Steve Barnes’ Post

The pool industry has changed drastically over the last two decades. From the VGB Act and ADA pool accessibility to the CDC's Model Aquatic Health Code and the ISPSC being adopted in 38 states, these regulations are rewriting how we design, build, and maintain pools. Keeping up with these changes is no longer optional—it's essential for protecting your business and staying competitive. That’s why I’m personally inviting you to join me for a live webinar on October 16. In just one hour, we’ll dive into the latest shifts in pool standards and codes, with a special focus on how they affect your business operations. Whether you’re a CEO, owner, or manager, this session will give you the tools you need to stay compliant, reduce liability, and protect your bottom line. I’m looking forward to the insightful discussions and questions this webinar will spark. With over 40 years of experience in the pool industry, my goal is to offer a long-term perspective on where we've been and where we're headed—so you can make informed decisions that shape your business’s future. The most important thing I can share? Getting involved is the best way to stay ahead of these changes and ensure you have a voice in the industry’s future. Register today and join the conversation. Let’s work together to safeguard the future of our industry. https://lnkd.in/divk9EAr 

This is such an honor to join Casey, Every Child a Swimmer, Pool Nation and all Pool Pros in the mission to teach little ones how to swim. Water is the essence of life, health, and happiness, but it must be respected. Please join us in this important endeavor. Support the cure for childhood drowning by helping teach children how to swim to the side of the pool. Who knows, you may be helping train a future Olympian. Certainly you will be helping introduce another person to the joy that is the aquatic lifestyle. #everychildaswimmer #poolnationpodcast #aquastarpoolproducts

I'm thrilled to be featured on the Pool Chasers Podcast with Todd Pieri, diving into AquaStar's innovative products and our exciting new initiatives. From the groundbreaking Pipeline Filter and Pump to the game-changing PureStar Ozone System, we explore how AquaStar is setting new standards in pool technology. Tune in to learn about our journey, the latest advancements, and the unique opportunities we're offering to pool professionals. Don’t miss this episode—it's packed with insights and inspiration for anyone passionate about the pool industry. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/gH-SH-Kg Connect with me on LinkedIn: Learn more about AquaStar: https://lnkd.in/gyBb3e5Q

Steve here! I am pleased to see this advancement in swimmer safety technology advertised through the New York Times. As technology continues to evolve, we gain powerful new tools to help reduce drownings in busy public pools. While I don't know anywhere enough to endorse this, or any similar product, I like how this innovation combines underwater and above-water AI-driven systems to aid lifeguards, offering an extra set of "eyes" to monitor swimmers' well-being. Moreover, the introduction of personal wearable technology provides parents with an invaluable resource when visiting crowded pools. My understanding is these devices can sound a remote alarm if a swimmer stays underwater for too long, offering individualized protection that complements traditional safety measures. As promising as technology advancements are, widespread adoption is not only dependent on the technology's performance and reliability, it will be dependent on the Authorities Having Jurisdiction over public pool health and safety regulations to understand and approve its use; I think. I believe these innovations represent a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to enhance public safety, uphold the standards set by the VGBA, and prevent drownings. As someone deeply committed to public safety and drowning prevention, I am excited about the potential of these technologies to save lives in both life-guarded and unguarded settings. Let's continue to embrace and support these advancements that make our pools safer for everyone. #StepIntoSwim #PHTA #LearnToSwim #EveryChildASwimmer #TeamHorner #SwimSafety #DrowningPrevention #NationalDrowningPrevention #NDPA #WaterSafety #AquaStar #PoolNationPodcast

I'm honored and grateful to be featured in PoolPro Magazine's article "Steve Barnes: Raising the Bar." A big thank you to the team at PoolPro for this great piece. 🙌 Reflecting on my journey and the milestones we've achieved at AquaStar Pool Products has been a enjoyable trip down memory lane. I'm glad to help push our industry forward and truly appreciate the unwavering support from my colleagues and friends. Read the full article here: Steve Barnes: Raising the Bar #poolindustry #innovation #safety #AquaStar #professionaljourney

