Swimming Pool Scene AQUATIC PLAY


The Fun Factor Modern pools must meet the demands for aquatic play … ABOVE: Hippo Interactive Waterball at Basingstoke Aquadrome


Anyone with a young child knows that aquatic play features are a huge draw for any swimming pool and leisure centre. It can mean the difference between parents taking their children to the local municipal pool, which may only have very basic play features, or deciding on a longer journey to a facility packed with all manner of fun features such as inflatables, water cannons, flumes, slides and interactive play equipment. Of course, when there, that same family is also more likely to add value to their visit, at the very least by spending money on refreshments after their swim session. It’s difficult to put exact numbers on how big the UK aquatic play market is, but it is a healthy and growing sector. The public increasingly expects play and interaction, so facilities need to keep up with this demand. “It’s a growing sector, with more and more facilities looking to offer more than just a pool,” says Simon Smith of World Leisure that worked with Ribby Hall Village Holiday Park in Lancashire, the recent winner of four Gold awards at the UK Pool & Spa Awards 2017.


“With this increased demand, even new local authority facilities are adding wet play facilities to bring in more footfall and extra revenue,” adds Simon. “Holiday Parks also have to look at what they are offering and update facilities to attract more customers and increase dwell times. Dated and aging facilities are really not attractive could cause people to seek out newer, alternative sites with better attractions.”


This trend is confirmed by Tim Bareham, Managing Director of Cresta Leisure, who says that every holiday park project


32 Swimming Pool Scene AQUATIC PLAY


ABOVE: Certikin’s Aqua Drolics range is made from a combination of UV stabilised GRP, Marine Grade stainless steel and chemically resistant rubber.


they have undertaken in past five years has incorporated some element of interactive water play.


SUCCESS CRITERIA


Effective planning of any refurbishment or new build is critical to ensure the facility runs correctly, right from the start. “Good coordination is needed with the entire design team, including architects, structural engineers, mechanical engineers and the pool and play feature specialists as they all play a key part,” stresses Greg Wilson.


“Timescales can differ depending on the size of the project, but a minimum of three to six months planning is normally required to ensure all the design ties in and works prior to work


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