NATURE CALLS

If you ever wonder why you spend so much time planning, designing and maintaining your on-site washroom facilities, well the facts speak for themselves. On average, people in the UK visit the bathroom between six and eight times every day. That adds up to a whopping 2,500 times in every year and accumulates to three years sitting on a toilet during their lifetime.

Family changing space cannot be over emphasised. Apparently, you will change a baby’s nappy up to 10,000 times before they can use the bathroom by themselves. For those who fancy flushing money straight down the toilet, this one’s for them. A toilet paper roll made from 22-carat gold went on sale in 2013.

Sold by the Australian company Toilet Paper Man, it was priced at a whopping US $1,376,900. If you are looking to bulk order your stock control, you might like to know we use an average of 57 sheets of toilet paper a day. Toilet paper was first invented by the Chinese in the 6th century.

Each sheet was two feet by three feet. Imagine trying to get an eight-pack of that stuff in the washroom store cupboard. According to the well-known Harpic brand, a public toilet can play host to over 40,000 germs at any given time so it pays not just to follow a diligent routine but to keep a very clear record of that routine.

TICKING BOXES
Organisations like Visit England and professional teams like the Cubicle Centre and Commercial Washrooms are always on hand to assist you from the start of your project through to completion. You have to make sure you tick the boxes laid out in the Caravan Sites & Control of Development Act 1960 - Touring Caravan and Campsite Site Conditions.

Although not necessarily legally binding, in general, the following apply for you to demonstrate duty of care:
• Separate ladies and men’s washrooms.
• Optional family facilities
• Working toilets
• Basins with hot and cold water
• Showers with TMV3 (Thermal Mixing Valve) temperature-controlled water
• Power and shaver points
• Disabled toilet and/or disabled shower rooms compliant with Doc M of the building regulations
• Level-entry shower suited for wheelchairs
• Baby-changing facilities, ideally within both male and female washrooms
• Chemical toilet disposal points
• Separate dishwashing facilities - usually external to the toilet blocks
• Drinking Water

Let’s get down to some basic maths. The numbers of facilities provided should be one toilet and urinal for men and two toilets for women for every 30 pitches. There should be a minimum of four water-flowing washbasins per 30 pitches; two each for men and women.

They shall be adjacent to the toilets – usually within the same room. Where a site provides 70 or more pitches, provision of showers shall be on the scale of one shower per 25 pitches.

ALTHOUGH MEN AND WOMEN prefer separate cubicle space family- friendly facilities are an added bonus.

PRO RATA
When considering the numbers of toilet cubicles to be included it is good practice to make allowance for 1 in 4 cubicles (in any same-sex washroom) to be classed as ambulant. This includes for grab rails and outward opening doors. Toilets may not be justified where sites have less than ten pitches.

Their site position should be agreed in discussed with the appropriate authorities. Because of the likelihood that children will use site facilities the basins/ showers’ hot water temperature should be controlled by the use of thermal mixing valves. Thermal Mixing Valves (whether integrated within the shower/ basin or as an addition to the supply pipe-work) will limit the hot water temperature to a comfortable level and offer a safeguard against scalding.

When planning a new build washroom block or refurbishing an existing facility there are many building-related health and safety issues to consider. The common sense advice is to appoint and work with a reputable building firm, ideally one who specialises in commercial washroom and toilet refurbishment projects and liaise with planning authorities from the earliest stage.

Unless the budget is particularly tight, the advice is to go for strong and robust materials fit for the high level of use modern holiday resort washrooms receive. For example the use of Solid Grade Laminate toilet/shower cubicles as opposed to a cheaper chipboard core laminate material. The payback over time is likely to be significantly better. Commercial Washrooms Ltd can, of course, offer advice on the different materials available within the commercial washrooms market.

Read our blogs on Washroom Design. Inclusion of baby changing facilities is essential in modern-day toilet and washroom facilities. Depending on the size of the washrooms this may be as simple as a fold-down baby changer or a dedicated family room containing shower, toilet and basin as well as a considerable worktop and vanity unit space for laying the child down.

PATTERSONS WORKED with Away Resorts to freshen up facilities at Tattershall Lakes.

