AQUATIC PROGRAMING &

AQUATIC CENTRE
DESIGN
- FINDING THE RIGHT
BALANCE
Parks and Recreation Ontario
1185 Eglinton Avenue East
Suite 406
Toronto, Ontario
M3C 3C6
Philip Fenech
Tel: 416-426-7142
416 426 7142
Fax: 416-426-7371 B A h O.A.A.
B.Arch, O A A MRAIC

SHORE TILBE IRWIN & PARTNERS

672 Dupont Street Suite 500 Toronto, Ontario
M G 1Z6
M5G
Ph 416 971 6060
www.stipartners.com
Agenda

Finding the balance between aquatic programs, community desires, aquatic

design and budget

Master plan to building program

Community Consultation

Pool Types A review

A Typical Program

2 Examples - Holly CC & Metro Centre

Construction Costs and Control

General Discussion & Review

Beginning with an
Aquatic Master Plan

Determining needs and

aspirations
Sets the broad scale context Master Plan
Provides information on present uses and
future trends for the entire municipality Context
Co e
Outlines the regional, community or
neighborhood strategy

Based on a rangeg of sources

- exit surveys
- interviews with public and staff
- analysis of existing programs

Provides a blueprint for future growth

The Feasibility Report

Determining Scope
Provides information on site, budget,
g pprogram
g
andd titimeline.
li
Feasibility
Reflects the intention of the master plan.
Budget, Program
Includes a demographic analysis and business
plan. & Site
Sit
Involved community and stakeholder input.

First indication of a bbuilding

ilding program
program:

- pool size based on population growth

- room sizes developed from other programs

First indication of the construction budget:

- affects of escalation
Starting the Design Process

Determining Program
Establish a detailed list of pool tanks and support
spaces.

Help establish what can fit into the overall area of

the Aquatic Centre.
Design
What is the goal and purpose of the space?
Program & Layout
Test the program and budget compatibility.

Pre-design cost estimate based on area.

Adjust the program to suit the budget or increase

the budget to accommodate the program.

Do not move forward until reconciliation.

Obtain collective support of the revised program

Return to the Community

Community Consultation
g
and the Program
Input and Discussion Master Plan
Recent trend towards increased communityy and Communityy consultation
councilil input.
i t

The Architects role: to help establish a community

consultation strategy. Context
Decide how to get the message out and to who.

Explain the design process and the intentions of the Feasibility

base program.
Communityy consultation
Convey we are open to public input on the base
program.

Confer with the decision makers, special user groups Budget, Program & Site
and clubs.
clubs *

Consultation process is not easy but does create

sense of ownership.
Design
Community consultation
Program & Layout
 Community Consultation A Sample Process

Focus groups
1 review input display
concept designs
respondd
present
2

concept ideas

3 Vision Program Design

3
4 gather ideas & direction open
4

information next steps discussion

TOWN HALL
1 TOWN HALL
2 TOWN HALL
3
Communication Confirmation Response
Community Consultation - Sample Questions

1. How would you use this space?

2. What is important to make this space work?

3. How can this space relate to the other building

g spaces?

4. How can this space be green or environmentally friendly?

5. What other features would you like this space to have?

Community Consultation

Understanding the Cultures

How do the neighbourhood cultures

affect the delivery of aquatic
programs?

Have we obtained the input from all

cultures?

Are different forums required?

Does the Aquatic program need to

be realigned to suit:

- a different level of comfort and

modesty in pools and change
rooms*
Community Consultation

Understanding the
Demographics
Each age group will desire different experiences.

Pool design is now reflecting this reality.

These experiences will change and evolve from generation to generation.

Example of new experiences:

Age 0-3
A 03 warm watert sprays, shallow
h ll watert
Age 4-7 Interactive water toys, warm water sprays
Age 8-11 play structures, lily pads, water slides
Age 12-16 large waterslides, diving, open water, lazy river
Age 17
17-22
22 open water,
water deck lounging
lounging, climbing walls
Age 23-40 play pool with children, open water, spa, lane
pool, lazy river
Age 41+ Open water, lane pool, lazy river, play pool with
children, spa pools and therapy pools
Community Consultation
Feasibility Report
Program
Analysis and Response
A period of reflection to reconcile and decide upon the

community input after Town Hall 1.1 Feasibility costing

Do the suggestions modify or expand the program. Program review

Do the suggestions support the overall aquatic
master plan for the community. Pre-design costing

Can the budget sustain the building program?* Town Hall 1

How
o do wee respond
espo d to tthee co
community
u ty if pprograms
og a s Revised costing
cannot be included.*

The goal is finalize a program that everyone supports.

