Swimming pools will always attract a certain number of people with programs like learn-to-swim and water aerobics, as well as basic recreational swim time, where visitors are free to enjoy the water as they see fit. But if your pool is losing visitors to more exciting options at other facilities, you should think of innovative ways to bring them back. The good news is that you don’t have to renovate or build an entirely new facility. Simply adding products with high play value to your pool can open the door to new visitors, increasing revenues and adding some excitement to your venue.
Beyond the Basics
Many pools already do a good job of meeting basic expectations for programs like swim lessons, water safety programs, recreational swimming, and sometimes even aquatic exercise options. You can take your pool beyond these basics by adding modular inflatable play products, expanding your recreational programming capabilities.
Modular inflatables are simple to install and remove, making them a great way to diversify your pool’s programming without making permanent changes to the facility’s infrastructure. And because they are modular, you can change up the layout of your pool’s inflatables, ensuring visitors will always experience something new.
Brightly colored inflatables will create an eye-catching draw to your outdoor facility, and indoor facilities can share photos and videos via social media and other outlets to help spread the word and draw in more swimmers.
Friendly Competition
There are many ways to use inflatables in your pool. You can simply set up a series of modular inflatables, open your doors, and let the fun begin. Or, you can create a competitive challenge, and encourage visitors to challenge themselves to an obstacle course race.
Inflatable obstacle courses are a fun way to add a competitive challenge to your pool. Contenders can skillfully balance, climb, jump around corners, jump through targets and more, providing a thrilling race for competitors, and an exciting experience for spectators. In addition to posting signage to let regular visitors know about your obstacle course competition, use your social media pages and other outreach methods to let potential competitors know you’ll be hosting a friendly challenge. You can boost the fun even further with participation ribbons, along with special prizes for the fastest, the most daring, or even the biggest wipeout.
In addition to hosting scheduled obstacle-course race days at your pool, you can further boost revenues with facility rentals. Birthday parties and other events will bring visitors to your pool during the times when your facility is less busy. Your team will easily be able to transition your pool from lap swimming in the early morning to lessons in the mid-morning, open swim in the afternoon, and a fun-filled inflatable party venue for the evening.
Inflatable Basics
Once you’ve decided to add modular inflatables to your pool, there’s a few things to keep in mind. Be sure to work with reputable suppliers who design products for heavy-duty use and for safety. Ask about the appropriate age range for your modular inflatables, as well as the maximum number of users.
To ensure your facility is as safe as possible, ask about minimum water depths and required safety barriers. Avoid entrapment hazards, and use pool booms to anchor your inflatables safety—particularly important for preventing unsafe sliding and jumping from taller inflatables.
Multiple points of entry won’t matter during your competition days, but when you’re using your inflatables for parties and simple recreation activities, providing multiple points of entry will maximize usage and make for a more active and engaging experience.
For More Information
Recreonics Inc.
800-428-3254
www.recreonics.com