I was just reading the '60s thread, where someone mentioned that pools are more expensive now. I'm curious what is driving the costs. Initial investment, or keeping the pool going? Materials, construction labor, insurance, lifeguards, pool chemicals/maintenance? (In other words, is there one specific thing where, if we could find a cost-effective alternative, it would encourage more pools to be built.)
Right now this is academic, but after I win that big lottery ticket, this information will come in handy. :D
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OKay everything costs, for the most part chemicals are probably one of the cheapest items on my budget. My monthly utilities (gas to heat the pool, electricity and water) and staffing costs are the biggest, depending on the weather and programs I am conducting those costs can be around $10, 000 per month each (roughly 1/4 million per year for staff and utilities) that is just to keep things running - then add in replacement of the big items in a few years, new pump, filter tank, regrout the pool, underwater lights and you can see why running a pool can be very expensive. You have to be really creative and know your market to make things be cost effective. I used to work at an indoor waterpark (which also had a lap pool and swim teams) the first couple of years we made money, sure it was a modest few thousand profit compared to the 1.5 million dollar operating budget - no new attractions were added and in a few years people lost intrest and things began to break from wear and tear, after about 6 years when I left the Aquatic Park was recovering about 80% of its cost - the national average for swimm ing facilities is about 50% - so I really don't think a swimming pool is ever going to be truely cost effective without throwing in some of the thrill value.
OKay everything costs, for the most part chemicals are probably one of the cheapest items on my budget. My monthly utilities (gas to heat the pool, electricity and water) and staffing costs are the biggest, depending on the weather and programs I am conducting those costs can be around $10, 000 per month each (roughly 1/4 million per year for staff and utilities) that is just to keep things running - then add in replacement of the big items in a few years, new pump, filter tank, regrout the pool, underwater lights and you can see why running a pool can be very expensive. You have to be really creative and know your market to make things be cost effective. I used to work at an indoor waterpark (which also had a lap pool and swim teams) the first couple of years we made money, sure it was a modest few thousand profit compared to the 1.5 million dollar operating budget - no new attractions were added and in a few years people lost intrest and things began to break from wear and tear, after about 6 years when I left the Aquatic Park was recovering about 80% of its cost - the national average for swimm ing facilities is about 50% - so I really don't think a swimming pool is ever going to be truely cost effective without throwing in some of the thrill value.
