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SPN JUN 2010 Lockers&ChangingRooms
TOP ‘COMPLAINTS’ IN AND AROUND THE POOL
• Lack of ‘closed’ showers • Poor quality towels • Inadequate security / no lockers
• Nowhere to sit
maintain and ideal for humid or wet environments. Long-lasting solid plastic lockers are the next generation in lockers as they never need repainting and will not rust, dent or delaminate. Besides appearance and upkeep of the two materials, there is also a cost difference between plastic and metal lockers.
Metal lockers may initially cost less, but calculated over a 20- year lifecycle, the plastic lockers will actually come out to be less per locker than metal because of painting, door replacement and other maintenance that adds up. Specialist company
Lockers4changingrooms have dealt with the space problem by providing a new style pod locker. Each Probe Locker features an integral air vented system, a micro sprung disc lock, 5 knuckle hinges, welded front frame and internal door strengtheners. The standard lock has a micro sprung 10 disc lock featuring 3,000 serial combinations– all exclusive to Probe.
Continental Sports say that swimming pool locker and changing rooms can create a tough environment. The area is invariably wet and damp. Said a spokesman: “We have designed locker and changing room facilities for the harshest of environments. All materials and fittings have been chosen for their strength and resistance to water and humidity. Extruded aluminium door frame uprights and aluminum bodies are combined with 13mm solid grade laminate doors and end panels. This is 25% thicker laminate than that used by many manufacturers.
Beyond the lockers themselves, other design elements such as lighting can help create an inviting locker room atmosphere. Better lighting warms up the space and makes visitors feel more comfortable. Using recessed lights over vanity areas, for example, rather than harsh florescent strip lights can make users feel right at home. Another
• Dangerous wet or slippery floors
consideration is energy efficient lamps and automated lighting controls to reduce energy use. Bringing in natural light or indirect light with skylights or clerestory windows is another option. If adding day lighting in locker rooms, privacy will likely be an issue, so windows should be provided with obscure or opaque glazing.
Flooring around lockers, shower areas and restrooms should be factored into any possible upgrades. Smelly, mildewed carpeting and cracked cement floors are a turn off and can also pose safety hazards.
Group hand-washing stations and new multi-height lavatories maximise restroom space and allow users to quickly move in and out of the hand washing area. Built in soap dispensers that drip right into the bowl and infrared sensors ensure water is not left running – these features save money and keep restrooms tidier. Replacing toilet partitions with new ones that coordinate with contemporary colour schemes is another easy fix. Baked enamel partitions are the least expensive option, while stainless steel partitions are on the high end. In between, there is plastic laminate, phenolic and solid plastic. Matching or
complementing rest-rooms with new locker materials will give these areas a coordinated and professional feel.
A luxurious locker room can help to sell memberships; but, while members want a beautiful and well-laid-out space, you want an area that is as safe and secure as possible.
“Locker rooms are the number one hazard of the pool area,” says ex Trading Standards Officer and insurance advisor Peter Missenden: “You’ve got to take appropriate action to prevent accidents. There are plenty of hazards all over. Think of slippery wet areas, dangerous hair dryer thefts from unlocked lockers – these lead to real safety and liability issues, so you need to do your best to prevent them so you and the public are not caught off-guard.
There are many locker-securing options, and each mechanism has its pluses and minuses. Missenden has found that the one type of lock that seems to work well, however, is the pin pad system. While “it is still susceptible to a large screwdriver,” he says, it’s a good choice. Swain suggests that fitness centres do not provide locks for member use, due to the possibility of opening the facility
Investment in high quality locker rooms won't cost the earth and research has shown how important it is to visitors
www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk
It's essential to have a clean, well-designed locker room tokeep patrons happy. The room should be comfortable and well lit
to liability. “Clubs should avoid providing locks, because, if a member’s possessions are stolen, a club may be held responsible,” says Swain. “I have seen some clubs provide pay-to-use lockers. With these lockers, once payment is made, the member receives a key that must be returned to the lock in order to open it. This type of locker is okay, as it transfers the security to the members until they return the key. As a side note, clubs should secure all lockers to the wall, so they cannot tip over. Lockers should be inspected periodically to make sure they are free of defects that can cause an injury to the user.” Any safety measure, however, is no substitute for good, old- fashioned footwork. Managers on duty should walk through to ensure the safety of patrons, their valuables and their facility. A staff member’s presence will prevent the temptation for mischief, and ensure that you find any members with a medical emergency (or other need) in time. A rule of thumb is to circulate the entire building every 15 minutes.
Locker rooms may seem behind the scenes, but it is a smart business strategy to give them just as much attention as lobby areas or other public spaces. Amy Enticott adds: ”It’s a harsh fact but the public can be easily put off these days and won’t accept pool facilities in and around pools. Businesses have to work harder to offer perhaps not luxury but good quality well maintained and safe facilities.” spn
i FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
F CONTINENTAL SPORTS
( 01484 542051
:
www.continentalsports.co.uk
F HELMSMAN
( 01284 727600
:
www.helmsman.co.uk
F LEISURE INNOVATIONS
( 020 8300 1889
:
www.leisureinnovations.com
F LOCKERS4CHANGINGROOMS
( 0845 345 6825
:
www.lockers4changingrooms.co.uk
F WASHROOM WASHROOM LTD
( 0845 470 3000
:
www.washroom.co.uk
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