Pool News
Pool Tile, Coping, and Kickflips: The Unique Lifestyle of Thiago Dasilva
In Florida’s competitive pool construction scene, you’ll find a wide range of subcontractors—but few bring the same energy, attitude, and personal flair to the job as Thiago Dasilva. Originally from Brazil, Dasilva came to the U.S. looking to build a better life for himself and his family. Today, he owns and operates Greenstone Tile and Pavers, a small but busy operation where he stays hands-on with every project.
Dasilva isn’t the kind of guy who’s chasing status or running a big crew. He’s the one doing the work—installing tile, coping, and pavers on high-end residential pools throughout the Tampa Bay area. Contractors who need a solid installation often call on him, especially for more detailed jobs. If you’re following any of the pool industry Facebook groups, chances are pretty good that you’ve already seen some of his work.
Point of fact, we recently featured a Hampe Pools project during our Pool Magazine webinar on Tile Trends—an elegant, modern backyard design that drew attention for its vibrant mosaics and clean execution. Thiago Dasilva worked as an employee of Hampe Pools on that job, helping to bring that project across the finish line with precision.
Though he’s often brought in as a subcontractor, Dasilva takes pride in treating every job like it’s his own. Whether it’s a straightforward waterline or a complex glass mosaic, he approaches each project with the same goal, delivering high-quality work that both he and the builder can be proud of.
“I love seeing people smile when they see the completed job,” Dasilva told us. “That’s what makes me feel proud—when the homeowner is happy and the builder is satisfied with the result. That’s the greatest reward for me.”
Unlike some subcontractors who rush through work to move on to the next job, Dasilva believes in taking his time to get it right. He’s not interested in cutting corners or tackling too many projects at once. Instead, he focuses on delivering quality, one pool at a time.
“I don’t like to be all over the place,” he said. “I take my time. I don’t rush through the job. I care about what I’m doing.”
That mindset—coupled with his attention to detail—has made him a go-to name in a region where pool construction never slows down. He’s the type of installer builders can count on for a clean layout, tight grout lines, and an end result that lives up to the design.
When asked what separates a good installer from a great one, Dasilva answers without hesitation: “Compassion. You’ve got to care about what you do.”
Over the years, he’s had the opportunity to work alongside some of the best in the business, but he’s quick to give credit to those whose work has also influenced him.
“I’ve learned a lot from Jeff Hampe. On every job, I always learn something new. I’ve also learned a lot from observing the work of guys like Jimmy Reed, Ray Corral, Danilo Bonazza, and so many others,” he said. “I look up to all of them.”
But Dasilva has also seen his fair share of mistakes out in the field—work that may look okay on the surface but doesn’t hold up over time.
“I see people just putting mud straight against concrete without any thinset or bonding agent,” he explained. “That’s a big one. It might look fine at first, but later it cracks, separates, and causes problems. You have to prep properly or you’re setting yourself up for failure.”
He’s just as critical of rushed layouts and sloppy grout work. “You walk onto some jobs and you see tiny cuts in the tile that throw the whole thing off. It might be functional, but it’s not clean. That kind of stuff bothers me.”
One of the most challenging jobs he’s ever tackled involved a massive infinity-edge pool with custom mosaics across the floor—an intricate installation that took him nearly seven months to complete.
“There was a lot of slope and depth to deal with,” he said. “It was a challenge from start to finish, but I learned a lot on that job. When it was said and done, I felt incredibly proud of the work I did there.”
Despite the complexity of projects like that, Dasilva still finds joy in the everyday rhythm of the job. Whether it’s prepping the surface, setting tile, or double-checking a layout, he approaches each phase like a craftsman—even if he’s not the kind of guy who uses that word to describe himself.
While his tile work speaks for itself, there’s one detail about Dasilva that tends to surprise people: on rare occasions, he’ll drop into the pool with a skateboard before the job even begins.
For most tile installers, that empty concrete shell is just a workspace. For Dasilva, it’s sometimes a playground—at least when the shape is right.
“I grew up skateboarding back in Brazil,” he said. “It’s been a part of my life since I was six years old. So when I find a shell that’s got good curves and transitions—usually the old pools from the ’70s—I can’t resist. I bring the board out.”
It doesn’t happen on every job. In fact, he says it only happens maybe once or twice a year when the opportunity presents itself. But when it does, it’s a chance to reconnect with something that still brings him joy.
