Power Women: Danielle Bahr

Before becoming director of the Swimming Pool Pro Alliance, Danielle Bahr was still deciding what she wanted her future to look like. “I was doing hair and doing all the other things, just trying to figure out what I was going to do with my life,” she says. But the pool industry was never far from her story.

Her parents built pools for years, running a warranty station and small store, and Bahr grew up watching firsthand what it takes to succeed in this business. “The pool industry has always been in my blood,” she explains. 

Bahr’s career shifted when she began working in insurance and realized pool pros weren’t always fully protected. 

“There were several things [where] if I were the one representing this policy, I didn’t feel comfortable or feel like the professionals were being protected the way I would want to do it,” she says. 

She started making calls, pitching a program built specifically for pool professionals — one that truly understood the risks of working in backyards every day.

Her persistence paid off. At just 25, she found herself sitting at a glass table overlooking the San Diego Bay, surrounded by investors.

“I just showed my passion,” she says. “I was like, ‘Look, I want to protect these pool professionals. … Please just support me.’ ” 

Less than a week later, she got the call: They wanted to back her.

Today, SPPA has grown into one of the largest programs of its kind, serving nearly 4,000 members nationwide. Even with thousands of members, she stays closely connected to the pros she serves.

“Every year, I ask my members, ‘Is there something that you want? Is there something that you don’t want?’ ” she says. “I’m fighting for them every year.” 

While Bahr isn’t servicing pools or installing equipment, her work directly impacts the people who do.

“It protects them,” Bahr says simply. “What we offer is completely customized for the pool professional.” 

Over the years, she’s seen claims many service pros would never imagine: accidents with pets, chemical burns, even tragic drownings. Bahr makes it her mission to remind members that protection isn’t optional — it’s essential. Today, she’s also working to expand what SPPA can offer, including excess liability options that make coverage easier and more accessible.

Beyond policy details, Bahr believes the pool industry’s strength comes from its people and the way they support one another.

“Everyone in the pool industry is a competitor, yet they’re helping each other out,” she says. “Where do you ever see that?” 

For other women in the industry, Bahr wants them to know there are plenty of people offering support.

“There is so much knowledge in this industry and so many people willing to put out their hand and help,” she says. 

Bahr defines success through impact, not titles or recognition. “[I want to hear people say] ‘We never had those coverages before, and she was the one who brought them to the industry,’ ” she says. 

Outside of SPPA, Bahr is balancing an incredibly full life. She and her husband run multiple businesses together, and she’s also a mother — a role she describes with honesty and vulnerability.

“I get a ton of mom guilt,” she admits. “I’m working all the time.” 

Through it all, she credits her husband as her biggest supporter. “He has been my No. 1 cheerleader,” she says. “He’s always the one like, ‘Are you kidding? You’ve got this.’ ” 

Bahr attributes much of her drive to the example she grew up with. “I get my work ethic, family values and love for the pool industry from my parents,” she says. And even now, with thousands of members, she still approaches her work personally. “When I talk to a pool professional over the phone, I don’t feel like I’m talking to someone I’m selling to,” she says. “I feel like I’m talking to a friend.”

Danielle’s Toolbox

A must-have tool: My phone

Best on-the-job time-saving tip: I have ADHD, so my notes in my phone are always helpful. If I didn’t have that, I’d have the hardest time getting things done. Also the alarm on my phone keeps me dialed in.

A habit that helps you reset: Momma Juice, aka having a glass of wine after a stressful workday, and trips to La Paz, Mexico, after stressful work seasons.

A mentor or peer who shaped how you work: My husband, Jaime. He is my No. 1 cheerleader. He is so smart when it comes to business. I can always bounce things off him, and he always has positive feedback. Plus, he thinks I am really funny.

Your go-to caffeine order: Americano or iced green tea

Music to get you through the day: I’m all about country! I don’t care what it is, but you will always find me playing country music in the background.