Steve Barnes

Steve Barnes has a diverse range of work experience in various roles related to pool products and systems. Steve started their career at Caretaker Systems, Inc in 1984, where they served as the Director of Research and Development, overseeing the design, development, and manufacturing launch of the Caretaker99 Pop-Up and the introduction of PebbleTec into the US pool market.

In 1997, Barnes became the President of Innovate by Design, Inc, a product design firm specializing in injection molded parts and systems. During their time there, they utilized ProEngineer 3D CAD/CAM to produce multiple swimming pool cleaning and circulation systems components, as well as designed and patented a consumer product.

From 1999 to 2005, Barnes joined Paramount Pool and Spa Systems as the Manager of Research & Development. In this role, they used ProEngineer to design injection molded products and significantly reduced time to market by concurrently designing mold cavity and cores. Notable products developed during their tenure include VGB compliant suction outlets and the PV3 Pop-up cleaning heads.

In 2005, Barnes moved on to Pentair Aquatic Systems, where they served as the Safety and Compliance Manager until 2014. During their time there, they ensured product safety and compliance with regulations.

Following their work at Pentair Aquatic Systems, Barnes joined the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance in 2005 as the PTHA Standards Policy Committee Chair. In this role, they contributed to the development of industry standards.

In 2014, Barnes joined AquaStar Pool Products as the Director of Science and Compliance. As a member of the senior leadership team, they were responsible for product compliance and future products and standards research. Steve also designed a laboratory with high precision flow and pressure calibration for product certification purposes.

Barnes retired in 2018 from their role as a pyrotechnical operator, choreographer, and producer at Fireworks Productions of Arizona, Ltd, where they were in charge of designing and supervising professional fireworks displays.

Steve Barnes attended Arizona State University from 1990 to 1991, where they studied engineering. Prior to that, from 1982 to 1983, they attended Ottawa University and specialized in Aviation Maintenance - Airframe and Power Plant. Additionally, Steve obtained a Certified Pool/Spa Operator certification from the National Swimming Pool Foundation in May 2012. Steve also holds certification in Outdoor & Indoor/Theatrical Fireworks from the City of Phoenix Fire Department - Fire Prevention and is a certified Pyrotechnician through the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.