Pool Builder
Becoming a Pool Builder, A Freshman Pool Companies Perspective
Read how one group of new pool builders dealt with starting a pool construction firm during the pandemic.
One year after starting a new pool construction company, freshman Austin pool builders Lakeside Custom Pools have learned one of the most vital lessons about building pools. That lesson is, under-promise and over-deliver. Having decided to open a new pool company during one of the most difficult times in recent memory, we wanted to get their perspective about what the challenges have been like becoming a pool builder during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Friends Join Up to Form Their Own Pool Company
The company consisting of Ryan & Lauren Gunhouse and their friend and partner Kelly Peel, have been operating in the Austin, TX market since early 2021. The three had decided to start a pool construction company servicing their local area of Bee Cave, Texas at the start of the Covid-19 and have been building pools all through the pandemic.
“We all came from different pool companies and met at another pool company,” said Construction Manager – Kelly Peel, “we saw some imperfections. The pool industry here in Austin kind of gets a bad wrap. It starts with consumer trust or lack thereof. We wanted to deliver a high-quality product in a timely manner and decided that if we can’t do it where we were at, we would do a better job on our own.”
Pool builders across the nation have been experiencing logistical delays getting product. There have also been manufacturing shortages and price increases on virtually everything needed to build and maintain a pool. For many, keeping customers satisfied during this time has been a challenge. Thousands of pool builders saw their profit margins take a big hit with the recent price increases, especially those who fix cost their pricing.
Observations From a New Pool Builder
For being a brand new builder in a busy market while facing all of these uncertainties, the waters have been pretty calm over at Lakeside Custom Pools. The company has been actively engaging with customers to make them aware of what has been going on and says disruption has been nominal. “To be honest, it’s been kind of smooth,” said Peel, “I’m a firm believer that if a pool builder tells the customer that Covid-19 was the reason why their project was delayed, then that builder may need to check their moral compass.”
“We say that because building a pool the right way and doing it efficiently really boils down to scheduling, planning, and communication,” said Gunhouse, “what we’ve done to get ahead of the 8 ball is get things lined up before we ever start so that the project runs smooth. This means getting pool equipment. We had the opportunity to invest in ourselves and buy a bunch of equipment early on so that by the time we needed it we had it.”
On Selling Past Capacity To Build
One of the most important factors Kelly Peel credits with their initial success in the Austin market is to cap the number of sales they make and not exceed their capacity to build. “Most important is not biting off more than we could chew and taking on more projects than we can complete at one time,” said Peel.
Setting customer expectations is vital to the success of builders moving forward into what appears to be a repeat of 2020 and 2021 in terms of demand. How builders approach communicating with homeowners this summer could definitely affect future growth. Seeing that many pool sales are made through referral, under-promising and over-delivering appears to be the strategy to rely on when communicating with customers. This includes telling hard truths about how long a swimming pool will take to build and pricing a pool accurately.
Average Build Time for Pool Construction is Increasing
“Right now our average build time, and keep in mind every project is different in the scope and scale, but our average build time is 12-13 weeks,” said Peel. “Investing in our customers is what we’re doing by buying a lot of this equipment on the front-end. This way there are no slow-downs or delays during the construction process as we approach the finish line with the project.”
One thing builders have learned through the years is that you can build a great-looking pool and still wind up disappointing the customer. There is an old saying ‘Perception is Reality’. The client experience has as much importance as the end product. Even more so when equating that to future referrals. How the customer felt about the pool building process and their builder will definitely correlate to them being brand ambassadors for that builder. Conversely, if the experience was a negative one, that builder can almost assuredly factor that customer experience costing them some business down the road.
How Pool Builders Are Creating Better Client Experiences
Paramount to creating that client experience is good communication and accountability. “It takes some builders a little time to get through permitting, or the communication may be off,” said Ryan Gunhouse, “It’s really about getting back to people in a timely manner and holding yourself accountable. Once you say you’re going to do something, hold yourself to that. We definitely pride ourselves on how fast we get things started. There’s good communication through every single phase. The build process is going smooth as long as we’re communicating well and setting expectations.”
