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