink how they use their homes,” he explained. “Backyards became personal retreats, and outdoor living spaces exploded in popularity. Even now, clients want to create spaces that rival luxury resorts. They’re investing heavily to make their outdoor areas enjoyable year-round.”
While other segments of the industry may be feeling the impact of economic uncertainty, Jovaag remains optimistic about the future. “Our business is strong because these types of projects cater to clients who want the best of everything,” he said. “We’re not just building pools; we’re creating experiences that elevate properties to the next level.”
No Sign of Diminishing Demand of High-End Luxury Projects
With 2025 on the horizon, Jovaag is confident that high-end projects will continue to drive growth. “We’re seeing some incredible designs in the pipeline,” he shared. “Even though some clients are being cautious, the demand for unique, high-end pools isn’t going away. We’re excited about the challenges ahead and look forward to pushing the limits of what’s possible with our materials and designs.”

For Hammerhead Aquatics, the focus remains on delivering exceptional results. “We thrive on complexity and innovation,” Jovaag said. “The work we do is years in the making, and we’ve built a reputation for delivering on these large-scale, high-concept projects. We’re not slowing down.”
As the pool industry adjusts to changing conditions, the luxury sector stands out as a beacon of resilience. With no sign of diminishing demand, Hammerhead Aquatics and other high-end builders are well-positioned to navigate the evolving landscape. “We’re staying busy and optimistic,” Jovaag concluded. “The future looks bright for those of us working in the high-end market.”
Ready to take a deeper dive?
Listen to our entire conversation with Jason Jovaag of Hammerhead Aquatics on the Pool Magazine podcast.
Pool News
Landmark Aquatic Brings Poolside Adventures Attractions Nationwide

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.
Pool News
Shasta Pools Hires 30-Year Builder to Head Residential Construction

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.
Pool News
NTCA Welcomes Jennifer Ibe and Rachel Smith to the 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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