Having hands-on visibility of all project phases means a better end product for the client. During the height of pool building season, ensuring that the process is running flawless means designing and permitting pools, scheduling construction phases, and overseeing proper execution at all job sites. It’s can be a daunting process for some builders who have to be a ‘Jack of all Trades’ out in the field. It’s a process that the team at Lakeside Custom Pools splits up so that they can divide and conquer their pool build schedule.
“Ryan gets the designs and all of the sales done. Lauren handles all of the permitting which is very difficult in the Austin market,” said Peel, “oftentimes I tell her to stop permitting so fast because then it transitions over to me and I handle construction. We’ve got three owners who are all OCD and perfectionists,” said Peel, “we all care a lot. Our names on everything and having each of us have a hand in it, there’s not many pool companies can say that to where they are dealing with the owners at every stage in the build process.”
Pricing a Pool During The Pandemic
“The typical price point of a pool last year is nowhere where it is today, a lot of that is Covid demand and people being backed up,” said Gunhouse, “what’s happening is there are so many people in the market looking for a pool. It’s also a hot real estate market, especially here in Austin, TX it’s been insane. Our phones are blowing up daily. The way that we’re keeping up with all of this influx of leads and referrals is to effectively communicate why the price is what it’s going to be. It’s really kind of helping us kind of balance out the amount of volume that we’re getting with the people that are actually able to build at the moment. Allowing those customers to prequalify themselves is helping us keep up.”
With a large influx of new homeowners in Austin coming from the California market, there has been even more demand for inground pools. This wave of migration to Texas is helping create a white-hot market for pool construction services. Consequently, it’s also been a similar case in regions like Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. Keeping up with that spike in consumer interest while being a builder that keeps their word, will ensure longevity for continued interest long after the pandemic has come and gone.
The advice from freshman pool company, Lakeside Custom Pools is sound. Keeping promises, going above and beyond to over-deliver, and setting proper client expectations throughout the process with good communication being the key ingredients. Applying that type of mentality is essential for pool builders to form long-standing ties with the communities they intend to serve.
Listen to our entire interview with Lakeside Custom Pools on the Pool Magazine Podcast
Pool Builder
Tenex Capital Management Acquires Pool Builder Franchisor, Blue Haven National Management Inc.
New York, NY – December 3, 2025 – Tenex Capital Management (“Tenex”) is pleased to announce an investment in Blue Haven National Management, Inc. (“Blue Haven” or “The Company”), a 71-year-old franchisor of swimming pool builders.
Headquartered in San Diego, CA, Blue Haven is believed to be the 2nd largest residential-focused pool builder franchisor in the United States. With 60+ locations nationally, Blue Haven is one of the most recognized brands in the pool industry. Blue Haven will continue to be run by Ryan Ripley, President/CEO and Matt Kimball, COO.
Blue Haven CEO, Ryan Ripley, commented, “We were very impressed by Tenex’s experience and network in the pool space and other similar industries. They offer extensive operational expertise and are poised to support our efforts in expanding our footprint by enabling us to better service existing and new franchisees. We have spent the past couple of years developing new technology for pool builders that is designed to improve the customer experience, and we believe Tenex will be a valuable partner as we continue to develop and implement Blue Haven’s offerings.”
Blue Haven COO, Matt Kimball stated, “Tenex provides the capital and resources that we believe will support our growth plans. We expect this partnership to help us move more quickly and make targeted investments for the benefit of our franchisee base and other stakeholders.”
Tenex Managing Director, Gabe Wood, remarked, “We are thrilled to partner with the Blue Haven management team & franchise operators. We look forward to providing marketing and technology support, as well as other capabilities that will allow Blue Haven to pursue their strategic and operational objectives to drive sustainable growth for this respected brand.”
The transaction closed on November 26th, 2025.
A client approached Rockwater Farm Landscapes & Hardscapes with a unique request: design a luxury backyard pool and spa that incorporated an autocover system. For many designers, that detail might have been a limitation, but for Todd Thomasson, owner of Rockwater Farm, it became the spark for something original. Rather than compromise the spa design, he treated the challenge as an opportunity to elevate the overall aesthetic. The result is a one-of-a-kind “Pac-Man” style spa that delivers both functionality and a striking focal point for the backyard.
