Building the best pool facility possible...

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.
Parents
  • Good point, Lindsay. Most facilities I've belonged to require a monthly membership fee plus a separate fee for the swim team. I have yet to see a water aerobic class that is fee based, at our local pools anyway. One of my kid's teams pays $2400/mo for pool usage. I'm not complaining about this, it is a great pool and great coaching but it ain't cheap. Our Master's team pays around $250/mo for our pool time on top of the $90 each of us pay to use the Y monthly. But, our coach is worth every penny, along with our teammates. I do think, and you won't believe this, that water aerobes probably shouldn't be charged. The folks that do this are generally older and may have mobility restrictions. Therefore, this might be their only substantive exercise. I certainly would not be fair to exclude folks who need this, although the Y will never turn someone away for lack of money.
Reply
  • Good point, Lindsay. Most facilities I've belonged to require a monthly membership fee plus a separate fee for the swim team. I have yet to see a water aerobic class that is fee based, at our local pools anyway. One of my kid's teams pays $2400/mo for pool usage. I'm not complaining about this, it is a great pool and great coaching but it ain't cheap. Our Master's team pays around $250/mo for our pool time on top of the $90 each of us pay to use the Y monthly. But, our coach is worth every penny, along with our teammates. I do think, and you won't believe this, that water aerobes probably shouldn't be charged. The folks that do this are generally older and may have mobility restrictions. Therefore, this might be their only substantive exercise. I certainly would not be fair to exclude folks who need this, although the Y will never turn someone away for lack of money.
Children
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