If there’s one key thing we know about aquatic facility design, it’s that a building’s end users are diverse. By prioritizing their needs from the beginning and bringing all parties to the table, we create a facility that is not only functional but also meaningful for the entire community.
At Hafer, we begin every aquatic project by meeting with the stakeholders and future user groups – from recreational and lap swimmers to lifeguards and the maintenance crew.
“It’s important to keep the end users in mind and think how they would use the space,” says Hafer Principal and Architect Jennifer Kissel. “For example, If I’m a mom or dad, I’m thinking about being able to see my kids and getting to the locker rooms easily. If I’m a lap swimmer, I might be thinking about pool depth and good lighting. If I am maintenance staff, I’m thinking how will I access equipment to service it? It’s all about putting yourself in their shoes.”
Take, for instance, the new Jasper Municipal Swimming Pool, which opened this year. The outdoor aquatic center saw record attendance with more than 32,000 guests during the 2025 season, a more than 39% increase from the previous record set in 1974. Much of that success is attributed to engaging stakeholders and users early in the design process and ultimately offering a wide array of amenities – a zero-entry pool, splash area, small lap pool, ninja course, three waterslides, diving boards and a current channel. Guests also enjoy an expansive pool deck for sunbathing, shaded areas for relaxing, and a picnic area.
“When there’s something for everyone, it really knocks the design out of the park,” says Kissel, who specializes in aquatic design at Hafer.
Designing for end users, however, goes beyond obvious amenities. Kissel notes that details like adjacencies, water temperature, clear sightlines for lifeguards, the life cycles of building materials, and many more all shape the experience.
“There are so many design considerations that go into making an aquatic facility a success,” she says.
That includes MEP system design.
“Great aquatic design isn’t just what you see on the pool deck, it’s the air you breathe, the water you feel and the easily maintainable systems you never notice,” says Hafer Principal and Mechanical Engineer Ryan Steinhart. “Our job is to make safety and comfort feel effortless.”
Another example of multi-user design that blends a recreational aquatic element with a world-class competition pool is the Deaconess Aquatic Center. Two early, user-driven design choices, among many, were water depth and temperature. Water aerobics classes can move to the shallow end of the competition pool, which is 4 feet deep, when the recreational pool is busy. And because the competition pool intentionally runs cooler than the recreational pool, both offer lap lanes, giving distance swimmers the option.
Both the Jasper Municipal Swimming Pool and the Deaconess Aquatic Center reaffirm that when every voice is heard from the start, you get a facility that welcomes everyone, functions well, and lasts for years to come.
Key Considerations in Aquatic Facility Design
Flexibility & Adaptability
Pools need to be adaptable and easily transition from lap and recreational swimming to other activities such as swim lessons, water aerobics and therapy.
Safety, Air & Water Quality
Clean water, good air quality, adequate lighting and controlled acoustics are all imperative for a successful facility. Prioritizing safety and comfort leads to guests staying longer, athletes training harder and others such as seniors feeling comfortable.
Balanced Programming
Scheduling and layout need to allow multiple users to enjoy the facility at the same time without it feeling crowded.
Accessibility & Inclusivity
The facility should take all abilities into account and include zero-depth entry, ramps and ADA lifts. It should also be inclusive and offer spaces like family-friendly changing rooms, as well as other inclusive features.
Efficient Operations
An aquatic facility functions best when its layout, scheduling and wayfinding are designed for smooth flow and maximum use. Beyond daily operations, selecting long-lasting finishes, providing easily accessible mechanical areas, and integrating energy-efficient systems can significantly reduce maintenance needs and operational costs over the life of a facility.
Community Value & Stakeholder Engagement
The community is at the heart of aquatic design. Stakeholders should be engaged early in a facility’s design to ensure it meets and even far exceeds the community’s needs.
Interested in learning more about Hafer’s aquatic expertise? View our aquatic portfolio. You can also contact Jennifer Kissel at jkissel@haferdesign.com.