Aquastar On the Rise! Pipeline Filter, Pump, PureStar Ozone, & Golden Ticket Details with Todd Pieri & Steve Barnes

In the competitive world of pool equipment manufacturing, few companies have experienced the meteoric rise of Aquastar Pool Products. From their humble beginnings as a drain manufacturer to becoming a multi-product powerhouse with seven buildings and counting, Aquastar's story is one of strategic growth, innovation, and unwavering focus on what pool professionals actually need. In a recent episode of the Pool Chasers Podcast, company President Todd Pieri and technical expert Steve Barnes pulled back the curtain on their remarkable journey and what's driving their continued expansion.

From Pool Corp to Pool Industry Leadership

Todd Pieri's path to becoming Aquastar's president reads like a masterclass in career progression within the pool industry. Starting without any pool experience at Pool Corp, Pieri worked his way through their MIT program over seven years before making the leap to Aquastar in 2009.

I walked into Pool Corp and didn't know anything about the pool industry. I'd moved from the Midwest to the West Coast. I had family, wanted to get out of the cold weather in the wintertime and walked into a Pool Corp location and the rest is history.

— Todd Pieri, Pool Chasers Podcast

His transition to Aquastar came at a pivotal moment when the VGBA Act hit the industry in 2009, creating massive demand for compliant drain systems. What started as a Southern California sales manager role quickly evolved into West Coast coverage, then national responsibilities, eventually leading to his recent promotion to president. This progression illustrates how the pool industry rewards those who combine technical knowledge with business acumen and genuine passion for serving pool professionals.

Technical Excellence Rooted in Real-World Experience

While Pieri brought business expertise, Steve Barnes represents the technical soul of Aquastar. His journey began in 1984 at Caretaker Systems, where he cut his teeth testing pumps for in-floor cleaning systems. But what sets Barnes apart isn't just his technical background—it's his unique combination of pool industry expertise and real-world problem-solving skills honed through 37 years as a professional fireworks operator.

The fireworks really has been instrumental to the career because you have to deal with all of the authorities having jurisdictions, permits, it's explosives... You get a red tag on four o'clock on the fourth of July, you don't tell 200,000 people, hey, come back tomorrow.

— Steve Barnes, Pool Chasers Podcast

This unique background has proven invaluable in Barnes' role chairing ANSI standards committees and developing products that meet real-world demands. His experience dealing with high-pressure situations and complex permitting processes translates directly to creating pool equipment that passes inspections and performs reliably in the field. Barnes currently chairs the drain cover standard committee and has been instrumental in developing federal VGBA drain cover standards since 2002.

Explosive Growth Demands Strategic Expansion

The numbers behind Aquastar's growth tell a compelling story. The company now operates seven buildings within two square miles of each other in Ventura, California, with plans for an eighth location already in motion. Their latest addition, a 100,000 square foot facility that opened in early 2023, represents more than just additional space—it's a fundamental reimagining of their manufacturing process.

The new facility solved critical efficiency problems that had developed as Aquastar scaled. Previously, components were molded in one building, transported to another for assembly, then moved again for shipping. This process was particularly problematic for larger items like skimmers and filters, which consume significant space during transport due to their size and air volume.

I looked around and I'm like, how in the world are we going to fill this place? And that didn't take long... we actually started looking for another building about three months ago.

— Todd Pieri, Pool Chasers Podcast

The new facility consolidates molding, assembly, and shipping under one roof, dramatically improving efficiency while positioning the company for continued growth. The fact that they're already seeking additional space just months after moving into their largest facility yet speaks to the robust demand for Aquastar's expanding product lines.

Product Innovation Driving Market Expansion

While Aquastar built its reputation on VGBA-compliant drains, the company has strategically expanded into pumps, filters, and ozone systems. Their Pipeline Filter has gained particular attention in the market, with pool professionals like Justin "The Bearded Plumber" Bowie becoming early adopters for their own installations.

The company's approach to product development reflects their deep understanding of what pool professionals actually need in the field. Rather than creating products in isolation, Aquastar focuses on solving real problems faced by installers, service technicians, and pool owners. This philosophy extends from basic components like water stops on fittings to innovative solutions like their circle drains and channel drain systems.

Their PureStar Ozone system represents another strategic expansion, moving Aquastar into water treatment technology. This diversification not only opens new revenue streams but also positions the company as a more comprehensive solution provider for pool professionals who prefer working with fewer, more reliable suppliers.

Culture of Supporting Pool Professionals

What attracted Barnes to leave a multi-billion dollar corporation for Aquastar was the company's unwavering focus on supporting pool professionals. This isn't just marketing speak—it's embedded in their product development philosophy and business operations.

What was just so impressive to me about AquaStar and why I made that big career decision to go from a multi-billion dollar company to the wild ride that is AquaStar is the attention of the whole company, the culture of focusing what the trades, the pool pro needs.

— Steve Barnes, Pool Chasers Podcast

This focus manifests in practical ways: designing products that are easier to install, creating solutions for common field problems, and maintaining the flexibility that comes with being a smaller, more agile organization. While larger competitors may take months or years to respond to market needs, Aquastar can pivot quickly to address emerging requirements.

The company's rapid delivery of VGBA-compliant drains when the legislation hit exemplifies this approach. While the industry scrambled to understand new requirements, Aquastar was already shipping solutions, establishing themselves as the go-to source for compliant products.

Looking Ahead: Sustainable Growth and Market Position

As Pieri noted, staying focused on fundamentals has been key to Aquastar's success, even when the pace of growth makes it difficult to pause and appreciate their achievements. The company's approach of organic growth, strategic facility expansion, and careful product line extensions suggests they're building for long-term success rather than pursuing unsustainable rapid expansion.

Their continued investment in manufacturing capacity, combined with their established reputation for quality and service, positions Aquastar well for the ongoing evolution of the pool industry. As energy efficiency requirements become more stringent and installation complexity increases, having a supplier that understands both the technical and practical aspects of pool construction becomes increasingly valuable.

The pool industry has always been relationship-driven, and Aquastar's growth story demonstrates how combining technical expertise, operational excellence, and genuine focus on customer needs can create sustainable competitive advantages. As they prepare to add their eighth building and continue expanding their product lines, Aquastar appears well-positioned to capitalize on continued growth in the pool industry while maintaining the agility and customer focus that got them here.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Congratulations
• 05:30 Todd Pieri's Journey from Pool Corp to Aquastar President
• 12:15 Steve Barnes' Technical Background and Fireworks Career
• 18:45 New Facility and Expansion Plans
• 25:20 Product Line Evolution and Innovation
• 32:10 Company Culture and Supporting Pool Professionals