leisure businesses

KEEPING POOL HEATING COSTS UNDER CONTROL WITHOUT COMPROMISING GUEST COMFORT

Posted on August 4, 2026

Why intelligent heat pump technology is helping holiday parks reduce energy costs while maintaining perfect swimming conditions…

For holiday parks, caravan parks, camping and glamping sites, the swimming pool is often one of the biggest attractions—and one of the largest consumers of energy. Rising utility costs and increasing environmental expectations mean operators are looking for smarter ways to heat their pools without sacrificing guest experience. We spoke to Julien Galot, Head of Sales at Poolstar Group, about how modern heat pump technology is helping leisure businesses improve efficiency while keeping pools at the perfect temperature.

What are the biggest challenges holiday parks face when it comes to pool heating?
Julien Galot: The biggest challenge is balancing guest comfort with operating costs. Guests expect a consistently warm, inviting pool throughout the season, but owners also need to keep energy bills under control. Today’s heat pump technology makes that possible by automatically adjusting output to match demand, ensuring energy is only used when it’s needed.

How does the Megaline Fi differ from a standard pool heat pump?
The Megaline Fi has been designed specifically for larger commercial pools where reliability and efficiency are essential. Its Full Inverter technology, combined with Mitsubishi dual rotary compressors, depending on the pool’s heating requirements. Rather than operating at full power all the time, it works more intelligently, reducing electricity consumption while maintaining stable water temperatures. The unit also features a robust stainless-steel construction with a galvanised steel casing, making it well suited to demanding commercial environments.

How important is remote monitoring for holiday parks?
Increasingly important. Park managers are responsible for multiple facilities, so being able to monitor pool heating remotely saves both time and money. The Megaline Fi includes a large touchscreen interface for on-site control and can also be managed remotely using the Poolex app. Through Poolex Cloud, operators can monitor performance, adjust settings, identify potential issues before they become problems and optimise efficiency throughout the season.

Is installation disruptive?
Careful planning is always the key. Every holiday park is different, so installations are designed around existing plant rooms and operating schedules to minimise disruption. With good preparation, equipment can often be installed with very little impact on guests or day-to-day operations.

Beyond lower energy bills, what benefits can operators expect?
Energy savings are usually the first thing customers notice, but there are wider benefits too. More consistent pool temperatures improve the guest experience, while intelligent controls reduce maintenance demands and help maximise the lifespan of the equipment. For holiday parks looking to invest in long-term sustainability, lower energy consumption also contributes towards reducing their overall carbon footprint.

Is this technology suitable for all types of parks?
Absolutely. Whether it’s a holiday park, caravan park, camping or glamping site, any business operating a commercial swimming pool can benefit from modern inverter heat pump technology. The important thing is selecting equipment that’s correctly sized for the pool and understanding the total cost of ownership, rather than focusing solely on the initial purchase price.

Looking ahead, where do you see the market going?
We’re seeing operators place far greater emphasis on energy efficiency and smarter facility management. Connected equipment that can be monitored remotely, optimised automatically and integrated into wider energy management strategies is becoming the new standard. For holiday parks, investing in efficient heating technology is no longer simply about reducing costs—it’s about future-proofing the business while delivering the level of comfort today’s guests expect.

For more information please visit www.poolstar.fr/en or www. automatedenvironmentalsystems.co.uk

PLAY FOR KEEPS

Posted on August 7, 2024

The allure of holiday parks, caravan parks, campsites, and glamping sites lie in their ability to offer a break from the routine, a chance to reconnect with nature, and an opportunity for families to create lasting memories. Central to this experience is the provision of high-quality outdoor play areas.

These spaces not only enhance the holiday experience for children but also provide a significant return on investment (ROI) for the business owners by attracting and retaining guests. Children’s play is a crucial aspect of development, fostering physical, social, and cognitive growth.
In today’s digital age, encouraging children to step away from screens and engage in physical activity is more important than ever. Play areas in leisure settings serve as a catalyst for this shift, offering children a safe and stimulating environment to explore and have fun.

For parents, knowing that their children are happy and engaged allows them to relax and enjoy their holiday, making the overall experience more enjoyable for the entire family. High-quality play provisions are more than just an added amenity, they are a strategic investment.
According to Proludic’s research, 93% of visitors consider play areas an important factor when choosing a holiday park, leisure, or visitor attraction. This statistic underscores the significant influence that play areas have on consumer decisions, making them a key component of successful holiday venues.

ALL OF WICKSTEED’S products are tested to the appropriate British and European Safety standards.

CREATING MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES
Playgrounds contribute to creating memorable experiences that families cherish. Proludic’s findings highlight that the most cherished memories from holidays often stem from the joy and adventure experienced in play areas.
In an era where unique experiences drive consumer choices, leisure businesses that prioritize high-quality, well-designed playgrounds can differentiate themselves in a competitive market. These positive experiences foster brand loyalty and generate positive online reviews, enhancing the reputation of the holiday park.

As guests share their positive experiences with others, either through word-of-mouth or online platforms, the park gains increased visibility and attracts new visitors, thereby ensuring a steady flow of guests and repeat visits. Wooda Farm Holiday Park in North Cornwall exemplifies the impact of investing in play areas. The park recently revamped its play area to reflect the local North Devon coastline incorporating new vibrant play equipment.
This investment not only enhanced the park’s appeal but also provided children with an engaging and enjoyable environment. The timely delivery of the new play area by Proludic ensured that it was ready for the busy holiday season, contributing to a successful and profitable period for the park.

