Have A Spray Pad In Your Local Playground? Consider These Three Things So It Remains Safe And Functional
If you have been placed in charge of the spray pad in your local playground, you might think you've got an easy job. After all, spray pads, also called splash pads, are a great way to eliminate the maintenance that a pool requires and there are no lifeguards to supervise. However, to make sure the spray pad keeps working and remains a safe, fun place for local children, it's a good idea to use the following tips.
Treat the Water with UV Light
Whether you are using a re-circulating system of water or a regular flow-through system, it might be a good idea to have your spray pad water treated with ultraviolet light. This is typically done to ensure that you are doing what you can to cut down on bacteria and other contaminants, as children may swallow some of the water being sprayed. Ultraviolet systems use UV light to inactivate bacteria and other microorganisms, so this can be an effective way to keep the water safe and clean.
While you may already have a filtration and disinfection system in place, the Centers for Disease Control recommend a secondary disinfection system such as UV light for additional protection.
Rethink the Surface of Your Pad
If your spray pad is like many older ones, it was built with a concrete surface having a broom finish, causing it to have little grooves that work to carry water to the drain. However, if your budget allows, you may opt to switch to a synthetic rubber surface so that the kids don't have to worry about falling and getting a scrape on the concrete.
Even if you can't resurface the entire pad, you may be able to put a synthetic surface around the perimeter of the spray pad so that kids track less dirt and grass onto the main pad where water is sprayed. This is an especially good idea if your spray pad is located near grassy areas in the park that are mowed regularly.
Check the Pad Regularly
Your neighborhood might have a web-monitoring system that alerts you when you need to check on the spray pad because of changes in filter pressure, chemical levels and other changes, but in order to be confident that the spray pad is functioning as it should and to find problems early, it is vital that you personally check on the pad as regularly as you can.
When you visit the spray pad, some of the things you should check for include:
- Clogs and mineral deposits on the spray heads
- Loose drain gates
- Blocked drains
- Cracked pad surface
If you notice any of the above things, you can take action right away.
Now that you have some things to think about when you're in charge of a spray pad, use the information in this article to help you keep the pad safe and functional. If you want a professional assessment of the pad itself, consult a spray pad surfacing contractor in the area.