All paths lead to innovation

By Jesse Sanchez. 

AquaStar’s vertically integrated approach combines industry experience, safety expertise and field feedback to solve challenges for pool professionals. 

AquaStar Pool Products has built its business around a straightforward idea: Listen to the professionals working in the field, identify their challenges and develop practical solutions. During this episode of From the Ground Up, Todd Pieri, AquaStar’s president, joined Steve Barnes and Michael Krause to discuss the experiences that shaped their careers and the company’s growth. 

Todd entered the pool industry in 2003 before joining AquaStar as the Southern California sales manager in 2010. After moving through national sales and executive leadership roles, he became president in 2023. Reflecting on his 15 years with the company, Todd described what initially attracted him to the manufacturer, explaining, “When I joined in 2010, I saw an American-based, privately held company that was very intriguing and I was lucky enough to sell them on hiring me.” 

Steve entered the pool business in 1984 and became involved in drain research, testing and safety standards. Steve explained, “I was involved in designing drains and testing drains for safety before there was a drain cover standard.” He now chairs the committee responsible for the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA) drain cover standard. 

Michael also brought hands-on experience to the company. He began working alongside his stepfather, a longtime pool service company owner, performing repairs, installations and pool maintenance before eventually operating his own business. Michael recalled, “I started when I was about 14, going and doing repairs and installs with him and learning the ropes.” 

Founded in 2003, AquaStar began as an injection molding company producing drain covers and other pool components. Todd noted that the company gained momentum by preparing multiple solutions as new federal drain cover requirements were taking effect. 

That growth continued through AquaStar’s vertically integrated operations in Ventura, California, where the company develops ideas, designs products, builds tooling and manufactures components. Todd emphasized the value of listening to installers, explaining, “We were able to go to the field, ask what problems were out there.” 

Steve expanded on that point, describing how the company’s structure connects product development to real-world needs. He observed, “The company was founded on people who install stuff inside the pool,” adding that feedback from tradespeople helps guide products across AquaStar’s catalog. 

For AquaStar, those field relationships continue to shape product development, safety efforts and future innovation. 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the conversation to learn more about how AquaStar combines hands-on industry experience, vertical integration and field feedback to address challenges for pool professionals!