
All photos courtesy Jimi Smith and Bo Barnett
Under the radar, some of the nation's most skilled pool pros have been joining a low-profile, high-caliber society: Tributary Revelation.
The group describes itself as βa network of innovative industry leaders, including architects, designers and contractors, collaborating to create the worldβs premier landscapes, luxury pools and outdoor living spaces.β With aspirations of raising the bar for the industry as a whole, members have access to next-level education, connections and resources. βWeβre trying to build the best pools in the world,β says Bo Barnett, president of KB Custom Pools in Kyle, Texas, and active Tributary member. βWeβre trying to take our craft to another level. We all have the same goal: we want to make this industry better.β

ORIGIN STORY
Years ago, Jeromey Naugle of Premier Paradise and Kurt Kraisinger of LORAX, both renowned pool designers and builders, founded Tributary believing that by assembling a vibrant group of the industryβs best, they could reach new heights in their quest for pool construction greatness.
Since then, the group has evolved and membership has grown to about 30 individuals. βEach member tries to contribute something different,β Barnett explains. The group is open to anyone, but thereβs a reason the numbers are low β Tributary only wants the best. Interested applicants must submit a portfolio and client references for intense review.
βMembers are highly vetted before they get in,β says Barnett, having gone through the process himself. After his company β KB Custom Pools β began winning awards a few years ago, recognition exposed him to a Tributary member who explained the groupβs mission. It didnβt take long for him to apply.
βTributary reached out to the folks that Iβve built for to understand how I run my business and whatβs important to me,β he says. βEventually, I was lucky enough to be accepted.β

DESTINATION EDUCATION
To be the best, youβve got to train with the best. βWe have contributions from experts in the field from, quite literally, all over the world,β Barnett says.
Tributary takes a βhands-onβ approach to education as it pursues the next level of mastery: Pre-COVID, the group traveled far and frequently for intensive, on-site training.
βThe way that we learn, being hands-on and traveling as a groupβ¦ asking questions there in the moment β personally, that has changed my life,β says Barnett.
In 2019, for example, Tributary traveled to Italy for mentorship at Litokolβs facility north of Bologna. βThat trip completely changed my perspective,β says Barnett. βWhen we flew out, I didnβt know how to apply epoxy grout correctly. [Litokol] taught us how they want the specific product installed, what grouts they feel are the best grout combinations for their glass, and why that adhesion process is so important.β
These trips are possible thanks to tight-knit vendor relationships. Tributary believes that doing the best work in the industry is dependent on using the best products available β and really understanding them.
βThe vendors get exposure. They all also get the value of their applicators understanding their process, and how they want their product installed,β explains Barnett. βWhen we start pushing products from certain vendors that have allowed us to visit their facility and understand their process... thatβs really where I find a lot of unique opportunities, with clients that arenβt getting that from other pool builders.β
The selection process for vendors is just as intense as it is for potential members. βEven a discount doesnβt mean weβre going to push a certain product,β says Barnett. βItβs a vetted process to make sure the materials that weβre using are some of the best in the world.β

TRUE COMMUNITY
Though its members are spread across vastly different locations, Tributary fosters a deeply collaborative spirit. Beyond monthly zoom meetings and travel for training, the group functions as a referral community. Members often tap other members for sections of projects, because the Tributary name establishes a sense of credibility and trust.
βCollaborations happen all the time within the group. Iβve had a member come to Austin to do my tile work before,β says Barnett. βIf I have a swimming pool thatβs going to be done in glass tile, I know who Iβll get to do it.β
Tributary members end up mentoring one another, as well. βItβs kind of like a family β itβs real access. These people will answer the phone when I call, and theyβll answer questions that I have,β says Barnett. βItβs given me the confidence to be able to take on projects that I traditionally would shy away from, because of the extensive education needed to accomplish some of those builds.β
Last year, the group traveled to Barnettβs own company for a review and critique session.
βTraditionally, what we do is we look at pools from the start of someoneβs career to something that is maybe six months old,β says Barnett. βThatβs one aspect that I absolutely love about it β itβs a vulnerability that will allow you to grow, because you have some of the sharpest minds in the world talking to you about things that you could do differently or things that you excel at. And thatβs extremely valuable.β
βIβm very proud of this group,β he continues. βIβm always looking for ways to better myself, better my community and better my company. And these guys have helped with everything from personal matters to how to actually run a business. So thatβs a huge part of what this group gives. Itβs not only about how to build a great pool β itβs how to live a great life.β
This article first appeared in the February 2022 issue of AQUA Magazine β the top resource for retailers, builders and service pros in the pool and spa industry. Subscriptions to the print magazine are free to all industry professionals. Click here to subscribe.