Photo Credit: Courtesy Cloward H2O
Because splash pads and spray decks provide wet entertainment with relatively low maintenance, they are a popular option for cities, homeowners’ associations, retail developments, and even private residences. A splash pad consists of one or more deck areas fitted with a combination of various nozzles and may include above-ground “spray toys,” (umbrellas, flowers, hydrants, tipping buckets, etc.) intermittently spraying, squirting, dumping, or gushing—while kids of all ages dash from feature to feature, thoroughly enjoying themselves.
Although the completed water feature looks simple, the splash pad system and initial design are complicated. The anatomy of a splash pad is similar to that of a pool and demands similar attention, particularly to water-quality and sanitation issues. There are many options presented to potential customers—not all of them comparable—and the choices may be confusing, even conflicting. This article outlines the basic system that makes up the splash pad and discusses several of the critical design and operational issues.
A Detailed Design Plan
The first consideration in planning any type of water feature is hiring a design/engineering firm and consulting with local health and building departments that oversee the construction and issue permits for such projects. These organizations will explain what is needed to comply with local codes, which vary, sometimes substantially, between jurisdictions.