When we think of water parks, we imagine dizzying slides, wave pools, gentle lazy rivers, peaceful hours lying in hammocks in the sun, fun… But behind the experiences and excitement provided by water park attractions there is much more: there is creativity, engineering, economic strategy amongst other things, a combination that creates a unique universe of leisure and profitability. Come and take a look:
Scenarios that tell stories
In modern water parks, each space becomes a themed setting that transports us to unexpected places: a tropical jungle with lush vegetation, the slopes of a roaring volcano, an exotic island in the middle of the ocean… Artificial rocks, trees and palm trees, grassy meadows, grottos and caves, waterfalls, but also sounds, lights and special effects make the spaces in a water park, places that envelop us in an immersive experience.
Invisible technology, guaranteed fun
Beneath this unique and special atmosphere, there is a complex and hidden—often underground—technical network: powerful hydraulic pumps, advanced filtration, real-time automated systems that control temperature, chlorine dosage, slide flow rates, and much more. As you can see, a water park is, in reality, a precision machine hidden beneath the surface.
Safety: the silent priority
The engineering behind each attraction is perhaps the most overlooked aspect, yet it is critically important. The design of slides, pools, lazy rivers, and water park attractions in general, but also the circuits, surface areas and layout, is carried out according to millimetre, or even micrometre-precise calculations —: the height and inclination of the slides, the speed at which users descend, the depth of the pools, the location of the pumps and impellers… everything is balanced to ensure risk-free maximum excitement.
Lifeguards are the visible and equally essential part of this unseen but ever-present safety. Properly certified, lifeguards undergo continuous training in rescue techniques and first aid.
Experiences for everyone
Returning to the question of the multiple experiences that attract families to a water park, the key lies in the balance of what is on offer, as well as its distribution: each member of the family, from the youngest and youngsters, to the oldest, must find their own particular space for fun, relaxation and entertainment.
In other words, the youngest and most adventurous will have the slides — or challenging attractions such as Canyoning —; lazy rivers and jacuzzis will delight adults, or those who simply want to relax; and kids will have children’s areas with everything they need for their enjoyment. In short, a well-designed water park provides a satisfying experience for every type of visitor.
Expanding sustainability
Satisfaction, fun, tranquillity and solace can also be “green” in a modern sense. To achieve this, a water park must recycle and reuse water, be designed for energy efficiency and solar energy, but also use recycled materials in furniture and theming, and have climate-adapted landscaping that reduces water consumption. Sustainability is no longer a desire or a mere additional feature, but an integral part of the identity of new water parks.
Profitability: the ultimate secret
Finally, a water park is created with a significant investment and is, therefore, also a business. Its revenue is typically divided between ticket sales (between 50% and 60%), catering and retail sales (around 25% to 30%), and sponsorship and events (which account for the remaining 5% to 15%).
The economic success of a water park ultimately depends on three factors: strict cost control, dynamic pricing adjusted to demand, and constant reinvestment in new attractions and/or themes that keep visitors and tourists interested each season.
Water park curiosities
Did you know that a large park can receive more than 500,000 visitors per season? Or that the ideal water temperature for swimmers’ comfort is between 26 and 28 °C? Did you know that the most visited park in the world, with 2.7 million visits per year, is Chimelong Water Park in China? Well, yes, these are some of the interesting facts about water parks. Stay tuned to our publications — and you can even subscribe to our newsletter — to learn more interesting facts about water parks.
Images: Dreamland Aquapark UAE, Acua Water Park Fuerteventura.