🚨 The Eleventh Hour for National Pool Standards: Act Now! 🚨 Attention Pool Industry Professionals – Builders, Designers, Installers: As a leader and advocate in the pool industry, I urge you to mark January 8, 2024, on your calendars. This is our critical deadline to submit code change proposals for the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC). This moment is more than just a deadline; it's our opportunity to shape the future of our industry. The International Code Council (ICC) has issued a press release highlighting the importance of this date. Read the full press release here. Our collective voice in this process is crucial. Quality codes that are comprehensible and enforceable are the bedrock of streamlining future construction projects. They are essential not only for maintaining cost efficiency but also for upholding public health, safety, and enjoyment – pillars of the public interest we all serve. I strongly encourage each of you to review the current standards and consider how we can evolve them. Your insights and expertise are invaluable in this consensus-based process. By participating, we not only advocate for our industry but also contribute to a legacy of excellence and responsibility. Let's seize this chance to make a difference. Your proposal could be the key to shaping an efficient, safe, and enjoyable future for the pool industry. AquaStar Pool Products, International Code Council, Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Deadline for Code Change Proposals for Group A 2024 International Codes® is January 8, 2024 - ICC (iccsafe.org)

Breaking News: The future of heated swimming pools and hot tubs has been positively impacted by today's ruling from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. This appears to be a significant legal development that addresses the broader category of federally regulated appliances, including gas-fired pool and spa heating appliances. The court's decision clearly states that the city of Berkeley's ban on installing natural gas piping in new constructions oversteps the bounds set by Congress. This ruling isn't just about the luxury of gas-heated pools and spas; it's a landmark case with implications for the pool industry and federal regulations. A pivotal moment for those following the intersection of legal decisions, public health, and community amenities. https://lnkd.in/g2FCRHG7

Hey future pool industry leaders, read this short post and you will understand 80% of what effective leaders practice consistently. If you want to help change and improve Pool & Hot Tub Alliance and NSF swimming pool related ANSI Standards, or participate in the policy development processes of the International Code Council's International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Conference for the Model Aquatic Health Code, read, understand and follow this infographic. It's pure gold! The most important elements are in gold, which is very fitting.

From Personal Tragedy to Lifesaving Triumph: The Journey of Step Into Swim For those passionate about swimming, pool safety, and drowning prevention, here's something that will catch your interest. Imagine being trapped under water as a teen, a moment that could have ended tragically but instead sparked a lifelong commitment to water safety. I believe my survival from that frightening incident was due to my extensive experience as a swimmer. I understood my personal limits and capabilities, which gave me the skills to rescue myself, even as a lifeguard watched the entire ordeal unfold. This harrowing experience underscores the importance of swimming proficiency, a theme central to an article about Step Into Swim, a Pool & Hot Tub Alliance initiative. www.stepintoswim.org isn't just another program; it's a life-changing movement. The article details how it's making a tangible difference in drowning prevention by focusing on teaching children to swim. It's an effective strategy, and more importantly, a healthy and necessary skill for our young ones. 🏊♀️ A significant boost to Step Into Swim's mission comes from the Stew Leonard III Water Safety Foundation. This foundation has generously committed $200,000, matched directly by the PHTA board of directors. This funding will enable Step Into Swim to provide grants to learn-to-swim providers and fund an impressive 40,000 swim lessons for children. The initiative, led by Olympic medalist Rowdy Gaines, is pivotal in building a safer future in and around water. For those in the pool industry or deeply invested in drowning prevention, this article is a must-read. It's not only about the program but also how we can all contribute to making swim classes accessible and ensuring our pools are safer for the next generation. Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, PoolPro Magazine, AquaStar Pool Products https://lnkd.in/gzYFkxfY