Pool News
Texas Pool Permits Down Third Straight Year In A Row
Texas saw a single-digit percentage decrease in pool permits in 2025 vs double digit decreases in ’24 and ’23. Will 2026 be a back to black year? We take a closer look at the numbers and what they mean.

Texas has now logged its third straight year of decline in new residential swimming pool permits. On the surface, that headline sounds discouraging.
But the deeper story is more nuanced — and arguably more optimistic.
According to HBWeekly’s 2025 Review, Texas finished the year down approximately 9% year-over-year in new pool permits. That marks the third consecutive annual decline. However, context matters: the two years prior saw far steeper contractions — roughly –31% in 2023 and –26% in 2024.
In other words, 2025 wasn’t another collapse. It was a slowdown of the slowdown, and that distinction matters.
After two years of sharp pullbacks following the pandemic-era surge, a single-digit decline suggests the market may be stabilizing. Permit activity didn’t fall off a cliff — it softened, but at a far more moderate pace. For Dallas and Houston in particular, the declines were comparatively mild, with some suburban counties even showing pockets of resilience.
The real question now is simple:
If 2025 represented the bottoming phase, what does 2026 hold?
Early signals from January 2026’s permit data report show typical seasonal softness — not an alarming deterioration. If demand remains steady through the spring and summer build cycle, Texas could very well outperform 2025. Depending on broader economic conditions, it’s not unrealistic to suggest that the market could flirt with flat or even positive year-over-year growth by year’s end.
But the story won’t be written by permits alone.
Macro forces — specifically interest rates and tariffs — could heavily influence how the back half of 2026 unfolds.

Interest Rates — Are They Beginning to Loosen?
Pools are discretionary purchases. And discretionary purchases are highly sensitive to financing conditions.
Right now, the Federal Reserve has not begun a major easing cycle. The policy rate remains in the 3.50%–3.75% range after several cuts in 2025. Policymakers are holding steady, watching inflation data carefully before making further moves.
Market experts, however, are cautiously pricing in one to two quarter-point cuts in 2026. That’s not an aggressive pivot. It’s measured. Data-dependent. Gradual.
The bottom line:
Rates haven’t meaningfully loosened yet. But if inflation continues cooling and the labor market softens slightly, modest easing later in 2026 is plausible.
For pool builders, that matters.
Lower interest rates mean:
• Cheaper home equity financing
• More affordable improvement loans
• Improved homeowner confidence
Stable or elevated rates, on the other hand, keep borrowing costs high — which can delay large discretionary projects.
If the Fed trims rates modestly in the second half of 2026, that could act as a tailwind for pool demand — especially in markets like Texas where outdoor living is lifestyle-driven, not just luxury-driven.

Tariffs — A Moving Target with Big Implications
The tariff situation has introduced its own layer of complexity.
A recent Supreme Court ruling invalidated a broad set of Trump-era tariffs, declaring the authority used to impose them unconstitutional. That decision initially suggested meaningful tariff relief.
However, the administration quickly moved to reimpose certain levies under alternative statutory authority. So while the ruling shook up trade policy, tariff exposure hasn’t simply disappeared.
Some tariffs — including those on select consumer goods like beef and coffee — were already rolled back to ease price pressure. But overall trade policy remains unsettled.
Why does this matter for pools?
Because tariffs affect:
• Equipment pricing
• Steel, aluminum, and component costs
• Shipping and supply chain inputs
If effective tariff pressure moderates, that could reduce material cost inflation for builders. Combined with easing inflation more broadly, that gives the Fed more room to cut rates — creating a reinforcing cycle that benefits discretionary spending.
The outcome isn’t guaranteed. But the direction is worth watching.

What This Means for 2026
Put the pieces together:
✔ Permit declines have slowed dramatically compared to prior years
✔ Core metros like Dallas and Houston remain resilient
✔ Inflation is cooling
✔ Mild rate cuts are possible later in the year
✔ Tariff pressure may moderate, even if unevenly
That combination suggests 2026 could outperform 2025 — particularly in the second half of the year.
If consumer confidence stabilizes and financing costs edge lower, homeowners may begin loosening budgets for larger projects again. Texas, with its long swim season and entrenched backyard culture, is uniquely positioned to benefit from that shift.
It’s important not to overstate it. We are not seeing a boom cycle. Builders shouldn’t expect 2021-style demand.
But stabilization after steep declines is meaningful.
Three years of contraction followed by a much smaller drop suggests the market may be finding equilibrium. If 2026 maintains steady spring permitting and picks up momentum into summer, Texas could post its first flat or positive year since the downturn began.

The Bigger Picture With Texas
Markets rarely move in straight lines. Texas experienced a pandemic-driven surge, followed by a necessary correction. The correction was sharp in 2023 and 2024. In 2025, the pace of decline eased substantially.
That raises an important question:
Was 2025 the bottom?
If January 2026 is any indicator — and if macro conditions cooperate — the outlook appears cautiously more positive.
Interest rates aren’t plunging, but they may soften.
Tariffs aren’t disappearing, but cost pressures may ease.
Inflation isn’t gone, but it’s cooling.
That environment doesn’t scream explosive growth. But it does suggest something just as important:
Stability. And in a cyclical industry like swimming pools, stability is often the first step toward recovery. Texas may not be back in the black yet. But for the first time in several years, it feels like it could be heading there.
Texas Pool Market Snapshot & Key Indicators
📊 Permit Performance
2025 Total Permits: ~6,000–7,000 statewide
2025 Year-Over-Year Change: –9%
2024 Year-Over-Year Change: –26%
2023 Year-Over-Year Change: –31%
Trend Insight:
The rate of decline has slowed significantly. Texas appears to be stabilizing after two years of sharp contraction.
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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