Suitable water even when the seasons change

When planning summer water activities, one often discovers something unusual: the period during which most outdoor water play areas are open is remarkably short. Many open in mid-July and close by the end of August, even though spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for water activities. In this installment, we will discuss why this is the case and what conditions are needed to extend this short season.

The Real Reason for the Short Season

The reason outdoor pools only open for the summer season is due to water temperature, rather than the weather. In spring or autumn, even if the air temperature is pleasant, the water does not warm up and remains cold. As discussed in the previous section on temperature, children cannot play for long in even slightly cold water. Ultimately, business is only viable for the few weeks in mid-summer when the water warms up naturally.

One might think that the water could simply be heated. However, heating the water in a large outdoor pool involves considerable expense. It is known that the heating energy costs required to maintain water temperature significantly worsen the operational profitability of outdoor pools. Therefore, most facilities open only during the short period when the water warms up naturally, instead of heating it.

Various Methods for Heating Water

Of course, there are methods for heating water. Various methods are used for pool heating, such as gas, electricity, solar thermal, and heat pumps. However, each method has significantly different installation and operating costs, and raising a large outdoor pool to the desired temperature involves a considerable burden, regardless of the method.

Therefore, extending the season is not simply a matter of "just turning on the heater." The key lies in whether one can afford the costs, or whether one possesses water that requires less heating in the first place.

This is where the competition diverges. Most outdoor water play areas cannot afford the heating costs and thus open only in mid-summer. As a result, customers flock during the busiest few weeks, while the pleasant spring and autumn seasons remain entirely empty. The ability to keep the water warm ultimately determines whether a facility can open for several months or just a few weeks.

If the Water Requires Less Heating

Here, the deep groundwater mentioned earlier reappears. Water that rises from deep underground, unlike cold surface water, possesses a gentle warmth. It is, in effect, already somewhat warm from the start.

If one has access to such water, the situation changes. In mid-summer, it can be used as is for a refreshing experience, and in the cool spring and autumn, just a little added warmth can create ideal conditions for water play. Since the water is already warm from the start, the burden of heating is reduced, allowing facilities to open even during seasons when others are closed. Ultimately, the key to overcoming the short season barrier lies in the water itself.

Adjusting Water Temperature According to the Season

One thing I would like to add is that good water play is not fixed at a single temperature. The appropriate water temperature for mid-summer is different from that for cool autumn. On hot days, it should be a bit cooler, and on chilly days, a bit warmer; being able to adjust the water temperature according to the day's air temperature ensures comfort whenever one visits. For this to be possible, there must be flexibility to both heat the water and leave it as is.

The Seasons Undam Envisions

Thanks to this deep water, Undam Park envisions water play that extends beyond just the summer season. We plan to open from around April when spring arrives until the cool winds of October, adjusting the water temperature to suit the season.

Cool in mid-summer, warm in spring and autumn. Water play is possible even in May and October when others are closed, thanks to the abundant supply of warm water from this land. In fact, we would rather recommend the quiet and sunny spring and autumn seasons over the bustling mid-summer. Immersing oneself in warm water on a midday in May when flowers bloom, or on an October afternoon when autumn leaves turn, offers a different kind of relaxation compared to the crowds of mid-summer. The next installment will be the last in this series, where we will summarize the discussions so far and explain how Undam manages its water.