OUT OF THE CLOSET
From desirable to dilapidated, modern to outmoded, holiday destinations boast a compendium of conveniences as you aim to create your wellness oasis. Focus on the senses, a bit of background music helps cover some embarrassment – or turn this into a marketing opportunity with a blast of promotional ads or podcasts. Aromatherapy can play a significant role. I mean the pleasant kind.

In fact, the very earliest air fresheners were made from pomegranates and cloves while the first modern air freshener was introduced in 1948. You could also take the opportunity to turn your smallest rooms into art galleries with large scale themed pictures of local scenes or even celebrated film stars. Plan the washroom project as early and as thoroughly as possible in all instances.

This should include detailed working drawings which are continually consulted as well as a robust schedule of the work. Barring any unforeseen issues arising the upgrade should then happen within time and budget. Don’t be tempted to go cheap. More expensive and durable materials will likely last longer and be a better fit for purpose with the rigours of a busy holiday site.

Design of a washroom should be carried out by professionals with appropriate experience of this type of installation as there are many common errors which can be avoided. They will usually offer a full design service with CAD drawings for either a new build or refurbishment. Well-designed and energy-efficient washroom facilities can significantly enhance the overall customer experience for holiday park visitors, while clean, comfortable and modern environments can lead to positive reviews and repeat business.

SOMETIMES WE CAN take providing pet-friendly facilities just a step too far.

ENERGY EFFICIENT
With a prominent focus on the importance of water conservation coupled with the need to offer high-quality and modern washroom facilities, Richard Braid, Managing Director at Cistermiser, explains how holiday park operators can maintain a strategic edge.

“Offering premium, comfortable and energy efficient washroom facilities sets a holiday park apart from competitors. With more customers becoming environmentally conscious when it comes to choosing holidays and parks needing to manage their impact on the environment, it becomes a key selling point to attract more visitors and increase occupancy rates,” explains Richard Braid, Managing Director at Cistermiser.

“Incorporating eco-friendly washrooms can help reduce the environmental footprint of the holiday park while minimising water and energy usage, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism practices. Energy-efficient washrooms can also lead to significant cost-savings over time.” Richard concludes: “Maximising washroom facilities’ design and energy efficiency is not only beneficial for the holiday park’s bottom line but also crucial for enhancing customer satisfaction, maintaining competitiveness and demonstrating environmental responsibility.”

We humans share five common activities every day: breathing, eating, drinking, sleeping and toileting… when you’re away from home, it’s often the latter which creates the biggest cause for concern. Despite this, washrooms are often overlooked, even in the hospitality and leisure sectors where guests of all ages will need to make sure of your facilities. Whether you have a positive or negative experience as a customer, chances are you’ll share it with family, friends and colleagues, or even make a few negative comments on sites like Trip Advisor and Facebook.

Maintaining high standards for your washroom provision can separate you from the competition in a crowded industry. After all, switched-on holiday destination operators know that it makes financial sense to keep visitors on-site as long as possible. The longer they stay, the more money they spend - and not just a spending a penny!

MAKING A SPLASH

MAKING A SPLASH

Top tips and strategies for aquatic attractions...

POOL AND SPLASH pads offer an irresistible combination for water-based fun.

Serving up popular visitor appeal is crucial for reaping the return on water leisure investment on holiday destination swimming pools. Sometimes a daunting commitment, traditional pools can pose challenges such as water treatment, heating, safety regulations and staffing. In comparison, the addition of a splash pad caters for more users yet appeals to the broadest audience of individuals, families and groups.

Equally, the pool and splash pad can work together; a complementary space for users to engage in water-based fun simultaneously. The result is a vibrant and energetic aquascape that elevates the overall pool experience and creates an environment where more guests can engage in aquatic fun. The Splash, a renowned UK-based company, specialising in bespoke splash pads, has set itself the ambitious goal of revolutionising the water leisure industry by providing game-changing solutions.

By integrating a custom-designed splash pad from The Splash, pool owners can experience a significant increase in the bather load, accommodating more users than ever before. With their commitment to manufacturing excellence and limitless design possibilities, The Splash is redefining the concept of interactive water play. Customisation is at the heart of their philosophy.

