Pool News
What Could Australia’s Ban of Engineered Stone Products Mean For The Pool Industry?
Could Australia’s ban of engineered stone have greater implications for the pool industry?

Australia recently made headlines with a groundbreaking decision to ban the use, supply, and manufacture of engineered stone. This move is expected to significantly impact various industries, including the thriving pool market—a market comparable in size to the United States’ pool industry.
The unanimous decision by state and federal workplace ministers came after recognizing the dangers associated with engineered stone, commonly used in swimming pool patios and decks. When cut, the material releases fine silica dust, a known cause of deadly diseases and cancers. This ban is set to be enforced from July 1, 2024, with Victoria, Queensland, and New South Wales leading the charge.
The motivation behind this decision is clear: protecting workers from the hazards of silica dust. The Safe Work Australia report revealed a substantial increase in silicosis and silica-related diseases, particularly among engineered stone workers. The ban, encompassing all types of engineered stone regardless of crystalline silica content, has received widespread support from unions, businesses, and even large retailers like Bunnings and Ikea.
Silica, a mineral found in the earth’s crust, poses well-known health risks when its dust is inhaled. Cutting natural stones like granite and sandstone releases crystalline silica into the air, leading to lung scarring and respiratory difficulties over time.
The federal government has taken the initiative to consider a customs prohibition on engineered stone imports, further signaling a commitment to prioritizing worker safety. This proactive stance raises questions about whether other countries, such as the United States, Canada, and European nations, will eventually follow Australia’s lead.
Could a Ban of Engineered Stone Products Have Broader Implications For The Pool Industry?
The impact of a similar ban in the United States, given its comparably large pool market, would undoubtedly be significant. Engineered stone is a popular choice for many applications in the construction and home improvement industries. A ban could reshape the industry landscape, prompting a shift toward alternative materials and encouraging innovation in the market.
Supply Chain Disruptions:
- Australia is a significant exporter of various materials, including engineered stone products. A ban in Australia might disrupt the global supply chain for these products, affecting availability and pricing.
- U.S. businesses that rely on Australian-sourced engineered stone may face challenges in securing a stable supply chain.
Shift in Material Preferences:
- The ban in Australia is bound to influence consumer perceptions of the safety and sustainability of engineered stone. A shift in perception could potentially prompt a reevaluation of material choices among U.S. consumers.
- Businesses in the U.S. pool industry might witness a trend towards alternative materials that are perceived as safer and more environmentally friendly.

Californians Evaluating Emergency Regulation Regarding Engineered Stone Products
As discussions unfold in Australia about potential transition periods and exemptions for existing engineered stone installations, it remains to be seen how other countries will respond. Will they adopt similar measures to safeguard the health and well-being of their workers? The Australian ban prompts reflection on the broader implications for global industries that heavily rely on engineered stone.
It would appear the topic is already one Californians have begun to address. Cal OSHA is poised to vote on emergency regulations designed to protect workers handling engineered stone. According to state workplace regulators, the material has been linked to an accelerated and more aggressive form of silicosis, with a staggering fatality rate of 19%.
Artificial stone, a relatively new and popular hardscape material in the U.S. market, presents a unique hazard to stonecutters. Officials from the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) reveal that it may contain over 93% silica, significantly higher than its natural counterparts.
In California alone, there were no recorded silicosis cases associated with artificial stone before 2010. However, the state’s Department of Public Health identified 95 cases in the last five years, with at least 10 resulting in death. Alarmingly, hundreds more are expected to be diagnosed with silicosis if harmful exposures persist.
Cal/OSHA officials emphasize that many of the approximately 800 stone fabrication shops in California, often small in scale, lack the capacity to comply with existing safety regulations. As a response, the agency is actively working to streamline and strengthen rules to mitigate the risk of silica exposure, which has been linked not only to silicosis but also to lung cancer.
Dr. Sheiphali Gandhi, an occupational pulmonologist at UCSF who participated in a Cal/OSHA advisory committee, describes the situation as a “public health disaster” and anticipates ongoing health challenges due to previous exposures. Gandhi stated that pending emergency regulations underscore the urgent need for the U.S. to address health hazards associated with artificial stone, mirroring global concerns and regulatory actions.
If endorsed by the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board, the proposed emergency regulations will impose limitations on the dry cutting of artificial stone containing over 0.1% crystalline silica and natural stone with more than 10%. Activities like power cutting or drilling would necessitate the utilization of wet-cutting saws or alternative tools that apply water to the material’s surface to mitigate dust emissions. Additionally, employers would be obligated to furnish workers with powered air-purifying respirators or similarly high-level protective masks.
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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