
Indoor Aquatic venues
Whether it’s a waterpark, a municipal pool, a private health club, a hotel pool, or a pool in a private residence, aquatic venues share the same challenge: how do you protect swimmers from the elements without sacrificing the open, natural feel that makes aquatic spaces enjoyable in the first place?
The installation of retractable roofs has brought a new dimension to aquatic venue design across every one of these sectors. It turns out that facility owners who have already made the switch are ahead of the curve. These spaces are healthier and safer for guests and staff alike, and they’re proven to save owners money. Here’s why:
- A natatorium has 3x the moisture level per unit than a typical building. An aluminum enclosure can stand up to these conditions because it will not corrode, eliminating the risk of structural failure that comes with traditional materials.
- Aluminum is lightweight, high-strength, corrosion-resistant, and widely recycled. Aquatic buildings built with aluminum have been proven to last for multiple decades with minimal maintenance, lowering the lifecycle footprint of the facility.
- We use properly coated aluminum which can reflect up to 95 percent of the solar energy that strikes it, dramatically improving energy efficiency, whether the venue is a backyard pool enclosure or a full-scale waterpark.
- Experts agree that using as much fresh air for natural ventilation as possible is safer and healthier for both staff and guests. Plus, aquatic venues can save up to 30% a year on energy costs compared to traditional natatorium construction.
From waterparks to health clubs to residential pools, the science stays the same — and so do the results.
For additional information on the benefits of aluminum see: Aluminum, the miracle metal. Additional references for the health and safety of naturally ventilated aquatic spaces may be found through the CDC and WHO websites. Feel free to download our articles to see specific references.
Examples of Unique Retractable Roof Solutions
Richmond Swim Center
In Richmond California, at a community school pool facility, OpenAire added a retractable roof to an existing glulam aquatic center roof to rid the space of heavily chlorinated air and convert the pool into a bright sunlit space that’s now indoors and outdoors.

Epic Waters Waterpark
For the city of Grand Prairie Texas, OpenAire designed and installed a massive 62,000 sf enclosure for a waterpark, which since opening in January 2018 has ranked top indoor park in Dallas, #2 in Texas and #5 in the USA, and just Won the 2018 World Waterpark Association’s Leading Edge Award, surpassing ALL client expectations.

Pochahontas Aquatic Center
In Pocahontas, Arkansas OpenAire was tasked with building a small 13,000 sqft year-round, weather-resistant, facility for a community of 6800 people. The solution a 91 ft x 147 ft enclosure offers year-round programming for all of the residents of Randolph County and has been a major success for the local Parks and Rec department.

Tropic Falls at OWA
In Foley, Alabama OpenAire designed and built a 65,000sf indoor/outdoor waterpark with a retractable roof and a retractable wall (3400sf opening) that opens from the indoor waterpark to the adjacent outdoor wave pool. Guests can to fully flow from indoors to outdoors in a seamless experience.

Our 4 Main Types of Aquatic Venues:
Aquatic Project Videos
Retractable Roof for Aqua Vale UK Swimming & Fitness Centre
Retractable Enclosure Pool for Ontario Racquet Club
Jay Peak's Pump House WATERPARK












