Your End-of-Waterpark-Season Check List

Labor Day has come and gone, kids are back in school, and waterparks across their country are closing their doors for the season. As the leading US waterslide manufacturer, the Splashtacular team dreads this time of year. We just wish people across the country could enjoy our rides all year long! But, since that isn’t an option in most states, it is important that we do our best as a waterslide manufacturer to arm our clients with the information they need to safely close their parks for the season.

Today, the Splashtacular team is sharing our end-of-season checklist with you to ensure a proper shutdown and an easy reopening. Keep reading below for your full to-do list!

Your End-of-Waterpark-Season Checklist

You might be wondering why the end-of-season checklist is important. Let’s just say, that as a waterslide manufacturer, the Splashtacular team has seen what happens when attractions are not properly shut down and you do not want to deal with the headache that might occur. To keep your park in the best shape possible during the off-season always be sure to:

1.      Winterize Your Park

If you take just one thing away from this article, let it be the importance of winterizing your park. Failing to winterize properly is one of the leading causes of damage to existing parks that we see as a waterslide manufacturer. In order to properly winterize your waterpark you must:

• Drain water from all pools
• Turn off your water leading to attractions to prevent leaks
• Ensure there is NO remaining water in your pipes and hoses. Even a few drops of remaining water can cause serious damage to your pipes
• Wrap pipes and hoses to keep them protect from winter elements
• Cover seats, rafts, etc. to protect them from winter storms

2.      Re-Read Your Operating Manuals

This might sound boring, but as a waterslide manufacturer, our team considers it essential! Every ride requires different maintenance and to ensure you are doing the right things for your unique attractions, re-read your operating manuals, service guides, and any other documentation to ensure you don’t miss a thing.

3.      Perform Safety Tests

You should be performing safety tests all season long and will want to perform them again before opening day. But, doing detailed and thorough safety tests at the end of summer allows you to execute on existing safety concerns early, rather than waiting until the week before you re-open.

4.      Wax the Fiberglass

UV rays from the hot summer sun don’t just burn unprepared guests, but can cause damage to your fiberglass slides as well. UV rays can cause microscopic breakdowns on your fiberglass slides and this can cause discomfort for riders. Waxing your fiberglass slides at the end (and beginning) of the summer can help lessen this breakdown and will keep your waterslides smooth and speedy.

5.      Opt for Professional Cleaning Services

We are a waterslide manufacturer, you are a waterpark owner and it is crucial we remember our areas of expertise and outsource the things we need help with. Cleaning, both rides and the park itself, is often an area we need to ask for help with. Hiring a professional cleaning crew to do a deep clean on your rides and your park at the end of the season will ensure it’s done right and take the job of your plate.

Recommended: WHY YOU SHOULD UPDATE YOUR WATERPARK IN 2022

6.      Place Orders Early

If you need to replace any parts for your rides, you need to place your orders as early as possible. Take careful inventory of necessary repairs or replacements you’ll be completing during the off-season and order the pieces as soon as possible. This is always crucial, but even more so this year given global supply chain shortages this waterslide manufacturer and many others are currently dealing with.

7.      Evaluate Your Previous Season

Take the time to evaluate your previous season. Ask yourself and your team to identify your park’s: successes, failures, areas for improvement, and necessary changes. Once you have collected the data, evaluate it and determine what you need to change or address for an even better season next year.

8.      Make Note of Aesthetic Updates

The upkeep of your park says a lot about your park, whether you mean for it to or not. At the end of the season, do a walk through with another few members of your team and make careful note of repairs you’ll need to make throughout the park. Things to note include:

• Chipped or peeling paint
• Discolored equipment
• Rusted metal
• Stained concrete
• Broken railings

Some of these repairs may need to wait until spring to avoid damage from winter weather, but noting them and planning ahead is important.

9.      Don’t Forget About Non-Attraction Related Action Items

We’re a waterslide manufacturer and with that we believe in the importance of maintaining your slides and other attractions to protect their longevity. However, rides are not the only thing you need to look at. If your entire park will go completely untouched from now until spring, you also need to:

• Turn off gas lines to any kitchens
• Turn off water lines leading to restrooms, kitchens, etc.
• Deep clean kitchens, food courts, lock rooms, etc.
• Remove valuables from offices, the gift shop, etc.
• Test park security to ensure it stays safe and secure while you’re gone
• Protect your plants and other landscaping from winter weather

As a water park builders, the Splashtacular team is focused on helping our clients protect their investments, support equipment longevity, and ensure that all of their attractions are ready for the following summer. If you have any questions about this using this checklist to close your park for the season, our team is here to help. Give us a call and speak with one of our waterpark experts today!