A Philosophy of Unique Design
For Thomasson, every project begins with the belief that no two backyards should ever look the same. “We simply don’t build the same thing twice,” he explained. “Even if it’s another 20 by 40 pool, the backyard, the access, the elevations—all of it is different. Every time is the first time for us, and that’s what makes design exciting”.
This philosophy extends beyond pools. Founded nearly two decades ago, Rockwater Farm began as a landscaping company rooted in Thomasson’s background as a trained stonemason. Over the years, the company evolved to specialize in complete outdoor environments—pools, pavilions, fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, and landscape integration. That holistic approach ensures projects flow seamlessly, with one point of accountability and a vision that unifies all elements of the backyard.
Setting the Stage for Something Different
Like many of Rockwater Farm’s most memorable projects, this one began with a relationship. The homeowners had been long-time maintenance clients, trusting the company with their property care for years. When they purchased a new home in a growing neighborhood, they wanted more than just a functional backyard — they envisioned a place to entertain, gather, and enjoy with family.
The project unfolded in phases. First came a patio, outdoor kitchen, and pergola connected to the house — all designed and built by Thomasson’s team. But those elements were only part of a bigger dream. From the start, the homeowners knew a pool and spa would eventually complete the space. The question wasn’t if, but how.
The “Pac-Man” Spa
When it came time to plan the pool and reconcile the client’s desire for an autocover, Thomasson faced a design puzzle. The cover system required uninterrupted space at one end of the pool, which conflicted with traditional spa placement. Rather than forcing a compromise, he cut a quarter out of the spa and turned it into a design opportunity.
“I didn’t want the typical spa on the side of the pool that spills in. Those are dime a dozen,” said Thomasson. “We’re always asking: what haven’t we done, or what can we pull from different projects to create something unique? This became what we call a crow’s nest of a spa, perched up on the corner of the pool. Because of the shape, it ended up looking like Pac-Man”.
The cut-out serves multiple purposes. It creates a clean line for the autocover to function, ensures no one has their back to the pool—a safety consideration—and frames the water in a striking way. “By taking out that piece, we kept visibility of the water as a priority. Everyone in the spa is still looking across the pool, not away from it,” he explained.
A Balance of Safety and Style
Safety wasn’t an afterthought. For Thomasson, it was ingrained in the design process. He recalled his own childhood experiences as part of the inspiration: “I grew up with a pool. My mom was a school teacher, sitting on the deck with a whistle. That always stuck with me—the importance of seeing the water. It’s something I think about in every project”.
In this way, the spa design became both functional and symbolic. It respected the client’s need for safety, maintained visual oversight of the water, and at the same time became a distinctive element that elevated the project’s sophistication.
Material Selections That Complement the Design
The pool’s elegance extends beyond its shape. Every material was selected with care. Around the pool, Thomasson used marble decking with a sandblasted finish, chosen for its comfort and practicality. “It doesn’t get hot underfoot like flagstone, pavers, or even concrete. At the same time, it provides grip, so it’s safe as well as beautiful”.
The pavilion, angled to enhance views from the house, introduces a rustic counterpoint with Pennsylvania flagstone underfoot and heavy timber framing overhead. “Everything on this project is natural stone. We don’t really do pavers. I’m biased as a former stonemason, but I believe it’s a better product. It holds up, and it looks timeless,” Thomasson said.
The interior finish of the pool is a darker blue plaster, selected for both aesthetic and practical reasons. It reflects light beautifully and helps maintain water temperature, creating shimmering, reflective tones that change with the sky.
Transitioning Spaces Through Stone
Another intentional design detail was the use of contrasting materials at transitions. “I like step treads to be a contrasting material so they stand out. If you run travertine everywhere, bright sunlight can wash out those changes and someone could trip. By mixing materials, you get safety and visual definition, while also creating a sense of arriving in a new space,” Thomasson explained.
Bringing the Backyard to Life at Night
While the spa steals the show during the day, the backyard transforms into something even more dramatic after sunset. Thomasson integrated extensive lighting throughout the landscape, pavilion, and pool features. Solid granite fire bowls, gas-powered and glowing after dark, punctuate the scene. The pavilion’s fireplace adds warmth and atmosphere, while deck jets and bubblers with LED lighting create playful movement and vibrant accents.