“I feel like a kid walking into a candy store,” he laughed. “It just makes me happy. And believe it or not, skating the shell actually helps me find hollow spots or imperfections in the surface. So it’s fun—but it’s useful too.”
His posts on Facebook—blending clips of him carving around the bowl with shots of precise tile installs—have earned him a following among pool pros who appreciate both the quality of his work and the personality behind it.
“Yeah, some people think it’s crazy,” he said. “But it’s who I am. I’m still skating. I’m 43 now, and I’m still doing it.”
For Dasilva, it all comes down to work-life balance. He’s not chasing money or awards. He’s focused on doing honest work, staying hands-on, and improving with every pool he touches. “I’m not trying to be the biggest company,” he said. “I just want to do good work, take care of my family, and enjoy what I do.”
When he’s not working, he’s usually with his wife and kids—or sneaking in a skate or surfing session whenever he’s not on the clock. It’s a lifestyle that blends hard work with personal passion, and one that’s earned him quiet respect in an industry that doesn’t hand it out easily. “I feel like I live in paradise,” he said. “I get to work outside, build something beautiful, and have fun doing it.” In his own way, Thiago Dasilva is proof that you don’t have to run a big crew to make a big impression—you just have to be passionate about what you do.
Photo Credits: Thiago Dasilva, Jeff Hampe
Blue Wave has issued a recall affecting multiple above-ground swimming pool models after federal safety officials identified a potential drowning hazard involving children.
The recall, announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on December 18, covers approximately 13,400 Blue Wave brand above-ground pools that are 48 inches deep or taller and utilize an exterior compression strap as part of the pool’s frame system.
Reason for the Recall
The affected pools feature a compression strap positioned around the outside of the vertical support poles. While the strap is designed to provide structural stability, the CPSC determined that its placement may unintentionally create a foothold.
According to the agency, this foothold could allow children to climb into the pool, even when the ladder has been removed, creating a risk of unsupervised access and potential drowning.
No injuries or fatalities have been reported in connection with the recalled products at the time of the announcement.
Affected Models
The recall applies to the following Blue Wave above-ground pool models:
• Blue Wave 15-Ft Rd 48-In Active Frame Pool
• Blue Wave 18-Ft Rd 52-In Active Frame Pool
• Blue Wave 18-Ft Rd 52-In Dark Cocoa Wicker Frame Pool
• Blue Wave 24-Ft Rd 52-In Dark Cocoa Wicker Frame Pool
• Blue Wave Rustic Cedar 15-Ft Round 48-In Deep Frame Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave Rustic Cedar 18-Ft Round 52-In Deep Frame Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave 18-Ft Round 52-In Gray Rattan Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave 18-Ft Round 52-In Espresso Wicker Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave 15-Ft Round 48-In Navy Blue Frame Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave 18-Ft Round 52-In Navy Blue Frame Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave 15-Ft Round 48-In Aspen Swimming Pool Package W/Cover
• Blue Wave Mocha Wicker 18-Ft Round 52-In Deep Swimming Pool Package With Cover
• Blue Wave Mocha Wicker 24-Ft Round 52-In Deep Swimming Pool Package With Cover
• Blue Wave Laguna 15-Ft Round 48-In Deep Swimming Pool Package With Cover
• Blue Wave Laguna 18-Ft Round 52-In Deep Swimming Pool Package With Cover
All affected models share a common design feature: an exterior compression strap that encircles the pool’s vertical supports.
Sales Channels and Distribution
The recalled pools were sold nationwide from January 2021 through July 2025 through a mix of big-box retailers, sporting goods stores, and online marketplaces, including:
• The Home Depot
• Lowe’s
• Dunham’s Sports
• Amazon
• Walmart
• Wayfair
Retailers have been notified to halt sales of affected models and to direct customers to the manufacturer’s recall remedy.
What Dealers and Retailers Should Know
For dealers and retail partners, the recall highlights the importance of prompt inventory review and customer outreach. Any remaining unsold stock matching the recalled models should be removed from the sales floor and distribution channels immediately.
Retailers that sold affected units during the recall period may see an increase in customer inquiries regarding eligibility, repair kits, and interim safety measures. Clear communication at the point of contact will be critical, particularly around the distinction between structural components and ladders, which many consumers assume are the primary access risk.