THE SPLASH ENSURES that each splash pad is crafted with meticulous attention to detail.

 

Each splash pad design is crafted with precision and tailored to the specific requirements and preferences of the customer. This commitment to bespoke designs ensures that every splash pad is unique, offering endless design opportunities that enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the facility. The Splash takes pride in its UK- based manufacturing process, guaranteeing the highest quality standards.

By keeping production local, The Splash ensures that each splash pad is crafted with meticulous attention to detail and adheres to stringent quality control measures. This commitment to manufacturing excellence guarantees durable and long-lasting splash pads that withstand the test of time while offering endless design possibilities.

Established in 1966, Ustigate Waterplay has specialised in the design, build and maintenance of aquatic facilities for 57 years and are renowned for providing high quality, efficient and sustainable solutions that are safe and full of fun for their user groups as well as lasting the test of time. This testimony is backed by their past projects, their membership of the Association of Play Industries and Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group and the long-term warranties provided on all their aquatic play products.

ALL OF USTIGATE’S SPLASHPAD® products are formed from tactile, interactive and user-friendly products.

STAFF TRAINING
Staff training is provided for clients that have a team to operate their aquatic facilities. Ustigate also provide ongoing customer care packages that consist of monthly and annual services, seasonal commissioning, decommissioning and facility and surfacing refurbishments. Ustigate has worked with many clients for many years.

In 2004, Ustigate designed and built Aqua-Tek at Magna Science Adventure Centre; no spare parts have been required on the Vortex products to date and Ustigate replaced the original EPDM wet-pour surfacing in 2022, following 19 years of consistent popularity and play. The correct calculations for aquatic play schemes are based upon the number of water features, their flow rates and the bather load, advise specialist Ustigate.

Tanks, pumps and filters are sized to meet specification, performance and demand. The majority of Ustigate’s aquatic play schemes are provided with a PWTAG compliant recirculation system with two separate tanks (one for clean water and one for returned water) to guarantee water quality, safety efficiency and to enable one body of water to be treated and recycled.

This is the most efficient and sustainable water management system in terms of water usage. Energy and water conservation for splashpads is achieved through the setting of the height of water effects, feature activation, sequencing and sleep mode in-between water cycles.

The brains of the system is a controller that sets the hours of operation and feature sequencing as well as providing live real-time data on critical plant room equipment, water treatment and water usage, all designed and manufactured by Ustigate Waterplay at its base in Dartford, Kent. The controller is user-friendly with a touch screen that can be operated manually whilst in the plant room or via an iPad, mobile phone or PC when provided with an Ethernet internet connection and remote access.

THE SPLASH PROVIDE game-changing solutions for aquatic attractions.

PEACE OF MIND
Public safety is paramount and it is imperative that the water quality and chemical balance is correct. The Ustigate controller provides peace of mind and guarantees public safety because if the water quality and chemical balance falls short, an alarm is triggered to action immediate attention and correction. The majority of Ustigate’s PWTAG compliant, two-tank recirculation systems, include chemical water treatment and ultraviolet disinfection.

Ustigate’s in-house manufactured controller ensures consistent operation, optimal performance and safety efficiency. The majority of Ustigate’s poolside Splashpad® play items are provided with a Safeswap™ anchor, enabling products to be removed for easy cleaning.

The Safeswap™ anchor system also provides a sustainable and low-cost solution to exchange products for alternatives in future; ensuring aquatic play facilities remain as modern as the first day of installation. All of Ustigate’s Splashpad® products are formed from tactile, interactive and user-friendly products that are tried and tested and certified to meet EN 1176 safety standards.

Ustigate’s flumes also meet the strictest of safety standards, having been tested by the TÜV (Technical Supervision Authorities) and certified EN 1069, the European standard for waterslides and EN 1090, the European standard for steel and welded constructions. If you are looking to splash out on water leisure, think outside of the swimming pool box. Get the basics right and remember to add a splash of interactive fun and you will have found a recipe for success.

The Splash
E. enquiries@thesplash.uk
www.thesplash.uk

Ustigate Waterplay
Tel. 01322 4244 45
www.ustigatewaterplay.co.uk