In a couple of months, people across the U.S. will be digging out their swimsuits in an attempt to beat the heat at their local gym’s pool or aquatic complex.
This includes members of Newtown Athletic Club (NAC) in Newtown, Pennsylvania, who get to beat the heat in style at the club’s Outdoor Aquatic Resort Complex. The complex boasts a variety of splash-worthy amenities including a zero entry pool, adult pool, 25-foot slides, splash pad, lazy river and restaurant/bar.
Like with any gym amenity, ensuring your aquatic facilities boast the latest trends is essential to a successful summer season. “Keeping up with the ever-evolving business world is a must for club-wide success,” said Leah Alcott, NAC’s aquatics manager. “In terms of aquatics, trends are present in nearly every aspect.”
Here, Alcott shares the top summer aquatic trends and operational duties that are currently on her mind.
Popular programs: “Present trends greatly dictate popular programs in our aquatic facility. Group lessons (both children and adult), private lessons, swim team, master swim and fitness classes are currently our most popular aquatic programs. I expect that as the aquatic industry expands, so will the need and popularity of such programs.”
Prepping for the summer: “Pre-season prep work is imminent to the success of our outdoor season. This includes things such as making sure our water features are in compliance with state codes, testing equipment, hiring lifeguards and organizing staff orientations.”
Aquatic facility impact on business: “The NAC’s main goal is to create the best member experience for both our members and guests. As a large department within the club, it is my job to not only bring in as much revenue as possible within, but to create member retention, cater to new demographics and provide the best experience for those participating. By implementing new programs and further developing existing programs, our aquatic department positively impacts the club.”
Start small: “If I could offer one piece of advice to club owners, it would be to take the simple things within the aquatic facility and expand upon it. It is essential to work as a team with other departments within the club. I try my best to be flexible and create a thought-out schedule that allows for ancillary departments to utilize my department as well. My idea of success is not solely the success of the aquatic facility, but rather using the aquatic facility to supplement other departments for the success of the club as a whole. This includes birthday parties and camps — both revenue producing departments within the club that rely on the pools for optimal success.”
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