PROLUDIC STRIVES TO ENSURE that their play areas cater to the needs of children from toddlers through to teenagers.

THE FINANCIAL UPSIDE OF PLAY PROVISIONS
Demonstrating ROI on play area investments can be challenging, but strategic planning can yield significant financial benefits. Siting play areas near cafes and other paid leisure facilities can boost revenue by encouraging families to spend more time and money on-site.
Parents can enjoy a coffee or a meal while their children play nearby, creating a win-win situation for both the families and the park operators. Proludic’s primary research supports this approach, indicating that well-placed and high-quality play areas are a compelling factor for visitors. This evidence highlights the financial viability of investing in play areas as part of a broader strategy to enhance visitor satisfaction and increase on-site spending.

INCLUSIVE PLAY
Inclusivity is a key consideration in the design of modern play areas. Ensuring that play spaces cater to children of all abilities not only promotes social integration but also aligns with principles of diversity and equality. Proludic and Wicksteed, two leading providers of play equipment, emphasise the importance of inclusive play spaces.
By offering equipment that accommodates a wide range of abilities, these companies help create environments where all children can participate in play. Inclusive play areas are not just about meeting legal requirements; they demonstrate a commitment to providing a welcoming environment for every guest. This approach enhances the overall appeal of the holiday park, making it an attractive option for families with children of varying abilities.

WICKSTEED HAVE PROUDLY BEEN manufacturing playgrounds in the heart of the UK for more than 100 years

THE ROLE OF QUALITY AND SAFETY
Wicksteed have proudly been manufacturing playgrounds in the heart of the UK for more than 100 years, making them the UK’s premier Outdoor Playground, Leisure and Fitness Manufacturer. As the exclusive UK partner and sole distributor of Berliner Seilfabrik and having recently partnered with Russell Play, we offer a diverse range of distinctive outdoor play equipment, showcasing remarkable imagination and creativity within the market.

Their industry-leading, comprehensive warranties are a testament to the longevity and durability of their products, and also offer a wide range of warranty terms to cover various components, demonstrating their commitment to delivering high-quality solutions that stand the test of time.

As a UK-based company, they are uniquely positioned to provide efficient and responsive support for all your outdoor playground needs. Their headquarters in Kettering serve as a hub of readily available spares, enabling them to swiftly address maintenance requirements and minimise downtime for valued customers.

This proximity to spare parts translates to a faster turnaround, ensuring that your play equipment remains in optimal condition and ready for enjoyment. With the focus on accessibility, they take pride in delivering prompt solutions, enhancing the overall experience of working with them.

PROLUDIC’S RESEARCH found that memorable experiences created through play are often the most cherished by visitors.

DESIGNING OR UPDATING PLAY AREAS:
KEY CONSIDERATIONS When designing or updating play areas, several key considerations can help maximize their impact:
1. Age Inclusivity:
Play areas should cater to various age groups, ensuring that children of different ages find suitable activities. This inclusivity broadens the park’s appeal and keeps visitors engaged.

2. Inclusive Equipment:
Incorporating inclusive play equipment ensures that children of all abilities can participate. This fosters a sense of belonging and promotes social integration.

3. Themed Play Areas:
Themed play areas, like the coastal-themed playground at Wooda Farm Holiday Park, can create a unique and memorable experience that reflects the local environment.

4. Safety and Durability:
High-quality, durable equipment that meets safety standards is essential. This not only ensures the safety of children but also reduces maintenance costs and downtime.

5. Strategic Placement:
Placing play areas near cafes and other paid facilities can boost revenue by encouraging families to spend more time and money on-site.

WICKSTEED’S DESIGN and manufacture bespoke play equipment allowing holiday parks to tailor their play area.

Providers like Proludic and Wicksteed offer comprehensive support, from initial design consultations and cost estimates to installation and ongoing maintenance. Their expertise ensures that play areas are not only fun and engaging but also safe and durable.
Wicksteed’s capability to design and manufacture bespoke play equipment allows holiday parks to tailor play areas to their specific needs and themes. This flexibility ensures that each play area is unique and aligns with the park’s overall branding and environment.

Investing in high-quality, inclusive play areas is a strategic move for holiday parks, caravan parks, campsites, and glamping sites. These investments enhance visitor experiences, foster brand loyalty, and provide substantial financial returns. By understanding and leveraging the power of play, leisure businesses can create memorable experiences that attract and retain visitors, ensuring long-term success and profitability.
Incorporating diverse, inclusive, and well-designed play areas can transform a holiday park into a preferred destination for families. As the demand for unique and engaging experiences grows, those who prioritize the quality and inclusivity of their play provisions will stand out in the competitive leisure market.

By partnering with experienced providers like Proludic and Wicksteed, holiday parks can ensure that their play areas are not only fun and engaging but also safe, durable, and reflective of their unique identity.

Proludic
0115 982 3980
www.proludic.co.uk

Wicksteed Playgrounds
01536 517028
www.wicksteed.co.uk

Children's play is a crucial aspect of development, fostering physical, social, and cognitive growth.