Education and innovation drive momentum at NESPA show

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Industry leaders highlight how hands-on learning and engagement continue to shape the pool and spa sector. 

Education and engagement continue to anchor progress in the pool and spa industry, a dynamic clearly on display at the Northeast Spa and Pool Association (NESPA) show. Despite severe weather disrupting travel, manufacturers and professionals still converged on the event, reinforcing its role as a critical hub for connection, training and industry advancement. That emphasis on learning and collaboration was highlighted in a conversation between Karol Wyman of OutdoorCoffeeShop™ and Steve Barnes, director of science and compliance at AquaStar Pool Products. At the center of their discussion was AquaStar’s role in supporting both product innovation and the standards that guide the industry forward. Steve described the company’s focus on core pool systems, explaining, “We manufacture everything that moves water in and out of the pool and almost everything on the pad, pumps, filters and we're young company.” 

From that foundation, the conversation moved naturally into the broader ecosystem surrounding product development, one shaped as much by education as by engineering. Steve pointed to AquaStar’s involvement in standards development and training, aligning those efforts with NESPA’s reputation as a leading educational platform. He noted, “NESPA I think is one of the greatest shows for education and just engagement with customers.” 

That reputation is reinforced through interactive learning opportunities designed to translate technical knowledge into practical skill. The show’s water wall concept, for example, allows attendees to work directly with equipment in a hands-on environment. Steve, who was involved in the initiative during its early years, emphasized its lasting impact, noting that the event sets the standard for combining real-world application with industry collaboration. 

Even external challenges demonstrated the show’s significance. As Karol observed, attendees traveled long distances and adjusted plans to ensure they could participate, reflecting a shared recognition of the value NESPA delivers to the industry. 

That forward momentum extends beyond the show floor. Looking ahead, AquaStar is preparing to expand its product offerings across multiple categories. While specifics remain limited, Steve expressed the pace and scope of development, saying, “We've got so many things coming out, but we have major additions to the equipment pad. We have stuff for public pools. We have some new fittings and things. We’re moving so fast I can't keep track of it.”  

Together, those developments point to an industry that continues to evolve through a combination of innovation, education and sustained collaboration, principles that remain at the core of the NESPA experience. 

Watch the full interview to learn more about how education, hands-on training and innovation at NESPA are shaping the future of the pool and spa industry!