Budgeting Insights for Aquatic Project Planning by Cloward H2O and Life Floor
Cloward H2O, an expert in aquatic design, is continuing its four-part series, Depths of Design, collaborating with Life Floor, an industry leader in aquatic safety surfacing, to take a deep dive into the industry’s current market trends and critical considerations when planning and designing aquatic amenities.
To navigate budgetary challenges, it is essential to understand the current trends influencing the aquatic project market and to anticipate potential hidden costs.
Market Trends: Sustainability and Innovation
In recent years, market trends for aquatic projects have transformed significantly, driven by technological advancements, heightened environmental awareness, changing recreational preferences, and economic conditions.
A critical trend is the focus on climate resilience. As climate change impacts become apparent, there is greater emphasis on designing aquatic projects to withstand extreme weather, rising sea levels, and other challenges. Adaptive management strategies, like flexible designs and resilient materials, are now standard practices. These efforts ensure aquatic projects are sustainable and durable for an uncertain future.
Alongside these environmental and technological trends, demand for recreational water facilities has noticeably grown. This surge stems from increased interest in outdoor and water-based activities, leading to the design of projects like water parks, marinas, and waterfront developments that cater to diverse age groups and interests.
“Designing for sustainability isn’t just about eco-friendly materials—it’s about creating systems that reduce resource consumption, from water-saving filtration systems to energy-efficient heating and lighting,” says Allen Clawson, principal and managing partner at Cloward H2O.
“Cloward H2O works to integrate these systems into projects, ensuring facilities align with the latest environmental standards while staying financially viable, even saving money in the long run.”
Aquatic projects are evolving into multifunctional spaces that blend leisure, education, and community, adds Gwen Schlotte, vice president of specification and strategic partnerships at Life Floor: “A water park might also feature ecological exhibits or host fitness classes, adding layers of engagement while maximizing the utility of every square foot. Life Floor designs with flexibility in mind, ensuring their projects remain adaptable to future trends.”
Navigating Unexpected Costs
Understanding market trends is crucial for successful aquatic project management, but anticipating unexpected costs is equally important. Hidden expenses can complicate budgets and timelines, potentially derailing well-planned projects. Here are common sources of unforeseen costs for project managers to prepare for:
Environmental mitigation and remediation often lead to unexpected costs. Developers may face contaminated sediments needing expensive remediation. If endangered species are found on-site, extra funds may be required for relocation or habitat protection design changes.
Regulatory compliance and permits can introduce unexpected costs. Obtaining necessary permits and meeting evolving regulations may cause delays and extra expenses. Extended approval processes can prolong timelines, increasing administrative fees and overall costs. New regulatory requirements might also require design changes or more compliance measures, further straining the budget.
Site conditions and geotechnical issues often present challenges. Unstable soil, unexpected bedrock, or submerged debris may require costly foundation reinforcement or redesigns. Such problems can arise during construction, leading to delays and adjustments.
Design changes and scope creep often lead to unexpected costs. Stakeholders may request changes post-project initiation, requiring extra materials, labour, and time. Technical challenges during construction may necessitate redesigns, further raising costs. Clear communication with stakeholders and a defined project scope can mitigate risks, but flexibility and contingency planning are crucial.
Weather and natural events can disrupt project timelines and budgets. Severe storms or floods may damage construction sites, requiring repairs or redesigns. Rising sea levels and unexpected tidal patterns can add to costs by necessitating flood protections.
Logistical challenges can lead to unforeseen expenses. Transporting materials to remote sites can be more complex and costly than expected. Building temporary access infrastructure, like roads or docks, can raise costs.
Labour and contractor issues pose risks. A skilled labour shortage can increase wages and delay projects, while contractor disputes over scope, quality, or payment may incur legal fees and further delays. Strong contractor relationships and clear communication can mitigate these risks.
Inflation and price fluctuations can impact project budgets. Unexpected material price increases significantly affect costs, while general inflation raises overall expenses for materials, labour, and services. Project managers should factor in these economic variables and include contingencies for potential price increases.
Finally, technology and equipment failures present unique challenges. Dependence on specialised tools risks unexpected breakdowns, resulting in costly repairs or alternative solutions. Moreover, integrating new technologies into existing systems may require unanticipated technical support, increasing the project’s complexity and cost.
“To overcome budget constraints, Cloward H2O and Life Floor collaborate closely with clients, tailoring designs to maximize both aesthetic appeal and functionality while keeping costs in check,” says Schlotte.
