logo
    • News
    • Classifieds
    • Free Subscription
    • Book Store
    • Submit
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Submit an Educational Announcement
      • Submit a letter to The Editor
    • Past Issues
    • Regional Trade Shows
    • Contact
    • News
    • Classifieds
    • Free Subscription
    • Book Store
    • Submit
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Submit an Educational Announcement
      • Submit a letter to The Editor
    • Past Issues
    • Regional Trade Shows
    • Contact
Another Covid casualty — Waterparks struggle
News
October 31, 2020
Another Covid casualty — Waterparks struggle

Social distancing and mandated closures have cost the waterpark industry billions in lost revenue

The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in an unexpected and unprecedented abundance of work and increased profits for most of the pool and spa industry. With so many parents working from home, and children engaged in online learning, the backyard pool has become a near necessity for many families attempting to entertain themselves while committing to social distancing. Pool building, remodeling and service are among the few lucky fields that have not felt the devastating economic effects of the global pandemic.

But not every area of the recreational water industry has experienced this extraordinary boom in business. The current Covid-19 crisis has had and continues to have a significant negative effect on waterparks and water park resorts.

According to an August 26, 2020, article appearing in Hotel Online, informed by research conducted by hospitality consulting firm Hotel & Leisure Advisors, (H& LA) “with the mandated closures, limited capacities and travel restrictions, the waterpark industry has been one of the industries hardest hit in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Specifically, H& LA estimates an overall impact of $2.9 billion in lost revenue and 57.5 million in lost attendance for all outdoor waterparks, resorts with outdoor waterparks, standalone indoor waterparks and indoor waterpark resorts in the United States between March and August 2020. Standalone indoor and outdoor waterparks account for $1.2 billion in lost revenue and 40.2 million in lost attendance, while resorts with an indoor or outdoor waterpark account for $1.7 billion in lost revenue and 17.3 million in lost attendance. Attendance was down 69% from 2019 at U.S. waterparks due to the closures and mandates associated with Covid-19.

For the six-month period of March through August 2020, they estimate the waterpark industry attracted roughly 26 million attendees. Comparing that to the same six-month period in 2019, the industry saw approximately 83.5 million, a negative impact of 69%.

Compared to other recreation businesses opened year-round, outdoor waterparks have a shorter operating season; closing for even a week has a substantial impact on the profit margin for these businesses. Mandates forcing the closures of these properties began just as they would have opened for the 2020 season, and many were not allowed to reopen until May or June. H& LA estimates that 70% of outdoor water parks were closed through June. Some remained closed for the duration of the season (43% were still closed by mid-August) and some may not open until 2021, if at all. Furthermore, the full scope of this negative impact doesn’t include the manufacturers, suppliers and other businesses that cater to the waterpark industry.

Indoor waterparks have faired slightly better, given that they are open on a yearlong basis. That said, these establishments nonetheless suffered tremendous losses due to travel restrictions and government mandates. H& LA estimates that 80% of the indoor water parks were still closed by the beginning of June and by mid-August, 18% remained closed.

H& LA did not report any permanent waterpark closures or sales of waterparks as a result of the coronavirus pandemic but noted permanent closures are indeed possible and employment losses have already occurred.

The road to recovery will be difficult, but not impossible, as waterparks negotiate what may now be the new norm.

LATEST NEWS
SB 676 proposed tax on dichlor, trichlor
News
SB 676 proposed tax on dichlor, trichlor
California bill could impose a $.30/tab tax on stabilized chlorine sold at retail pool stores.
March 31, 2023
By Marcelle Dibrell California legislators are considering a new bill that could allow public entities to impose a tax on stabilized chlorine, such as...
this is a test
Western Pool & Spa show a great success  with huge turnout
News
Western Pool & Spa show a great success with huge turnout
March 31, 2023
The Western Pool and Spa Show, which took place March 23-25 in Long Beach, California, was a smashing success. It bills itself as having an educationa...
this is a test
Pool Reflections ..
News
Pool Reflections ..
A day in the life of a Florida public pool inspector
March 31, 2023
By Lauren Broom Florida public pool code on free chlorine level proposed updates Background Florida’s public pool code is contained in Chapter 64E-9, ...
this is a test
News
‘NOT ON MY WATCH’
Drowning matters every day, not just every May
March 31, 2023
Drowning injuries and fatalities are so commonplace that the stories could fill up whole newspapers. The CDC estimates that about 10 people die from d...
this is a test
KC Hot Tub Repair in the news
News
KC Hot Tub Repair in the news
March 14, 2023
Rick Harvey, and his company KC Hot Tub Repair, is giving the pool service industry a bad name. The Kansas City business owner seems to have one real ...
this is a test
73 complaints for Florida’s Legacy Pools
News
73 complaints for Florida’s Legacy Pools
March 14, 2023
Patrick Lee, a homeowner in Cocoa Beach, Florida, said he paid $92,276 to Legacy Pools for a new swimming pool that was never completed. He made the p...
this is a test
Read Our Newsletter
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Free Subscription
View Current Print Ads
Educational Announcements
Aquatic Training Institute

Educational Leverage

Foundation For Pool Industry Education

Locey Pool

Pool Chemistry Training Institute

Pool & Hot Tub Alliance

Portofino University

Underwater Pool Masters
Trade Show Dates
  • The Pool and Spa Show
    Jan. 24-26, Atlantic City, New Jersey
  • 34th Annual National Plasterers Conference
    Feb. 8-10, Coronado, California
  • The Southwest Pool and Spa Show
    Feb. 9-11, Houston, Texas
  • The Western Pool and Spa Show
    Mar. 23-25, Long Beach, California
Books to Order
About Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy
We use cookies to ensure that our website gives you the best experience possible. By continuing to use this website, you agree to this use of cookies.OK