The Top Reasons Why Retractable Swimming Pool Enclosures Bring Year-Round Benefits
Pool operators everywhere are looking for ways to get the most out of their facilities to satisfy guests and keep operating costs sustainable. Both indoor and outdoor pools have advantages and drawbacks that owners must consider when planning their operations, but what if there was a way to have all the design advantages of both indoor and outdoor pools with virtually none of the disadvantages? OpenAire retractable roof enclosures give this solution to hundreds of swimming pool buildings around the globe, letting them operate year-round and providing long-term cost savings. Our customizable aluminum-framed architectural designs can fit into any pool’s design, whether it is a junior Olympic pool or a large aquatic facility and create the ideal indoor/outdoor swimming pool structure. Here are the top reasons why retractable roofs bring pools year-round benefits.
Increased Attendance and New Amenities
OpenAire solutions attract and delight guests by satisfying the human craving to be outdoors. Our indoor-outdoor designs create all-season, sunlit environments that let pools maintain the perfect swimming conditions and temperature throughout the year. Even in the depths of winter, OpenAire aquatic structures give guests the warm, summer atmosphere of a truly outdoor pool. By operating year-round, owners are able to expand their aquatic programming to attract increased numbers of guests throughout the year.
Revenue Growth
By creating outdoor atmospheres through all seasons, OpenAire enclosures give owners and users 365 days a year of reliable operations with no off-season. Many facilities have seen their revenue increase dramatically as users come back throughout the year to enjoy the warm and inviting swimming environment. This turns pools into more cost-effective solutions that might not have been possible otherwise.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
OpenAire enclosures’ operable roof panels open and close at the touch of a button, letting in natural light and fresh air and reducing the need for lighting during the day. When the roof is open, operators turn off their dehumidification systems, reducing energy use and costs. Even when roof panels are closed, the enclosure has some winter solar heat gain, while the thermally broken aluminum frames resist heat transfer and condensation. All these features contribute to pool owners saving up to 27% in energy annually.
Improved Air Quality
The abundant fresh air from OpenAire’s dynamic enclosures lets pool operators keep an ideal temperature and excellent air quality indoors, unlike traditional indoor swimming environments. Opening the roof and the walls (via doors and windows) creates a natural chimney effect, moving chemical laden air up and away from swimmers and staffers. Many pools that feature OpenAire structures report improved air quality and a more pleasant atmosphere, which encourages swimmers to take longer, more frequent stays in the pool area.
Virtually Maintenance-Free
OpenAire’s aluminum frames are also corrosion resistant and require virtually no maintenance compared to steel structures, minimizing pool area “down time”. Our baked-on paint technique does not require repainting and also resists rust and corrosion damage, saving owners even more on long-term costs.
Research shows that now is the right time for aquatic venues, including municipal venues, to invest in new facilities or features. According to a study by the World Waterpark Association and cited by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), while traditional flatwater pools in the United States attract an average attendance of about 100 guests daily, new aquatic facilities are attracting more than 500-750 guests daily. This is why the development of aquatic centers and municipal waterparks is currently one of the fastest growing segments in the United States’ water leisure industry.
Many swimming pools are able to bring remarkable new services to their communities with OpenAire; for example, Pocahontas Aquatic Center in Randolph County, AR, was able to add new pools and a waterpark to its indoor/outdoor facility. Clarksville Aquatic Center in Clarksville, AR is now able to offer competitive swim and scuba training in natural light without glare. Allan Witt Aquatics Complex in Fairfield, CA was once a disused pool building, but now offers a greatly expanded aquatic program with everything from competitive swimming to a children’s splash pool. Many YMCAs have also benefited from adding a retractable roof enclosure, increasing their membership by 30 to 40 percent on average. A few successful projects include: the Woodruff Family YMCA in Milford, CT; Copley-Price Family YMCA & Mission Valley YMCA in San Diego, CA; and Magdalena Ecke YMCA in Encintas, CA.
These are only some of the facilities that have seen tremendous success with OpenAire’s indoor/outdoor enclosures. Visit our large Aquatic Portfolio to see more examples here. To discover how OpenAire can bring year-round benefits to your swimming pool, contact our expert team for a free consultation today. The possibilities are sky high.