I'm currently in the process of putting together a committee to start planning for a new aquatic facility in our area. I'm asking all of you to help me make a list of the things that should go into a facility if you had unlimited resources and space. I want to start my project with the biggest dream possible and then have it brought back to earth by money limitations, etc.
What I'm looking for are comments about our own facilities features that work well, that you would never do again, that you would change, that you would do differently, and what you wish you could have. I want to hear from experience.... What makes your facility work so well or why you pool is the arm pit of pools. Here is an example:
I've learned from one pool that they should have built a permanent wall between their lap pool and their zero depth entry rec. pool. The building is so noisy they can barely run a meet if people are in the recreation pool. Don't leave anything untouched (pool size, deck space, configuration, locker rooms, office space, outdoor facilities, observation seating, etc.)
Our initial plan is to build a 50 meter indoor, with adjacent recreation pool, and an outdoor splash area for the hot summers. We are one mile above sea level and our winters go from October to May. I'm hoping all you can help with the things you have all learned from the many years we have been swimming.
This is probably THE MOST IMPORTANT thing you can do!!! Have a seperate warm pool for lessons, "noodlers", hydrotherapy and hydroaerobics. This way you can keep the competition/training pool cool for swimmers.
We have a separate pool and it works wonderfully. The competition pool is quite chilly.
I also suggest:
(1) a large hottub, which is great after practicing in a chilly pool;
(2) not having the locker rooms located at the end of the plumbing line or you will be stuck with cold/lukewarm showers after practice (this is our fate);
(3) having suit spinners in the locker rooms;
(4) having more bathrooms in the ladies locker room (The USS kids are always changing in them when the adults need to use them. The men, at least from what I've heard, are peeing in the pool. Seriously, my facility is doing some reconstruction and the college coach made this exact request.);
(5) consider bromine instead of chlorine;
(6) make the pool deep, obviously, with wide gutters;
(7) put in vending machines so you can grab waters/gatorade etc. when you forget them;
(8) we have a VASA machine stationed in our pool, which some of our swimmers like to use;
(9) do not install a permanent lifeguard chair next to where a starter/referee would stand during swim meets;
(10) install multiple built-in pace clocks, so that when you put in a bulk head for SCY or SCM, they are at both ends of each pool. make sure they are synchronized.
(11) this isn't related to construction, but do not rent the pool out 24/7 on weekends or you will have grumpy masters swimmers who miss their sat. & sun. practices.
(12) make sure the back stroke flags are correctly placed. I've been to quite a few pools where they are not.
(13) I find there is never enough seating at any USS meet I attend. So, if possible, get as much spectator seating as you can.
Good luck with the project!
This is probably THE MOST IMPORTANT thing you can do!!! Have a seperate warm pool for lessons, "noodlers", hydrotherapy and hydroaerobics. This way you can keep the competition/training pool cool for swimmers.
We have a separate pool and it works wonderfully. The competition pool is quite chilly.
I also suggest:
(1) a large hottub, which is great after practicing in a chilly pool;
(2) not having the locker rooms located at the end of the plumbing line or you will be stuck with cold/lukewarm showers after practice (this is our fate);
(3) having suit spinners in the locker rooms;
(4) having more bathrooms in the ladies locker room (The USS kids are always changing in them when the adults need to use them. The men, at least from what I've heard, are peeing in the pool. Seriously, my facility is doing some reconstruction and the college coach made this exact request.);
(5) consider bromine instead of chlorine;
(6) make the pool deep, obviously, with wide gutters;
(7) put in vending machines so you can grab waters/gatorade etc. when you forget them;
(8) we have a VASA machine stationed in our pool, which some of our swimmers like to use;
(9) do not install a permanent lifeguard chair next to where a starter/referee would stand during swim meets;
(10) install multiple built-in pace clocks, so that when you put in a bulk head for SCY or SCM, they are at both ends of each pool. make sure they are synchronized.
(11) this isn't related to construction, but do not rent the pool out 24/7 on weekends or you will have grumpy masters swimmers who miss their sat. & sun. practices.
(12) make sure the back stroke flags are correctly placed. I've been to quite a few pools where they are not.
(13) I find there is never enough seating at any USS meet I attend. So, if possible, get as much spectator seating as you can.
Good luck with the project!
