Splash pads are fun, inspiring and inviting places for recreational water play. They are often found in commercial and community settings.
Begin by sweeping, vacuuming or blowing the surface of the splash pad to remove any dirt, dust or debris. Backfill the area of the pad to a level 10 inches below the desired finish surface for concrete or 8 inches below if you are using pavers.
Choosing a Location
Splash pads are popular for both residential and commercial/community settings. They energize parks, daycares and other community amenities with interactive fountains and wet plazas that offer water-based fun for all age groups.
Safety is a key concern for parents, planners and splash pad equipment manufacturers. An aquatic project engineer can help you plan and design your splash pad for the best results. This includes addressing local building codes and requirements.
Selecting a Water Feature
A splash pad consists of a series of inground spray features. These elements come in many shapes and sizes, enabling countless themes and options for kids of all ages to play and cool off.
These water features can be turned on by hand or motion-activated, eliminating the need for lifeguards and drastically reducing the amount of water used. This makes splash pads more environmentally sound than pools and a great choice for drought-sensitive locations.
Laying Out the Pipes
Splash pads can be found at parks, community spaces and private backyards. They are also referred to as spray parks, splash zones and water playgrounds and come in various shapes and sizes.
The first step is to dig a trench for the water supply line. Once the pipes are in place, the drainage system can be installed. Gravel is added to allow for proper compaction before concrete is poured.
Installing the Pump
The next step in the splash pad installation process is to install the pump. This is done by digging a trench for the water supply line, then laying out the pipes and connecting them to the water pump and filter.
Splash pads are an exciting new way for kids and families to enjoy the outdoors. They feature little-to-no standing water and a non-slip surface, making them safer than swimming pools.
Installing the Filter
Splash pads are unique aquatic play areas that can help you gain customer loyalty, attract families and increase revenue. They are designed to promote interaction with water through water sprays, geysers and bucket dumps while being safe for children of all ages.
Every splash pad needs a water source, a storage tank and a recirculation system that re-uses and re-treats the water. This system reduces your reliance on municipal water and allows you to operate your features during dry seasons.
Installing the Holding Tank
Sometimes called spray parks, splash zones, water playgrounds or aquatic play projects, splash pads are an innovative and engaging way to enjoy outdoor fun. They are popular in commercial and community spaces, but can also be a fun addition to the backyard.
After a permit has been approved, it’s time to start prepping the area for your splash pad installation. Prepare the soil, dig holes for your piping and lay out your electrical wire (don’t connect to power yet). Consult your kit’s instructions for more details.
Installing the Spray Heads
Splash pads (also known as water play areas, interactive fountains, wet decks or spray parks) are increasingly popular in communities of all sizes. They require less maintenance than pools and are more environmentally sound because they don’t contain any standing water.
Before a splash pad can be installed, the site should be cleared of all foreign debris by sweeping, vacuuming or blowing and hosing. Slip-resistant safety surfacing like No Fault should also be installed and allowed to cure before use.
Installing the Area Drain
Splash pads are becoming a popular entertainment and water feature in residential yards as well as commercial/community properties. They offer an alternative to swimming pools and require less maintenance.
An area drain will collect excess rainwater that accumulates in the splash pad area. This is especially helpful if your backyard has problems with standing water after a storm. Before you fill in the area around the spray heads and the area drain, make sure to cover them with something like painters tape.
Winterizing the Pipes
Winterizing pipes is an important step to protect your home from freezing and bursting pipes. Frozen pipes can cause major water damage and cost you thousands of dollars.
Many splash pads are pass-through systems where sprayed water is directly drained into the sanitary sewer system. Others are recirculating where the sprayed water is collected in a tank and then disinfected with germ-killing chemicals before being pumped back out to the spray nozzles.
