Pool News
Texas Pool Freeze Risk Returns as Arctic Cold Puts Major Markets to the Test

A huge surge of Arctic weather is headed for Texas this week, renewing concerns of another Texas pool freeze as an extended stretch of unusually cold temperatures settles in toward the weekend.
While the cold will be felt statewide, forecasts now indicate that Houston and San Antonio are likely to narrowly avoid freezing temperatures — a fortunate break for two of Texas’ largest pool markets. That relief, however, does little to shrink the overall risk footprint for the pool industry.
By Sunday, freezing temperatures are expected across large portions of North and Central Texas, including Dallas, Fort Worth, and Austin. Those cities represent some of the most equipment-dense and service-heavy pool markets in the state, making this cold event especially consequential for pool professionals.
For the pool industry in Texas, this is more than just another cold snap. It’s almost becoming a familiar yearly stress test.
Why This Week’s Weather Matters to Texas Pool Owners
Pools don’t care about daytime highs. They care about overnight lows, how long temperatures stay below freezing, and whether water continues moving through exposed plumbing.
Texas pools are largely designed for heat, not cold. Above-ground plumbing, exposed equipment pads, and heavy reliance on automation and circulation leave many systems vulnerable when overnight temperatures dip below freezing for extended periods. Wind only increases the threat by stripping residual warmth from pipes, valves, and pump housings.
That concern becomes more pronounced as the coldest air is expected to arrive closer to Sunday. Homeowners often relax when early-week cold feels manageable, only to be caught off guard when temperatures drop lower and linger longer toward the weekend.
Texas Is One of the Largest Pool States in the Country
Texas consistently ranks among the largest states in the nation for residential swimming pools, both in total installations and per-capita ownership. Rapid suburban growth and a backyard-centric lifestyle have made pools a standard feature rather than a luxury in many communities.
That scale fuels a massive service and repair economy, but it also magnifies risk when freeze conditions impact multiple major metro areas at once. When markets like Dallas–Fort Worth and Austin experience freezing temperatures simultaneously, demand for technicians and replacement parts spikes almost immediately.
Even regions that avoid freezing temperatures can feel the ripple effects. Parts availability tightens, schedules fill, and lead times stretch as resources are redirected to the hardest-hit areas.
The 2021 Texas Pool Freeze Still Looms Large
Any Arctic cold event in Texas inevitably brings the industry back to February 2021, when a historic winter storm crippled infrastructure and devastated thousands of swimming pools statewide.
Sustained sub-freezing temperatures combined with widespread power outages caused pumps to crack, filters to split, heaters to fail, and plumbing to rupture — often overnight. Entire equipment pads were destroyed before homeowners even realized what had happened.
The aftermath lasted far longer than the storm itself. Pool companies faced months-long repair backlogs, severe parts shortages, and homeowners sidelined well into the following swim season. While this week’s cold is not expected to reach those historic extremes, the vulnerabilities exposed during that freeze still exist.
Pools Freezing Solid Is Not a Myth
Every winter, at least one viral video surfaces showing a Texas homeowner ice skating across the surface of their backyard swimming pool after it has frozen solid. It looks absurd until you realize the possibility becomes real once the power goes out and stays off for a day or two.
That kind of freezing doesn’t require weeks of Arctic conditions. It requires sustained overnight freezes combined with a loss of circulation, often caused by prolonged power outages. When water stops moving and temperatures stay low long enough, ice forms, expands, and locks in.
Once that happens, damage can be costly, extensive, and not immediately visible. Underground plumbing can crack, tile and plaster can fracture, and equipment components can fail internally long before leaks appear.
Power Is the Biggest Wild Card
Thankfully, these days most modern swimming pools are equipped with freeze protection, but it’s important to note that freeze protection systems only work if electricity stays on.
Automation, pumps, heaters, and sensors all depend on uninterrupted power. Even brief outages during the coldest overnight hours can allow water to sit motionless long enough to freeze inside exposed pipes and housings.
This is why grid reliability matters as much as temperature forecasts. A moderate freeze with power can be manageable. A moderate freeze without power can become destructive rather quickly.
Pool Companies Shift Into Freeze Mode
As forecasts begin to come into focus for the rest of the week, pool companies across North and Central Texas have already begun shifting priorities. Routine maintenance is giving way to preventive preparation, system checks, and homeowner outreach.
This often includes verifying automation settings, advising clients on pump run schedules, insulating exposed plumbing, and identifying older equipment that may be more susceptible to cold damage. Suppliers are already seeing increased demand for insulation materials and commonly replaced components.
The industry isn’t panicking, but it is definitely paying attention. Experience has taught pool professionals how quickly conditions can escalate once freeze warnings are issued.
What Pool Owners Should Be Thinking About Now
Homeowners in freeze-prone areas needn’t panic, but they do need to be proactive in their preparations.
Keeping water circulating during the coldest hours is the single most effective defense against freeze damage. Automation settings should be verified, not assumed. Exposed plumbing should be protected where possible, especially at the equipment pad.
Homeowners should also understand what happens to their pool if power goes out. Again, freeze protection does not function without electricity, and knowing when to call for help can limit damage if something goes wrong.
Preparation needs to happen before freezing temperatures arrive. Once ice forms, the window for prevention has already closed.
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.
Pool News2 weeks agoLeslie’s Reportedly Prepares for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy as Possible Nasdaq Delisting Looms
Pool News4 weeks agoInside the 2026 Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge
Pool News1 week agoLeslie’s Files Chapter 11, Lenders Set to Take Control in Major Restructuring
Features1 week agoA New Era at POOLCORP: John Watwood Focuses on Customers and the Fundamentals
Press Releases3 weeks agoSoake Pools Launches Dual Pool Packages
Pool Equipment1 week agoAquaLink® EDGE™ and trackr iO Signal a New Direction for Pool Automation
Pool Equipment3 weeks agoHayward Issues Recall for Universal Pool Heaters Over Carbon Monoxide Risk
Pool News4 weeks agoRENOLIT Launches ONE Augmented Reality Pool Design App




























You must be logged in to post a comment Login