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
Former Member
You said "unlimited funds" but I'd suggest you not present an ultimate pool for consideration if you are dealing with public funds. This is just a practical issue. It usually creates a negative impression if you go for luxury when taxpayers are involved.
I would emphasize elements that increase the versatility of the pool and create financial opportunities. Indoor competition pools are expensive. I believe Northside Independent School District in San Antonio spent $12M for their new indoor 50M pool (I have not seen it). The Josh Davis Natatorium in San Antonio is a competition quality SCY pool with generous elevated seating and cost about $5M. The Nitro swim team in Austin is just completing their indoor 50M pool (private funding).
Seating and parking is important because without it you can't attract large swim meets. Concrete seating is great but aluminum bleachers are adequate. Locker room space, capacity, and layout is probably more important than lockers. Deck space eases hosting of events. High school meets often have awards and need deck space for the 1-2-3 podiums. Consider locations for signage too - sponsors, pool records, etc.
If your pool will host an active diving program reserve space for a trampoline. Without diving boards (at least 1 and 3 meter) you probably can't host high school competition (well - Texas ties them together for high school).
If your pool will market to triathletes you might consider any other unique ways to appeal to triathletes and their bicycles.
And don't forget a good PA system.
You said "unlimited funds" but I'd suggest you not present an ultimate pool for consideration if you are dealing with public funds. This is just a practical issue. It usually creates a negative impression if you go for luxury when taxpayers are involved.
I would emphasize elements that increase the versatility of the pool and create financial opportunities. Indoor competition pools are expensive. I believe Northside Independent School District in San Antonio spent $12M for their new indoor 50M pool (I have not seen it). The Josh Davis Natatorium in San Antonio is a competition quality SCY pool with generous elevated seating and cost about $5M. The Nitro swim team in Austin is just completing their indoor 50M pool (private funding).
Seating and parking is important because without it you can't attract large swim meets. Concrete seating is great but aluminum bleachers are adequate. Locker room space, capacity, and layout is probably more important than lockers. Deck space eases hosting of events. High school meets often have awards and need deck space for the 1-2-3 podiums. Consider locations for signage too - sponsors, pool records, etc.
If your pool will host an active diving program reserve space for a trampoline. Without diving boards (at least 1 and 3 meter) you probably can't host high school competition (well - Texas ties them together for high school).
If your pool will market to triathletes you might consider any other unique ways to appeal to triathletes and their bicycles.
And don't forget a good PA system.
