Is your swimming pool losing visitors to more exciting options that offer more ways for patrons to play? If so, it’s time to think about how you attract more visitors back to your facility by adding products with high play value.
Q. Our pool features plenty of basic activities like swim lessons, water aerobics and recreational swim times, but we’re still losing visitors. How can we get people to come back to our pool?
A. Consider adding modular inflatable play products to expand your recreational programming possibilities. Simple to set up, modular inflatables are a cost-effective way to offer a more diverse array of programming that will attract more patrons to your pool.
By adding an inflatable obstacle course to your pool, you’ll create a fun, challenging environment that will get people coming back time and again for a little friendly competition. From skillful balancing to thrilling options like a twisting and turning upward climb or a daring jump around the corners to a jump through the target into the water to finish the course, an inflatable obstacle track will provide thrills and spills that are fun for participants and spectators alike.
Q. How can we use our inflatables creatively to improve attendance at the pool?
A. Because they are modular, you can mix and match your pool inflatables to create a new experience on every visit. They are especially attractive to difficult-to-reach demographics like tweens and teens, providing a fun and thrilling experience they can share with their friends, in person and beyond.
You can further boost your revenues by providing facility rentals—especially effective during times when your facility is less busy. Events like birthday parties can fill your pool at times when you might otherwise experience a slowdown. What’s more, these parties can draw new visitors to experience your facility who will spread the word about the fun and thrills.
Another way to boost attendance is to host a competition. Use your social media and other outreach methods to get the word out that you’re looking for competitors to take on your obstacle course—and one another!—in a little friendly competition. These kinds of events will draw participants who want to show off their balance, coordination and motor skills, along with spectators who love to watch the competition, providing a boost to attendance as well as concession sales.
Q. What else should we consider?
A. Be sure to ask about the appropriate ages for your modular inflatables, and find out the maximum recommended number of users.
If your facility tends to host a lot of smaller children, you should consider adding inflatables designed specifically for this audience, with easier challenges that can help children grow their confidence and problem-solving skills. Or, if you have multiple pools with varying depths, consider providing a shallow-water experience for the younger kids, with a more thrilling obstacle course installed in your deeper pool.
Inflatables that feature multiple points of entry will maximize usage and provide for more active play, so be sure your inflatables provide more than one way for swimmers to get out of the water.
Safety is always important in the pool environment, so be sure to ask about minimum water depths, as well as any safety barriers that might be required. Entrapment hazards should also be avoided. Pool booms can provide a safe method for anchoring your inflatables, especially useful for products with greater height as the pool boom protects against sliding or jumping.
For More Information
Recreonics Inc.
800-428-3254
www.recreonics.com