Swimming is America’s favorite recreation. So why do so many municipal pools operate in the red, demanding ever-increasing funding – even as budgets shrink? How can they pay their own way – or even become profitable?

The answer lies in creative programming and smart pool design.

Profitability begins with programming

You should identify not only which activities your community wants, but which activities will be profitable, and accommodate as many of those activities as possible. As part of our design process, Arch Pac Aquatics helps clients identify revenue-generating opportunities. There are many, including swim lessons, water polo, therapy, competitive swimming and workouts, water aerobics, diving, wading, scuba, canoeing and kayaking. Some activities can occur simultaneously, allowing the pool to leverage the revenue capacity of the most popular time slots.

Maximum utility and profit potential for your budget

Next comes an evaluation of needs, wants, goals and vision. For a new pool or renovation, this evaluation is done in the context of the budget – both initial budget and annual operating budget. With more than 35 years of experience designing pools, we know what it costs to design, build and operate just about every type of pool and pool feature. We can tell you immediately whether you can accomplish your goals within your budget. Our process delivers a clear set of goals, enabling us to design a facility that delivers maximum utility – and profit potential – for your budget.

Sharing facilities with schools

Another way municipalities can make their pools profitable is the joint-use facility – a partnership between the city and a school. City pools typically see peak use between Memorial Day and Labor Day. School facilities are most heavily used during the school year for P.E., water polo and competitive swimming. Joint-use facilities are one of Arch Pac’s specialties. We consult with the city and the school district to develop a facility that meets the needs of each. Costs are shared, and the revenue generated pays for the facility’s operation. It’s a win-win.