Introduction
Riyadh is not exactly a city that has snowfall or extreme winters, but the winter does bring cold evenings, occasional sandstorms, which affect the visit flow towards leisure activities. As the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia leans towards being a warm country, it might be difficult to manage the cold winters, especially for the water park owners. The water park products, rides, equipment, and water management need special care during the winter period.
So, during the months of November to February, the splash pad equipment that is functioning in resorts, hotels, municipal parks, and water parks need extra care and a different approach in maintenance from the other months. It might not be known to many splash pad operators how to manage the operations of this water play equipment in the colder seasons.
This article is a complete guide on managing the operations of the splash pad equipment and ensuring the water quality in the winter season in Saudi.
Why is winter operation different in Riyadh
Even though the winter in Riyadh is not as harsh as in some other parts of the world, there are some concerns that arise with winter while considering the splash pads and other water park products. These concerns make the operations that we do in the winter different from other seasons.
- As winter approaches, the temperature of air and water also decreases, which makes the guests in the water become sensitive to cold water, especially children. This will decrease the footfall in your venue.
- The lower UV exposure and lower number of people in the swimming pool can decrease the need for chlorine usage, but disinfecting should not be omitted.
- The dust and fine sand grains that may come with the winter storms can get lodged in the nozzles and filters, and they need frequent cleaning.
- This is the perfect time to service the splash pad equipment and optimise the energy and water usage.
These are the major operational changes that should be adopted by the spray pad operators during the winter months. This makes the splash pads to be prepared for the summer seasons.
Water quality essentials: keep your barrier strong
A splash pad is a device that uses a water recirculation system for its functions. So it is essential to ensure the water quality each time the water is circulated, even when the footfall is considerably low.
- Disinfectant residuals
There should be a steady free chlorine residual that is appropriate for the interactive water play equipment, which is higher than that in the standard pools. As the chlorine demand decreases in the winter months, there should be necessary adjustments made to avoid over-clorination. - Secondary disinfection (UV or ozone)
For the pathogens that cannot be destroyed with chlorine, it is recommended to have a secondary disinfection with a UV system. As the winter has lower turbidity, the performance of the UV system will be effective. - Filtration and turnover
As the bather load decreases in the wintertime, some may slow the turnover for the splash pad. This should be avoided; you should make sure that the designed turnover for splash pads are met. - Oxidation-reduction potential (ORP)
With ORP control and manual testing, you can stabilise the dosing even if the temperature fluctuates. It is important to calibrate the sensors for accurate readings. - Regular testing cadence
Regular testing should be avoided even if the number of people engaging with your splash pad decreases. Chlorine and pH levels should be checked multiple times a day, and there should be weekly checks for alkalinity and calcium hardness.
With the help of a splash pad equipment supplier in Saudi you can conduct all the necessary inspections and checkings for your splash pad equipment.
Dust-smart operations
With the occasional dust events that occur in Riyadh during the winter season, it is important to be prepared to maintain the splash pads.
- Pre-filters and screens: You can install and maintain small pre-filters or basket screens ahead of the main filter to catch sand grains.
- Nozzle care: Inspect and clean the nozzles every week. Always have a spare in case of an emergency.
- Filter strategy: A short back wash after a dust day will be helpful to restore the water flow and pressure.
- Surface hygiene: Regular deck cleaning and cleaning the draining channels to remove the debris.
You can contact an interactive splash equipment supplier in Saudi Arabia for any extra accessories needed for the winter season preventions.
Temperature management: comfort without waste
The cold water and air during the wintertime can decrease your guests’ spending time in the water, but increasing the water temperature can also increase the risk of microbial contamination. So, there are steps that should be taken to avoid such situations.
- Set a winter operating window: It is ideal to set a temperature for the water if the heating is provided. The temperature between 24–28 °C would be perfect, and if the heating is not provided, then only operate the splash pads for a given time and communicate with the guests.
- Targeted heating vs. full-plate heating: Instead of heating the entire system, you can choose the areas that need to be heated, like the areas where toddlers are playing.
Safety, standards, and compliance
No matter what the season is, it is important to follow the safety standards and guidelines given by the local authorities. You need to maintain clear records and documentation of your inspections and checkings, and record the pH and disinfectant levels and other processes you are conducting as part of the winter care. With the help of a splash pad equipment supplier in Saudi Arabia, you will be able to take necessary precautions to ensure compliance with the local authorities.
Why partner with Daxin Aqua Parks for winter-ready splash pads
As one of the leading interactive splash equipment suppliers in Saudi Arabia, Daxin Aqua Parks by Texel Groups provides all our water park products that are ready for the climatic conditions of Saudi Arabia. With features like hydraulics and filtration, our products are ready for the winter and the dust. The smart-pumps that have variable speed help to conserve energy and water throughout the year. We also provide assistance in regular maintenance and ensure that your equipment complies with the local authorities.
Conclusion
It is important to adopt a different approach for the operations and maintenance of the splash pads in the winter months, even in Riyadh. The components like the optimising temperature, water quality, and regular maintenance is essential for the splash pads. With the help of a reliable splash pad equipment supplier in Saudi like Daxin Aqua Parks, you can have a safe, compliant, and efficient splash pad during the winter months.
Reach out to us to know more about our splash pad supply and installation services for your venue!
FAQ
- Can we do the servicing of splash pads during the winter season?
Yes, it is ideal to do the servicing for the splash pad equipment during the winter months, as the footfall will be considerably less. - Can I omit the disinfectant process during the winter months?
No, Even if the chlorine demand is less because of fewer visitors during the winter season, disinfection is not optional. It should be carried out to deactivate the germs.
How can I operate my splash pad equipment if I do not have an option to increase the temperature of the water?
You can open an operational window if the heating is not available. It is ideal to communicate with the guests about the opening window of your splash pad equipment. It is ideal to choose the time when the outdoor temperature is high.