Floating Pools & Future Rules: Kevin Post on +POOL, CMAHC, and Mentoring

The Vision of Swimming in New York's Rivers

Imagine diving into crystal-clear water while floating in the middle of New York's bustling waterways. This isn't science fiction—it's the revolutionary Plus Pool project that's been in development for nearly two decades. Kevin Post, CEO of Councilman Hunsaker, one of the industry's most established aquatic design engineering firms, is helping turn this ambitious dream into reality.

It's a modern filtration method that, in a single pass, would create swimmable water in the river. So the idea is this Plus Pool... It's meant to be a community pool, and each of those, I would say, arms of the Plus is a different segment of the community. Shallow water, deep water, lap swimming.

— Kevin Post, Talking Pools Podcast

The Plus Pool represents more than just an innovative swimming facility—it's a paradigm shift in how we think about urban recreation and environmental stewardship. The plus-shaped design isn't just aesthetically pleasing; each arm serves different community needs, from shallow water areas for children to lap lanes for serious swimmers.

What makes this project truly groundbreaking is its dual purpose. While providing much-needed recreational space in land-scarce Manhattan, the floating pool simultaneously cleans the river water it processes. The filtration system works like fish gills, catching debris on both entry and exit, ensuring that water returns to the river cleaner than when it entered.

From Olympic Venues to Floating Innovations

Councilman Hunsaker's involvement in the Plus Pool project isn't surprising when you consider the company's pedigree. Founded in 1970 by industry legends Doc Councilman and Joe Hunsaker, the firm has been pushing aquatic boundaries for over five decades.

The company's portfolio reads like a who's who of aquatic facilities, including the 1996 Olympic facility in Atlanta. With offices in St. Louis, Denver, Dallas, and Carlsbad, plus expanding operations in Michigan, Councilman Hunsaker has established itself as a national leader in aquatic design engineering.

This experience with high-profile, technically challenging projects makes them uniquely qualified to tackle something as ambitious as the Plus Pool. The project requires not just aquatic expertise but also naval engineering capabilities to ensure the floating structure can safely operate in river conditions.

We have naval engineers that are working on the actual basin because it is going to float like a barge in the water.

— Kevin Post, Talking Pools Podcast

A Scalable Solution for Urban America

The Plus Pool concept addresses a fundamental challenge facing urban America: the lack of accessible recreational swimming facilities in areas that need them most. Post points out a crucial insight about urban development patterns that makes this project so significant.

Every major city we think of was done on a major waterway. That was how our network of everything was tied together. Now those areas are built out. There's no space for a large pool. That land is too premium for business or housing. But they probably have a dirty waterway right there.

— Kevin Post, Talking Pools Podcast

This observation reveals the true potential of the Plus Pool concept. It's not just about New York—virtually every major American city sits on a waterway that could potentially host similar facilities. Cities like Chicago on Lake Michigan, San Francisco on the Bay, or New Orleans on the Mississippi could all benefit from floating pool technology.

The current phase involves a test installation—a floating barge with the filtration system that will serve as proof of concept before the full Plus Pool is permanently installed. This methodical approach allows engineers to validate the technology and address any challenges before full-scale deployment.

Navigating Regulatory Waters

One of the most complex aspects of the Plus Pool project involves regulatory compliance. Traditional pool health codes don't account for floating facilities that process river water, creating unique challenges for approval and operation.

The project team is working to balance traditional pool water sanitation standards with swimming beach regulations. Instead of monitoring chlorine levels—since chlorinated water can't be returned to a river ecosystem—the focus shifts to E. coli levels and bacteria growth patterns.

This regulatory innovation could pave the way for similar projects nationwide, establishing new standards for floating aquatic facilities. The work being done now in New York may well become the template for urban waterway swimming facilities across the country.

The Future of Aquatic Health Codes

Post's role as board president of the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC) puts him at the center of another industry transformation. The organization faces significant challenges as CDC funding—its primary support for over a decade—becomes uncertain.

The CDC has never had a history of indefinitely funding initiatives like this. They typically set up the seed funding for the initial three to five years and hope that it becomes a self-sustaining. So we had already passed the typical length of CDC support.

— Kevin Post, Talking Pools Podcast

Rather than viewing this as a crisis, Post sees it as an opportunity for CMAHC to evolve into a self-sustaining organization that can better serve the industry's needs. The organization is exploring new revenue streams, identifying industry gaps they can fill, and seeking partnerships with other industry organizations.

This transition could actually strengthen CMAHC's position in the long term, making it less dependent on government funding cycles and more responsive to industry needs. The organization's unique structure, bringing together health officials, aquatics professionals, and pool industry representatives, positions it well for this evolution.

The Power of Industry Mentorship

Post's recognition as one of the top 10 mentors in the pool industry highlights another crucial aspect of professional development: the importance of giving back. His long tenure in the industry and diverse experience make him a valuable resource for emerging professionals.

When asked why he stays in the pool industry, Post's response reveals the passion that drives true industry leaders:

I always tell people once you're in, it's just hard to get out... I just love the fact that I can come and talk about pools and water safety. And it's my job. And everyone I surround myself with has the same thoughts and ideas.

— Kevin Post, Talking Pools Podcast

This sentiment reflects a broader truth about the pool industry—it attracts people who are genuinely passionate about water safety, recreation, and the technical challenges of maintaining aquatic facilities. The industry's collaborative spirit, evident in organizations like CMAHC and projects like the Plus Pool, creates an environment where mentorship naturally flourishes.

Looking Toward Tomorrow's Aquatic Landscape

The convergence of projects like the Plus Pool and organizations like CMAHC represents the pool industry's evolution toward greater sustainability, innovation, and public service. Post's work exemplifies how industry leaders can drive positive change while building successful businesses.

The Plus Pool project, if successful, could revolutionize urban recreation while addressing environmental concerns. Its filtration technology might find applications beyond swimming pools, potentially contributing to broader water treatment solutions. The regulatory framework being developed could enable similar projects in cities worldwide.

Meanwhile, CMAHC's transition to self-sustainability could create a more robust, responsive organization better equipped to address emerging challenges like cold plunge safety, new sanitization technologies, and evolving public health requirements.

As the pool industry continues to evolve, leaders like Kevin Post demonstrate that success comes not just from technical expertise, but from vision, collaboration, and a commitment to advancing the entire industry. Whether floating in rivers or adapting to new funding models, the future of aquatic facilities will be shaped by professionals willing to think beyond traditional boundaries and work together toward innovative solutions.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Kevin Post Background
• 05:30 The Plus Pool Project Overview
• 12:15 Councilman Hunsaker Company History
• 18:45 Urban Recreation Challenges
• 25:20 CMAHC Leadership and Future
• 32:10 Industry Mentorship Discussion