Approved Program

Pool Design
Evolution of the Program

Lessons & Exercise

Competitive & Training
Leisure & Recreational
Therapeutic
Pool Design
Evolution of the Program

25m x 6 lane
Good for intermediate lessons.

Can accommodate leisure swims but a

limited experience.

Good for lap swimming and training.

It has defined depths and size.

Does not accommodate beginner

lessons well due to depth and water
temperat re
temperature.

Can accommodate accessibility.

Program tank size: 3,780 sf + 3,600 sf deck area = 7380 sq ft.

Pool Design
Evolution of the Program
Competitive pools
25m x 8 lane
Meets competitive training and tournament needs
in the number of lanes and width of lanes 2.5 m
FINA width.

Can accommodate leisure swims.

Very good for lap swimming and training.

Lower water temperature.

Fast Water- Gutter design and min depth of 2m.

Larger deck area for participants and spectator

viewing required.

Competition equipment touch pads etc.

.
Program tank size: up to 5740 sf + 8300 sf deck area = 14,040 sf
Pool Design
Evolution of the Program
Competitive pools 50m x 8 lane
Competitive and Tournament Venue
Requirements
Not ideal for community use without movable
bottom or leisure pools

Program tank size: 11,255 sf + 10,000 sf deck area = 21,255 sf

Pool Design
Evolution of the Program

Leisure/Lifestyle pools

Accommodates all lessons.

Ideal for leisure swim allowing different experiences.

experiences

Can accommodate lap swimming or training.

Attracts a broad range of users

sers but
b t ma
may be
too flexible.

One water temperature.

Program tank size: varies 5000 sf to 10,000 sf

Pool Design
Evolution of the Program

Leisure/Lesson pools
Accommodate
A d t bbeginner
i llessons iin varying
i ddepths.
th

Ideal for children.

Provides
P id warmer water
t .

Easy to enter and accessible to max 900mm depth.

Program tank size: 1600 sf to 1900 sf

Pool Design
Evolution of the Program

Leisure/ Lane
Combinations
Provides for lessons at all age groups.

Allows for competitive foundation training.

training

Can accommodate leisure swims.

Good for lap swimming

s imming and aq
aqua-aerobic.
a aerobic

2 different water temperatures.

Program tank size: 3,780 sf + 1500 sf = 5,280 sf

Pool Design
Evolution of the Program

Slides
Height of a slide is an important consideration.

Slides require run out areas or splash tanks.

Dedicated life guards required.

Added capital cost of approx $200,000 for

slide alone.

Program size: 1200 sf to 1400 sf

Pool Design
Evolution of the Program

Diving Boards

Diving
Di i B Boards
d require
i greater
t ddepths.
th

Not a significant impact on deck area.

Creates
C t a larger
l deep
d endd area.

Does restrict lane use but supports sport

of diving and appeals to the younger
demographic.
demographic
Pool Design
Evolution of the Program

Whirlpools and Therapy Pools

Separate tanks and purpose.

Whirlpools governed by Spa code

Whirlpools seating and relaxation 104deg

Therapy Pools deeper water for upper body

activity 96 deg

Therapy Pools can accommodate seating

Therapy tank size: 1000 sf to 1400 sf

Whirlpool tank size: 200 sf to 350 sf
Pool Design
Evolution of the Program

Movable Tank Floors

Allows for one tank to perform different functions.

Suitable if space is at a premium.

premium

One water temperature for all users.

Requires
Req ires bulkhead
b lkhead if integral to a larger tank
tank.

Limited accessibility ( no ramp )

Consider
C id whirlpool
hi l l as a complement
l t

Added capital costs approx. $250,000

Program tank size: 1500 sf to 2500 sf

Pool Design
Evolution of the Program

Pool Tunnels and Lower Level

Mechanical Spaces
p

Should be considered during the early stages.

