Sabetha Outdoor Aquatic Center
Sabetha, Kan.
Photo courtesy Waters Edge Aquatic Design
Architect: Urban Prairie Architectural Collaborative, P.C.
Aquatic Designer/Consultant: Waters Edge Aquatic Design
Builder, Pool/Spa/Waterfeature Contractor: Continental Pools
Continental Pools
Mechanical Engineer: Hoss & Brown Engineers
Colorful Destination
This community chose to combine four pools into one for ease of operation and maintenance. But it accommodates all users, including team and open swimmers, restless teens and families with small children.
A zero-depth entry with water bench, toddler slide and ground sprays caters to little ones. Upon entering, guests choose to enter one of three areas: a strong current channel, an active shallow play area, or open lap area with tall slides and deep-water diving. The channel not only allows patrons to float along, but it plays host to fitness classes in the morning.
The most popular feature: an inflated vinyl “wet bubble.” Users climb to the top against approximately 250 gallons per minute of water, then slide down. The colorful attraction presented a challenge. Historically, the product has been made with a large spray coming out of the center to keep the vinyl wet. But some had complained that the penetration in the vinyl, where the spray comes out, can require additional maintenance. So the team worked with the manufacturer to make a bubble without penetrations. To provide the needed moisture, the team built a “spray arbor” at the pool’s edge to drop water onto the feature. The structure not only houses the sprays but can provide shade.
The designers wanted the facility to have a cheerful, warm and inviting feeling. Bright colors in and around the pool add energy. Away from the pool, hues become more muted, then neutral.
SUPPLIERS:
Filtration: United Industries; SwimTime
Heaters: Sentry Valve Company
Interactive waterfeatures: Water Odyssey by Fountain People
Play structure: SplashTacular Entertainment
Wet bubble manufacturer: Recrea