“There’s just a lot of different activity that can happen out here. It’s not just a backyard—it’s a resort,” Thomasson said.
The Moment It All Came Together
For Thomasson, the true impact of the design hit during the project’s first photo shoot. “It really sank in when I was there at night. The lights were on, it was warm, everything came together. I just walked around and thought, ‘We actually built this. This looks awesome.’ It was one of those moments where you stop, take it in, and appreciate what you created”.
That moment of reflection underscores what makes Rockwater Farm distinctive: a blend of design ingenuity, craftsmanship, and respect for the client’s trust.
Beyond the Expected
What could have been a design obstacle—the integration of an autocover—became the genesis of one of Rockwater Farm’s most memorable projects. By embracing the challenge, Thomasson and his team produced something that is not only functional but also a signature piece of design. The Pac-Man spa represents more than a clever workaround; it reflects a philosophy of turning limitations into opportunities.
In Thomasson’s words, “Ultimately, you want something different in your portfolio. That’s how we approach design. It’s about pushing creativity while still serving the client’s needs”.
For Rockwater Farm, thinking around covers and corners has become second nature—and it shows in every detail of this unique backyard retreat.
Ready to take a deeper dive?
Listen to our entire conversation with Todd Thomasson of Rockwater Farm on the Pool Magazine Podcast.
WARMINSTER, PA, UNITED STATES, October 10, 2025 — Anthony & Sylvan Pools – the premier residential swimming pool and spa builder, renovator, and service provider in the United States – today announced that Chief Executive Officer Bonnie Chong will be stepping down after nearly eight years with the company to pursue a new opportunity in the professional services sector.
Since joining Anthony & Sylvan in 2018, Chong has held several key executive positions, including General Counsel, Chief Financial Officer, and most recently Chief Executive Officer since April 2022. During her tenure, she guided the company through the challenges of the pandemic and the post-COVID market environment while helping to strengthen its culture, built a high-performing leadership team and prepared a framework for the next phase of growth. Chong reflected, “Leading and supporting Anthony & Sylvan’s growth over the past eight years has been a true honor for me. I am grateful for what we have achieved and look forward to its continued growth and success in the years ahead.”
Chong will remain on the Anthony & Sylvan Board of Directors to support a smooth transition and continue contributing to the company’s strategy.
The Board has appointed Alan Walker, Senior Vice President of Operations, as Interim CEO, effective October 22, 2025, while a search is conducted for a permanent successor. With more than 20 years at Anthony & Sylvan, Walker brings extensive operational experience, deep industry knowledge, and strong relationships throughout the organization and the pool industry.
“Bonnie’s leadership, intellect, and integrity have guided Anthony & Sylvan through a transformative period,” said Erik Waldin, Chairman of the Board. “We are grateful for her many contributions and wish her all the best in her future endeavors. We also have full confidence in Alan’s leadership and his ability to continue the company’s positive momentum.”
About Anthony & Sylvan
Founded in 1946, Anthony & Sylvan Pools is one of the nation’s largest and most experienced swimming pool design and construction companies. In its nearly 80-year history, it has served more than a million customers throughout the U.S.
The entities doing business as Anthony & Sylvan Pools include Anthony & Sylvan Pools Corporation, Anthony & Sylvan Corp. and Anthony & Sylvan Pools North Carolina LLC. Anthony & Sylvan’s statewide licenses/registrations: #SPB.0000089 and HIC.0501976(CT); #2006201521(DE); #410512000233(DC); CPC1459629 and CPC1459777 (FL); #203008(MA); 05-129792 – Reg#95872(MD); #13VH01546700(NJ); #H-20201 and #WC22294H09(NY); #0023414(NV); #68766(NC); #006381(PA); GC-46619(RI); CLG 125269(SC); #75966(TN);13800478-5501(UT); #2701011419(VA RFC/ELE); and #WV030223(WV). FOR INFORMATION ABOUT CONTRACTORS AND THE NEW JERSEY CONTRACTORS’ REGISTRATION ACT, CONTACT THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY, DIVISION OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS AT 1.888.656.6225.
Nicole Lasorda
Anthony & Sylvan
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