Locates pumps and tanks below water level.

level

Allows for continual inspection and

maintenance of pool tank walls, inlets and
lights.

Dual purpose to accommodate perimeter air

supply.

Decreases ground level footprint.

Increased capital costs for excavation and

lower level construction.

Program size: approximately 6000 sf ( 4000 sf mech and 2000 sf tunnel )

The New Aquatic Centre
An Engaging
A E i & Exciting
E iti
Space
Views to and from surrounding spaces.
Connection to exterior.
Natural light.
Ch
Change Spaces
S Variety
V i
Provide more safety.
Reflect cultural and specific modesty needs.
needs
Specific accessibility needs.

A Comfortable
C f t bl Environment
E i t
Providing different water temperature.
Maintaining good air and water Quality.
Quality
Ensuring Accessibility throughout.
Pool Design
Puttingg it all together
g
A Typical Program Net Areas
A common
A1.
A1 Leisure Pool 1500 approach that
A2. 6 lane x 25m Pool 3700 seeks to balance
A3. Whirl Pool 500 the four
A4. Deck Areas 7500 fundamental
A5. On deck Pool Viewing 500 needs of an
A6. Pool Monitor/ First Aid 200 aquatic center .
A7. Pool Staff Areas 200
A8. Family Change Rooms 1800
A9. Male Change Rooms 1300
A10 Female Change Room 1300
A11 Storage 500
Total 19,000
Gross Up add 10%
A12 Pool Tunnels
T nnels / Mech 66,000
000 25 000 + 22,500
25,000 500 = 27
27,500
500
Total 25,000
Pool Design
Importance
p of a Clear Vision

Competitive & Training

Leisure & Recreation

VISION
SO
Lessons & Exercise

Therapy & Accessibility

From a basic program the components can be shaped and expanded to reflect
the specific vision of the aquatic centre.*
Pool Design Primary Considerations Pool Component Requirements
Key Decisions
Teaching Water area requirements to
accommodate lessons
Different depths and temperatures
Competitive swimming FINA regulations will apply
Additional deck area is required
Fast Water requirements
Too much flexibility? Swimming for fun Interactive and exciting pools
each tank component has a Water slides and diving
size that supports a purpose. Swimmingg for
S o fitness
t ess Minimum
u use
useful
u length
e gt for
o fitness
t ess
swimming is 20m
combining or reducing tank
sizes and deck areas needs Provision for slow to fast swimmers
careful consideration. Hydrotherapy Warmer water, seating area and
th
therapy areas.
large complex shapes will
require additional guarding. Water sports Min depth for synchro and diving
Min dimensions for water polo
short and narrow ppools are
easiest to supervise. Life saving instructions Minimum depths required
Pool Design
Two Examples

How did the decisions and

experiences
i off th
these ttwo
municipalities shape their aquatic
program and the design of their
aquatic
ti facility.
f ilit
Holly CC Aquatic Centre An aquatic centre with emphasis on providing
Vision teachingg and recreational activities for a broad
range of users.
Holly CC Aquatic Centre
Background

A pool that complemented the municipal

aquatic master plan to create one competitive
pool facility and one recreational pool facility.

Holly became the counterpoint to the recently

completed East Bayfield pool that provided
competitive facilities.

Program developed from staff input.

Goal was to provide maximum instructional

time with leisure and recreational swims.

Diving boards and slide were added to

program to attract younger demographic.

Community of young families desired this type

of pool.

Community Input Meet and Greet sessions

only .
Program Holly CC Aquatic Centre
1
Program Components Holly Typical
Aquatics net sq ft net sq ft

A1. Leisure Pool 1,530 1,500

A2. Lane Pool 3,900 3,700
A3. Warm Pool na 500
A4. Deck Areas 8,570 7,500
A5. Pool Viewing 740 500
A6. Pool Monitor/ First Aid 235 200
A7. Pool Staff Areas na 200
A8
A8. Family Change Rooms 2 250
2,250 1 800
1,800
A9. Male Change Rooms 1,300 1,300
A10 Female Change Room 1,300 1,300
A11 Storage 270 500
Total 20,090 19,000
Plan Holly CC Aquatic Centre
1
Plan Holly CC Aquatic Centre
1
Design Impact

