Photo Credit: Courtesy of Randy Gaddo
Editor’s Note: This column, “LBWA” (Leadership By Wandering Around), is based on the premise that, in order to find out what’s going on in the field, a parks and rec leader has to leave his or her desk and “wander around” the area of operations, talk to people, ask questions, and kick around ideas with the individuals in the thick of delivering services to the public. So the author will bring up issues and ask the leaders among the readership to share their knowledge and experiences.
Because aquatic facilities are usually some of the most popular of parks and recreation offerings, maintenance professionals should focus on keeping these areas safe and clean.
Many people only think of swimming pools when aquatic facilities are mentioned, but there are several categories that can be classified under the “aquatic” umbrella; maintenance staff should note that each category requires different care, cleaning, and operations.
Define The Type Of Facility
To begin, there are different types of swimming pools. Probably the most common are the seasonal, outdoor pools opened during the warmer months (the exact time frame varies by climate). Then there are outdoor heated pools that remain open longer, or in some cases, year-round.