Service professionals and retail staff should also be prepared to explain that the recall does not involve a full product replacement, but rather a manufacturer-provided modification designed to eliminate the foothold while maintaining frame integrity.
Manufacturer Remedy
Blue Wave is offering a free repair kit to affected pool owners. The kit replaces the exterior compression strap with a lower-profile system installed closer to ground level. Once the repair is completed, the original strap can be removed.
Until the repair is installed, the manufacturer and CPSC recommend that pool owners prevent unsupervised access to the pool area or drain the pool temporarily.
Dealers and service professionals should advise customers not to remove or cut the compression strap prior to installing the repair kit, as doing so could compromise the pool’s structural stability.
Poolsafe LLC, offers new mesh, removable safety fencing designed to be installed around any pool shape or size. Uses patented, transparent, large-hole ClearGuard™ Mesh for better visibility into the pool area, while also blending the fence into backyard. Lockable, self-closing Triton™ gate features a curved top bar to help prevent climbing. Unique Tri-Pod Truss system keeps gate aligned with daily usage. Available in 4ft and 5ft heights, in black, brown, beige, or gray colors.
https://poolsafe.com/
(888) 489-2282
Latham Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: SWIM), the largest designer, manufacturer, and marketer of in-ground residential swimming pools in North America, Australia, and New Zealand, appoints Sean Gadd as the company’s new President and Chief Executive Officer as part of a CEO transition that will take effect on January 5, 2026. The appointment follows a comprehensive search as part of a succession planning process led by the Board and current CEO Scott Rajeski, who will be retiring from Latham and will serve as a special advisor to the company.
Sean Gadd comes to Latham following a 21-year career at James Hardie. He most recently served as President of North America since 2022, where he has had full P&L responsibility for James Hardie’s largest regional business. Prior to his role as President of North America, Sean served as Executive Vice President, North America, Commercial (2018-2022) and Executive Vice President, Markets and Segments, North America (2015-2018) at James Hardie, leading the front end of the business across product, marketing, and sales. Sean has been instrumental in spearheading James Hardie’s substantial organic net sales growth since 2022, driving material conversion and deeper market penetration through a refined go-to-market strategy targeting end-users via channel partners. Sean brings experience that is directly comparable to Latham’s material conversion and Sand State initiatives, and his demonstrated success in driving strategic growth will be invaluable for Latham and its shareholders.
James E. Cline, Chairman, commented, “Sean is known as a strong leader and brand-builder and has an impressive track record of driving growth at James Hardie. We are thrilled that he has accepted the CEO role at Latham, and the Board believes Sean will be able to leverage his robust commercial experience, sector knowledge, and branding expertise to accelerate our ability to continue to gain share and further the conversion to fiberglass from concrete pools.”
“I am pleased to be joining Latham and am looking forward to building on its achievements to date. This is an excellent opportunity for me to utilize my experience in the building products category to drive further market penetration and adoption of Latham’s top-quality products and greater recognition for its superior service standards,” Mr. Gadd commented.
Mr. Gadd will also become a member of Latham’s Board of Directors, replacing Mr. Rajeski, who is resigning from the Board concurrently with his retirement.
Mr. Cline commented, “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to express our deep appreciation for the contributions that Scott Rajeski has made to Latham during his long tenure at the company, first as Chief Financial Officer and, since 2017, as President and Chief Executive Officer. Under his leadership and that of his executive and operating teams, the company went public in April of 2021 and has experienced substantial growth, demonstrated resilience within a difficult industry environment, and built a strong financial position.”
Mr. Rajeski noted, “It has been a privilege to serve as the President & CEO of Latham alongside the talented executive and operating teams that we have at the company. Together, we have advanced the awareness and adoption of fiberglass pools and autocovers, while implementing production and related efficiencies that have streamlined our operations. I am proud to be retiring as CEO of Latham with the company in a strong financial position and in very capable hands. Throughout my conversations with Sean, I have been very impressed with his leadership capabilities and background, and I am confident that he will bring a unique skillset that will allow Latham to continue to outperform the industry, gain further traction in the important Sand States, and remain an acquirer of choice.”
About Latham Group, Inc.
Latham Group, Inc., headquartered in Latham, NY, is the largest designer, manufacturer, and marketer of in-ground residential swimming pools in North America, Australia, and New Zealand. Latham has a coast-to-coast operations platform consisting of approximately 1,850 employees across around 30 locations.
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