Larger deck area for classes and staging

Good on deck viewing

Space for water features and diving towers

Space for a significant slide and slide tower

Larger family change areas

Variety of pool shapes and depths

Full accessibility

Provision of full tunnel and mechanical spaces

.
Comparison: Holly CC Aquatic Centre to the Typical Program
1 Component or
Area
Comparison to Typical
Program
Remarks

Learning/Leisure Equal to typical program Incorporates relaxation zone in lieu

Tank Area of whirlpool
Lane Tank Area + 200 sq ft. To accommodate perimeter pods
and wider entry areas
Pl ddeeper pooll ttankk
Plus
Deck Area +1070 sq ft To accommodate slide and slide
tower
Change Room + 200 sq ft Larger Family Change Rooms
Area
Viewing area +240 sq ft To accommodate demand for on
deck viewing
Features Slide and slide Tower + $ 250K slide
+ 250 sq ft + $ 100K slide tower
Divingg towers
Metro Aquatic Centre
Importance of a Clear Vision

An aquatic centre
that accommodates
the competitive
uses within its
philosophy of
providing
community access
to aquatic
programs.
Metro Aquatic Centre
Background

Towns original aquatic goal was to add a 50m

to an existing facility based on a brief study

Explored opportunity of adding 50 m pool to

Magna Centre

Careful analysis of costs and impact on

program resulted in a change to 8 lane x 25m

Council and community input and support for

change was needed.

Community Input involved Town Hall and

Council meetings

Council heard the deputations from the

stakeholders and town staff

.
Metro Aquatic Centre
Background

Stakeholders

Stakeholders cited that present and future user needs indicate that a 50m pool is
required.

Demographic
D hi projections
j ti iindicated
di t d th
thatt adults
d lt andd seniors
i will
ill require
i more pooll titime as
the growth of families declines.

Swim, Syncho and Water Polo club growth require more pool time and a flagship facility.

Proposed that a 50m pool with bulkhead and movable bottom would respond to the
adult and tot programming.

Conducted a municipal and regional analysis to illustrate the area is well served by
recreational pools and there is a need for a 50 m pool.
Metro Aquatic Centre
Background

Municipal staff

Adding a 25m or 50m pool would put Newmarket within the current Ontario average of 1 pool
per 50,000 (2005).

Provided
P id d proposedd schedules
h d l ffor eachh pooll option:
ti
- traditional municipal recreation aquatic program for 25m option.
- competitive aquatic facility based on demand for 50m option.

Illustrated
Ill t t d that
th t more lessons
l can be
b provided
id d in
i a 25M x 8 lane
l pooll with
ith learning
l i pool.l

Demand for competitive times impacted lessons.

Recommended
R d d that
th t the
th 25m
25 x 8 llane pooll with
ith learning
l i pooll best
b t meets
t the
th community
it
recreation and education needs.
Options
2
Metro Aquatic Centre
Background

Design and Capital Costs

Area & cost comparisons of pool and pool deck GFA.

50 m x 8 lane (6 options )
50,000 sf to 56,000 sf
$13.5M to $15.5M (2005)

25 m x 8 lane with teach pool (4 options )

31,000 sf to 42,000 sf
$8.4M to $10.8M (2005)

Council Recommendation
8 lane x 25 m with teach pool..

A combination of community, staff and council desire

is needed to support the level of service and on-going
operational costs of a 50 m pool.

Regional catchment off a 500 m pool may require the

collective support of municipalities.
Program Metro Aquatic Centre
2
Program Components Magna Typical
Aquatics net sq ft net sq ft

A1. Leisure Pool 1,700 1,500

A2. Lane Pool 5,600 3,700
A3. Warm Pool na 500
A4. Deck Areas 8,685 7,500
A5. Pool Viewing Gallery 2,000 na
A6. Pool Monitor/ First Aid 235 200
A7. Pool Staff Areas 245 200
A8
A8. Family Change Room 1 800
1,800 1 800
1,800
A9. Female Change Room 1,300 1,300
A10 Male Change Room 1,300 1,300
A11
A11. Storage 350 500
Total 23,215 19,000
Plan Metro Aquatic Centre
2
Plan Metro Aquatic Centre
2 Program and Design Impact
Larger deck area participants & spectators 512 persons.

