For nearly three decades, Jason Jovaag has been immersed in the world of acrylic, helping redefine what is possible in aquatic design. As President and CEO of Hammerhead Aquatics, he has taken that early fascination, sparked by visits to public aquariums in Northern California, and turned it into a global business delivering some of the most visually striking pool features in the industry.
“I remember standing in front of those massive underwater windows as a kid, completely drawn in,” Jovaag says. “I didn’t realize at the time that it would shape my career, but that sense of wonder has never really left.” Today, Hammerhead Aquatics operates at the intersection of engineering, design, and craftsmanship, specializing in acrylic windows and structural features for both residential and commercial projects. With installations spanning 28 countries, the company collaborates closely with architects, engineers, and designers to bring complex concepts to life. Its vertically integrated approach, which includes design services, in-house fabrication, installation, and project closeout, ensures precision at every stage.
“We pride ourselves on communication, attention to detail, and execution,” Jovaag says. “These projects demand it.” One standout example is the Doheny Estates project, where acrylic elements were used to create immersive, lightfilled experiences that blur the boundary between water and architecture. It is a reflection of how the material has evolved from a technical solution into a defining design feature. “Acrylic is incredibly versatile,” Jovaag explains. “It can be molded to meet specific radiuses and forms, which allows designers to push beyond traditional constraints.
It becomes a focal point, whether that’s a glass-bottom pool, a cantilevered wall, or a window that connects a sunken lounge to the water.” That flexibility comes with significant engineering demands. Every installation must account for structural movement, temperature fluctuations, wind loads, and seismic conditions. The result is a highly coordinated process that balances creativity with performance. “There’s a lot happening behind the scenes to make these features work safely and seamlessly,” he says.
Acrylic is playing a larger role in shaping how pools are experienced. Rather than simply containing water, these installations introduce movement, light, and interaction into the surrounding environment. “It creates this illusion of a suspended body of water,” Jovaag says. “People are drawn to it. It becomes a natural gathering point, whether you are looking into the pool, swimming past a window, or sitting in a space that connects both.”
For Hammerhead Aquatics, the goal is always integration over spectacle. The most successful designs feel intentional, not added on. “We want the acrylic to feel like it belongs there,” he says. “When it is placed with purpose, it elevates the entire space.” Looking ahead, Jovaag sees continued opportunity in both high-end residential and hospitality projects, particularly as developers look to differentiate through experience-driven amenities. “These projects allow us to push the limits of design,” he says. “They require a white-glove level of care, but the end result is something truly memorable.”