“Our teams are dedicated to delivering aquatic environments that are not only cost-effective but also built to last.”
Accurate Budgeting
Keeping budgets current with today’s economy is crucial in aquatic project planning. Projects like waterparks and pools require significant investment and careful planning. Success relies on accurate budget forecasting, allowing stakeholders to make informed decisions. As economic conditions change quickly, budgets from several years ago may not reflect current costs, emphasising the need for regular updates.
“Prioritising safety surfacing is a paramount concern in aquatic environments, and the choice of surface plays a critical role in ensuring the well-being of all users,” says Schlotte. “Life Floor offers products specifically designed for aquatic environments, providing slip-resistance, cushioning, and resistance to microbial growth. These features significantly enhance safety and it’s important for owners to plan and budget for this.”
Engaging safety surfacing experts early in design enhances resource allocation. Their insights reveal cost-saving opportunities while maintaining safety and aesthetics. Additionally, their involvement ensures current safety standards and materials, assuring developers and end-users alike.
Investing in quality safety surfacing may have a higher initial cost but offers long-term benefits. Durable surfacing reduces accident risks, lowering liabilities and legal costs. Additionally, well-maintained surfaces extend the facility’s lifespan, reducing maintenance and replacement expenses over time.
Understanding Budget Constraints
In today’s fast-paced economy, outdated budgets are increasingly problematic. Budgets from two to three years ago no longer suffice due to shifts in market costs. Inflation, supply chain disruptions, and fluctuating commodity prices have escalated expenses, making it essential for project planners to revise financial forecasts regularly. Neglecting this can lead to underfunded projects, delayed timelines, and compromised quality and scope.
Recent market changes have significantly impacted costs for aquatic projects. The rising prices of materials like steel and concrete and higher labour costs have increased expenses for building and maintaining facilities. Additionally, the pandemic has created further unpredictability, with ongoing supply chain issues causing delays and raising component prices.
“In response to these challenges, Cloward H2O and Life Floor offer solutions to optimize designs to accommodate a variety of budgets, ensuring that projects remain feasible and competitive in the face of economic uncertainty,” says Clawson.
“This approach involves identifying cost-effective solutions that do not compromise the quality or functionality of the aquatic facility while also working with the client to flesh out their vision and make sure their dream is feasible.”
Developing Baha Bay: A Sustainable Waterpark on Nassau
Constructing a water park on an island like Nassau presents challenges such as high transport costs and limited material access. Initially planned as a smaller project, the park’s ambitious growth required innovative solutions.
High import costs and sustainability prompted the engineering team, including Cloward H2O, to create systems optimising water, energy, and chemical use, reducing environmental impact and costs based on product location and availability.
“Baha Bay incorporates cutting-edge systems to reduce resource consumption,” says Clawson. “These include highly efficient filtration, advanced water recycling, and smart control technologies that optimize chemical dosing and water circulation based on real-time data. These innovations enable the park to operate with minimal water, power, and chemical waste compared to conventional waterparks.”
The island environment demanded special construction, including durable, corrosion-resistant materials to endure saltwater spray and humidity.
Turtle Beach and Stingray Cove offer kid-friendly pools, twisty slides, and a tipping bucket structure. These areas emphasise fun, safety, and sustainability, showcasing the park’s innovative practices:
- Water conservation: Low-flow pumps and advanced filtration systems reduce water consumption, with continuous recycling ensuring cleanliness and minimal reliance on fresh water.
- Chemical efficiency: Smart dosing systems monitor water conditions and deliver precise chemical amounts, reducing waste while maintaining safety and comfort.
- Energy efficiency: Energy-saving pumps and lighting further minimise the park’s environmental footprint and operational costs.
“Every aquatic project tells a story, and that story is shaped by the challenges, solutions, and values that go into its creation,” says Schlotte. “From ensuring compliance with strict environmental regulations to integrating resilient, multi-functional designs, Cloward H2O and Life Floor share decades of experience navigating these complexities.”
“The future of Aquatic Project Budgeting lies in the ability to anticipate and adapt,” adds Clawson. “As societal priorities evolve and environmental challenges intensify, the need for sustainable, inclusive, and resilient designs will only grow. By combining technical precision, creative innovation, and a client-centered approach, Cloward H2O and Life Floor continue to strive for excellence in the aquatic industry.”