Gallery seating 220 persons.

Specific FINA requirements 2.5m wide lanes.

Larger change rooms and careful location of entry points.

Rectangular pool shape with specific gutter and inlet design.

Provision of scoreboards, timing devices and starting blocks.

Accommodation for extra parking and event staging.

Full accessibility.

Partial Pool Tunnel and Pool Mechanical rooms.

.
Comparison: Metro Aquatics Centre to Typical program
2 Component or
Area
Comparison to Typical
Program
Remarks

Learning/Leisure + 200 sq ft. Incorporates relaxation zone in lieu

Tank Area of whirlpool
Lane Tank Area + 2100 sq ft. To accommodate 8 lanes at FINA
width of 2.5M
Deck Area +1185sq ft To accommodate participant
seating of 512 persons
Change Room Equal to typical change Larger change rooms were planned
Area room program

Viewing area +1500 sq ft To accommodate need for

spectator seating of 220 persons
Features Timing system + $ 70
Scoreboards + $ 100 K
bleachers + $ 50 K
Site No significant impact on Parking provided for tournament
parking count hockey
Aquatic Centre Construction Costs
Pre-design
g Costingg
1. A Typical Program Net Areas 2. Gross Up add 10%
A1.
A1 LLeisure
i P
Pooll 1500 19 000 + 1900 = 20
19,000 20,900
900
A2. 6 lane x 25m Pool 3700 6,000 + 600 = 6,600
A3. Whirl Pool 500
A4
A4. Deck Areas 7500 3 Pre Design Estimate ( 2008)
3.
A5. On deck Pool Viewing 500
20,900 x $450/sf = $9.4M
A6. Pool Monitor/ First Aid 200
A7
A7. Pool Staff Areas 200 6 600 x $200/sf = $1
6,600 $1.3M
3M
A8. Family Change Rooms 1800
Total = $10.7M
A9. Male Change Rooms 1300
A10 Female Change g Room 1300 Ensure 3 key factors are included:
A11 Storage 500 Escalation to tender date + .5%/mon
Total 19,000
Design contingency + 10%
A12 Pool Tunnels / Mech 6,000 Construction contingency + 4%
Total 24,000
Aquatic Centre Construction Costs
Concept to Final Costing based on elements rather than floor area
1. A Typical Pool Tank 2. Elemental costs (2008)
Concrete = $180,000
$180 000
Waterproofing = $35,000
Mechanical = $400,000
Tile Finish = $130,000
Equipment & Rails = $ 20,000
Total = $765,000
Ensure 3 key factors are added:
Escalation to tender date + .5% / month
Design contingency + 10%
Construction contingency + 4%
Aquatic Centre Construction Costs
Concept
p to Final Costingg Cost Control

Some cost savings options ( top ten )

10 Deck and Tank Finish
9 Tank Construction Concrete vs Steel
8 Tank Design Gutter vs Skimmer
7 Mechanical and Electrical Systems
6 Wood or Steel Roof Deck and Beams
5 Dehumidification
Avoid compromises to material and 4 Water features and Slide
mechanical systems that will affect
building performance in the future. 3 Area of support rooms and change rooms
2 Area of tunnels
1 Area of pool tanks and pool deck
Summary

Finding the balance between aquatic programs, community desires, aquatic

design and budget

Start with the goals of the master plan

Include Community Consultation

Understand the aquatic components

Begin with a Typical Program

Learn from recent examples

Budget and Program must balance

Recent Examples

Angus Glen CC & L

Recent Examples

Newcastle Community Centre

Recent Examples

Oakville YMCA
Recent Examples

North Bay Aquatic Centre

Peterborough Sports and Wellness

Tansley Woods - Burlington

Recent Examples

Cassie Campbell Community Centre - Brampton

Recent Examples

Surrey BC YMCA

University of Toronto at Mississuaga

This document is complimentary and is provided from the Appropriate Use
National Recreation Database by the
Lifestyle Information Network (LIN) www.lin.ca