Does a water park need daily inspection and maintenance?
The answer is ‘Yes.’
Daily waterpark inspection and maintenance are required to enhance the equipment’s lifespan, improve the operating efficiency of the equipment, confirm that the equipment operates safely and ensure the safety of the tourists.
Usually, the inspection and maintenance work is executed on the waterway of the slide, its support frame, electrical equipment, etc. Timely water park repair and maintenance help secure optimum results.
Read ahead to know more about water park maintenance and water park repair.
5 INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE METHODS FOR WATER PARK EQUIPMENT
1. Inspection and maintenance of slides
Slides are for all age groups. When they slide through it, their body closely connects with the slide surface. So, it is very important to check each slide’s condition.
If you are inspecting short and smooth slides and can walk on them easily. Look for the below-mentioned points:
- Are there any kind of cracks, sweltering, or debris on the slide,
- Are the joints in between the slide up to the mark,
- Is there any deformation at the turn,
- if the slide is strong enough to handle the weight.
When inspecting high-risk and high-speed slides, where you cannot walk to check, look for the below-mentioned points and record the place:
- From a distance, you can look for any breakage points and stains on the slide surface.
- The test personnel can perform a test slip and check if there are any rough patches on the slide or if it shakes abnormally in between.
Once you are done with the inspection, get the tainted part repaired and then continue the maintenance work for long-lasting results.
2. Water slides cleaning and waxing
Water slides can be maintained in two steps:
o Cleaning
o Waxing.
For cleaning
During the inspection, if you notice stains on the surface of the slide, clean it with a neutral detergent using a soft bristle brush. Then apply grease and sunscreen to the slide. If you are unable to clean the stain, repair it with varnish or lacquer wax after polishing.
For waxing
With long-term exposure to ultraviolet light, slides tend to fade. Waxing is the rescue option as it prevents fading and due to this, slides last long.
Make a note:
- Fiberglass should be waxed at least twice a year with high-quality waxes,
- Ensure to polish the black spots and faded places to their original gloss using a superior brightener.
Fiberglass slides, even when they are used normally, can cause debris and cracks on them. These slides can be repaired using standard glass glue.
Note: When using tools like polishing, use them carefully and do not overheat the surface.
3. Daily inspection of the connection part
Slide connection parts play a vital role when it comes to the visitor’s entertainment and convenience. Here are a few qualities of the connection part:
- It should be flat,
- The connection part lying underneath should be smaller than the one above,
- As per national standards, the difference between the heights should not be more than 3mm.
The fiberglass part deforms with the temperature change. However, using an elastic material to seal these parts is helpful. Also, if the metal object slips on the slide, the connection part may become rough.
Keep a note of the below-mentioned points if these connection parts require to be resealed:
- Re-clean all the old fillers,
- Clean the fiberglass,
- Refill the connection part with a flexible polyurethane sealant,
- Avoid using plastic that hardens,
- Remove the excess sealing material from the slide surface with the help of a putty knife,
- Wipe off the broken section and unsettled remains with the help of a thinner,
- Avoid pouring the thinner directly on the connector of the slide, or else the sealant will dissolve.
The above steps can also be applied if, due to debris and cracks, the slide surface needs to be repaired.
4. The support frame inspection
If a wooden structural frame is used (though hardly anyone uses it), then it becomes essential to check its stability, the sturdiness of the joint, and others on an annual basis. An extensive professional inspection should be conducted after 5 years.
If uncoated steel structures are used, then check for rust spots. If you detect any, find out the cause behind it. Carefully look at the welding area and galvanize it, if required. To maintain its effectiveness for a decade or more, a comprehensive professional inspection is required.
However, the environmental conditions of the locations where equipment is placed also play a vital role.
Check the other parts at least once a year, such as:
- Scan the riveted screws for consistency and corrosion,
- The concrete floor near the metal plate should be examined for integrity,
- Examine if there are any cracks on concrete stairs and tables, specifically the primary corner of the stair,
- Scrutinize the metal decorative F surface (if aging).
5. Electrical and Mechanical system inspection
When inspecting the electrical and mechanical system, look for the following:
- The firmness of the motor,
- Wiring of the electric control cabinet,
- The flow of water every day,
- Check the voltage of the power supply before starting the device,
- Examine the rotating parts of the motor and water pump, if they are functioning smoothly and if lubrication is sufficient,
- Check the pump covering for any structural defects,
- Check if the electrical control cabinet has proper electrical protection and if the electrical circuit is up to the mark,
- Look if the ports of both the water pump and water pipe are well sealed,
- Inadequate installation,
- Check if the electrical equipment has effective ground protection,
- The grounding resistance must meet the applicable standard.
Apart from maintaining the equipment, there are a few more things to keep in mind. To help you accomplish all your needs, here are a few tips for maintaining the water park during the off-season.
6. Repaint attractions
During summers, the UV index promotes paint degradation. Due to this, the water slide attractions and aquatic play units may need a fresh coat of paint. These can be painted off-season to make them look brand new the next summer.
7. Check Inventory and Replenish
During the busy season, things like life jackets, inner tubes, etc., may go missing, or some of the things may get into bad shape. So, you need to check the inventory and understand the things you need to buy or replace.
Few more tips
ü Before opening gates for the public, check water treatment equipment, ensure the water supply of slides, look into kids’ water slides, and scan if there are any leaking areas, burrs, or sharp edges.
ü Regularly inspect the insulation level.
ü When not in water park equipment is not in use, cover them with a plastic sheet or heavy cloth under ultraviolet light to secure them from quick aging, fading, and cracks.
ü Prepare seasonal, monthly, annual, and holiday safety inspection and maintenance plans. Along with water slides, including an illumination system, wave pool, and water treatment.
ü Read the operating manual for instructions before operating the equipment.
Waterpark owners usually miss repairing or replacing the broken equipment, skip maintaining the surface of the water slides, and do not budget for yearly maintenance.
Even a small oversight in maintaining the waterpark may result in huge repair costs. This may lead to the following:
ü Increased cost of equipment repair and replacement.
ü Reduced foot traffic.
ü Decrease in profit.
Hence, hiring a professional for waterpark maintenance is always helpful.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Hopefully, the above-mentioned inspection and maintenance methods for water park equipment were helpful. Ensure you thoroughly clean and store the equipment properly when not in use, whereas when in use, proper inspection and maintenance of the equipment should be carried out.
