Splash Pads &
Aquatic Play
Solutions

There are a number of factors to take into consideration when determining the cost of a splash pad. Site preparation (excavation, granular prep, concrete deck etc.), installation, features and finishing work (landscaping, sodding etc.) will all vary by project. Contact us to discuss your needs and we can work together to determine a budget.

The simple answer is yes! Domestic water supply is typically used for splash pads and contains a small amount of chlorine based on potable water standards. Higher concentrations of chlorine are used when the water from the splash pad is being recirculated and requires additional disinfection as per pool code regulations.

A splash pad is a zero-depth aquatic play area that allows families to cool off with peace of mind. Many park administrators appreciate how they require no lifeguard supervision as they pose no more risk than standard dry-play playground equipment.

A splash pad in a public or municipal setting typically has a flow-through system that uses the domestic water supply. In a private sector environment (i.e. campground, amusement park etc.), a recirculation system that “recycles” the water is often used due to the high volume of water that would be required to operate the splash pad.

The splash pad operating season typically runs from late May until the end of September depending on weather. Check your municipality’s website for a listing of splash pad locations and operating hours.

Splash pad water consumption will vary based on water line size and if a recirculating system is in use. Water usage can range from 20 to 100 cubic meters of water per day depending on the water quality management system in place.

There are a couple of key considerations when it comes to splash pad capacity. An oversized splash pad may look empty and uninviting. An undersized splash pad will be overcrowded during peak load periods, compromising the quality of the user experience. In general, we recommend a user capacity of 1 person per 25 sq.ft. of splash pad area. To learn more, read the full Capacity Guide from Vortex.

From a thermal comfort perspective, you want people to come and stay for a while and one of the basic necessities is a place to use the washroom. Having a washroom near your splash pad helps to keep your splash pad clean and prevents kids from using the washroom in the splash pad. Additionally, having a washroom nearby will keep families at the splash pad longer. If a bathroom isn’t feasible at your splash pad, a portable toilet is another option.

Site furnishings make spaces more comfortable and useful for users. Consider adding site amenities to your splash pad such as benches, tables and chairs, and shade. Additionally, to help keep your splash pad neat and tidy, provide guests with litter and recycling receptacles. Lastly, planters help spruce up outdoor spaces with natural pops of colour and life

Water usage will be determined by the water management system you choose. See our question on drainage to learn more!

There are a few different options to consider when it comes to managing the water that drains from a splash pad.

Flow-Through
The first option is to simply just let the water flow-through the splash pad and directly into the municipal wastewater system. This is the easiest water management option and the one that requires the least amount of maintenance. A flow-through system uses, on average, 75-100 cubic metres of water per day. This is based on a 2” water service.

Repurpose
The second option is to capture the water that drains from the splash pad and repurpose it for surface irrigation, such as watering a nearby sports fields. The water will need to be disinfected prior to use. Capture and repurpose systems use, on average, 50-75 cubic metres of water per day. The capacity of your holding tank will determine how much of the water can be repurposed and the overflow goes to storm or sanitary.

Recirculation
The final and most comprehensive option is to recirculate the water using advanced water treatment processes so that the water can be used again on the splash pad. This WQMS (Water Quality Management System) does require monitoring. Re-circulating systems use, on the high-end, 20-30 cubic metres of water per day.

At minimum, each splash pad requires a seasonal start-up and shut down. We also recommended a daily visual inspection—something we call a drive-by—to check for broken glass or debris. It’s also beneficial for the sequence—the run time or duration of functionality for all features—to be tested daily. Each sequence runs, on average, for 3-5 minutes. Additional maintenance will be determined by the water management system that is used. For example, the water tank will need to be emptied regularly on a repurpose system and water will need to be tested often on a recirculating system.

It’s important that your splash pad is covered by a comprehensive and well-defined warranty comparable to what we are able to offer through our manufacturer Vortex Aquatic Structures International Inc.

• 25 years for structural stainless steel on features and hardware
• 5 years all plastic and fiberglass components
• 10 years on weld workmanship
• Minimum 2 years warranty on all electronic components

Our service team is equipped to troubleshoot any issue you have with your splash pad. We can provide support with:

• Installation
• Annual maintenance for spring start-up and winter shut-down
• Electronic (i.e. controller)
• Mechanical (i.e. water distribution valves)
• Structural (i.e. components, the splash pad deck)
• Training for new staff
• Splash pad optimization (i.e. water conservation)
• See Our Services page for more information on how we can help!