Pool News
Understanding Rebates: How to Turn Purchasing Power Into Profit

Rebate programs are one of the most overlooked tools in the pool industry for increasing profitability. They allow business owners to leverage their purchasing power, reinvest savings back into their company, and turn their savings into a lucrative profit.
What Are Rebates and Why Do They Matter?
Let’s start with the basics. Rebates are financial incentives given to buyers after purchasing a product or service. They can be offered as discounts, refunds, or cash back.
Rebates are much more than a simple upfront discount. With discounts, buyers do not have the option to receive cash back, equity, or other collateral in place of a cheaper price for a good or service. Rebates give power back to the buyer by allowing them to choose the incentive they receive for purchasing.
Here are some common types of rebates and how they work:
Loyalty Incentives: Loyalty incentives increase as a buyer continues to purchase from the same vendor over time.
Volume-Based Rebates: Volume-based rebates are exactly as they sound. The more you buy, the more you earn back.
Percent Rebates: Percent rebates return a percentage of the total amount spent to the buyer–kind of like an after-the-fact discount.
Growth Rebates: Growth rebates reward buyers for increasing their purchase volume or value within a certain time frame.
Sales Rebates: These rebates increase in value based on sales amount rather than purchase volume.
How Rebates Support Business Growth
Rebates can do a lot for your business. For example, you can use rebate funds to improve your margins without having to raise prices for customers. Rebate savings can also be reinvested back into your business to encourage growth.
You can use rebate savings to…
Hire new talent and train existing staff
Purchase new equipment, software upgrades, or other assets
Expand your business’ service offerings
Improve customer experience
And more
When you know how to leverage your rebates, the possibilities are endless.
Methods to Maximize Your Rebates
How do you make the most out of your rebates? Here are some key strategies you can use to get started.
Partner With Trusted Vendors Who Offer Competitive Rebate Opportunities
Seeking out vendors with competitive rebate programs can cut costs, increase profit margins, and allow you to offer more competitive pricing to your customers. Additionally, forging mutually beneficial rebate partnerships can strengthen your business relationships with vendors with vendors and help you grow your network.
Just be sure to evaluate the terms and conditions as well as the complexity of a rebate program before signing up. You don’t want to run into complicated administrative burdens for your business down the road.
Plan Purchases Strategically
Planning your purchases with intention allows you to strategically hit rebate tiers and maximize your savings. Pay attention to the rebate programs you participate in. Identify if they are volume, growth, percentage, or sales based and purchase accordingly. For example, if a vendor you work with offers a volume-based rebate, order larger quantities from them upfront rather than spacing out your purchases throughout the year to capitalize on the rebate opportunity.
Track & Manage Rebates Efficiently
Keep a close eye on all aspects of each rebate program you participate in. Read supplier agreements, monitor purchases against those agreements, and pay attention to rebate claim deadlines and terms to ensure timely payment. Additionally, it’s important to read the fine print before signing up for a rebate program so you understand the true cost of a product after factoring in potential rebates.
When it comes to rebates, you want to make sure nothing is left on the table. Tracking your rebates offers several key benefits.
Prevent lost savings: If you don’t stay on top of rebate tracking, you can miss out on deadlines and special offers, preventing you from claiming maximum rebate savings.
Ensure information is accurate: When you stay on top of your rebates, it allows you to double check and ensure you’ve provided the correct information so your rebates are processed properly.
Stay on top of deadlines: Never miss a deadline or have to pay a late fee when you track your rebates meticulously.
Comparison shopping: The more you know about the rebate programs available, the better you will be at determining which rebates are worth it and which are not.
If this all sounds a bit complicated, know you’re not alone. Buying groups and other organizations offer useful tools for tracking and managing rebates, which we will get into in the next section.
Why Group Buying Makes Rebates More Powerful
Teaming up with a buying group provides several benefits that can help you get the most out of rebates and make them more profitable.
Here are just a few benefits that buying groups offer.
Unlock top-tier rebates: Individual pool professionals may not have the purchasing volume to unlock top-tier rebates. However, buying groups use members’ combined purchasing power to secure better rebate opportunities that are not available to individuals and small businesses. Additionally, buying groups can negotiate with vendors for better prices and higher rebate amounts that would otherwise be unavailable to individuals.
Access exclusive vendor programs and tools for smarter purchasing: Buying groups offer their members helpful tools and resources that make getting the most out of rebates easier. For example, United Aqua Group (UAG) members get exclusive access to a sleek online portal where rebate terms, deadlines, and total savings amounts are tracked automatically, eliminating the headaches that come with manual tracking. Plus, buying group membership grants access to vendor programs with added benefits, like exclusive rebates and rewards for members.
There are several financial and professional benefits that you can earn by joining a buying group, including access to more profitable rebate opportunities. Read more about buying groups, what they are, and how they can help your business here.
Start Leveraging Your Purchasing Power
Ready to dive in and start taking full advantage of your purchasing power? Consider a partnership with United Aqua Group (UAG). We help our members get the most out of vendor rebate programs, manage strategic purchasing, and maximize profitability. Through collective buying power and strong vendor relationships, UAG members can achieve savings that wouldn’t be possible on their own. Visit our website to start your partnership today.
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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