Wave pool
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A wave pool is a type of swimming pool in which reasonably large waves are artificially generated. The idea of such a pool is generally to provide an experience more similar to swimming in the ocean than a typical swimming pool can provide. Wave pools are often a major feature of water parks.
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[edit] History
Several locations claim to have developed the first wave pool in the United States, including Big Surf in Tempe, Arizona in 1969[1], and Point Mallard Park's Aquatic Center, in the city of Decatur, Alabama. The latter was developed in the early 1970s after Mayor Gilmer Blackburn saw enclosed "wave-making" swimming pools in Japan and thought one could be a tourist attraction in the United States. J. Austin Smith, an Ohio wave pool manufacturer, worked with the city of Decatur to design and install the wave pool in 1970.
[edit] Operation
Wave pools replicate the movement of the ocean one of two ways, depending on the size of the pool and the size of wave desired. In small wave pools, pressurized air is blown onto the surface of the water, or a paddle creates force in the water, creating small ripple-like waves. In large wave pools, a large amount of water is quickly allowed into the far end of the pool, forcing the water to even out, generating a sizeable wave. In these large wave pools, the excess water is removed by being channeled through a return canal where it can be used again to generate another wave.
[edit] Types and locations
Generally, wave pools are designed to use fresh water at inland locations, but some of the largest ones, located near other seashore developments, use salt water. Wave pools are typically larger than other recreational swimming pools and for this reason are often located in parks or other large, open areas.
[edit] Safety
Wave pools are more difficult to lifeguard than common lane pools; and there have been drownings in some. (For example, the wave pool at New Jersey's now-defunct Action Park took two lives, and was legendary for keeping the lifeguards busy rescuing patrons who often overestimated their swimming abilities.) The combination of the sporadically moving water with common obstructions such as sun glare make it difficult for lifeguards to rescue patrons in danger.
Computer driven automated drowning detection systems do not work in this environment, however, drowning prevention systems such as Swimguard that provide lifeguards with a clear view through the use of underwater cameras may improve the ability for lifeguards to save those in danger.
[edit] Further reading
- Carl Hoffman, "Endless summer", Wired 12.05
