On the Deck or In the Water
by dave ramont
featuring stephanie fujimura, Senior Project Manager
In the recent article “On the Deck or In the Water” in Recreation Management's November 2025 issue, Aquatic Design Group Senior Project Manager Stephanie Fujimura dives into how strategic design elevates both the deck and the pool itself. From choosing the right slides and diving boards to ensuring flexible deck layouts, Steph emphasizes how safety, accessibility, and multi-use functionality must be built in from day one. She also underscores how smart design lays the foundation for future-proof aquatic spaces — whether it’s infrastructure for competition, lessons, or resort-style amenities.
Our sincere thanks goes out to our trusted partners who contributed their expert advice and experience to this article! The full text of the article is shared below with permission and can viewed in the original publication here.
A good sandwich can be elevated even further by a variety of condiments. A good song might be further enhanced by the adornment of different instruments. And while a swimming pool might already be quite inviting, it can be outfitted to offer more fun, more comfort, enhance accessibility, and support competition, fitness and instruction—all with an eye on boosting attendance.
Current trends and evolving programming desires can influence which accessories pool operators might add to their facility, but accessorizing is also given much consideration in the design phase, according to Stephanie Fujimura, senior project manager with Aquatic Design Group. “(For) community pools, the priorities are usually recreation and learn-to-swim with club competition coming in second. High schools… tend to focus more on competition—swim, water polo and dive—and physical education. Regardless of the priorities, safety and flexibility are key—both of the pool and pool deck.”
She said large, permanent structures have the largest impact during design, as each product has specialized footings, clearance requirements and safety measures to be coordinated. “Often, the incorporation of a slide feature can dictate the shape and depths of a body of water due to its required clear landing areas, structural footings and potential head clearance issues.”
Also, additional fencing and gates need to be considered. “Diving boards are another large feature that shape initial design as they’ll dictate minimum pool depths for safety as well as minimum code-required pool deck clearances.”
Fujimura said they work with clients during the design phase to lay out the pool and pool deck to support different use scenarios. And she pointed out that moveable furniture is popular as it allows for “easy reconfiguration of the pool deck for different functions.”
Meagan Deacon is marketing manager for a Lexington, Va.-based distributor of commercial outdoor furniture. She said they’ve witnessed a trend of all types of pools adding nicer deck furniture and amenities. “Facilities of all sizes—from community pools to large resorts—are recognizing that the deck experience is just as important as the water itself. Patrons want comfort, convenience and a sense of quality when they’re relaxing poolside, so mangers are upgrading to more stylish, durable and ergonomic furniture.”
Indoor facilities are also adding furniture more often than in the past, according to Deacon, but because these pools have higher humidity and chemical exposure, the furniture must be extra durable. “The pieces chosen for indoor pools tend to be more selective and practical compared to outdoor pool decks.”
When it comes to material selection, Deacon pointed out that pool furniture faces some harsh conditions, including sun, moisture, chlorine, sunscreen and heavy daily use. “While customer preference plays a role, there are several practical factors that influence which materials facilities choose: durability and climate resistance, maintenance needs, safety and functionality, aesthetics and branding, and cost and lifecycle value.”
In addition to the classic chaise lounge, Deacon said there’s a wide variety of poolside seating options available, including Adirondack chairs, outdoor dining chairs or café-style seating. For serious comfort and reclining, there are sunbeds and sunchairs. And for relaxing in the water, Deacon said in-pool furniture is “definitely trending. The explosive popularity of sun shelves—shallow platforms within the pool—has been a key driver in the rise of in-pool furniture. Today, over 90% of modern, custom inground pools include one. In-pool furniture has graduated from exclusive luxury resorts into mainstream residential and commercial spaces.”
And let’s not forget lifeguard chairs, which Deacon said are “steadily evolving. The focus now is on safer, more ergonomic, versatile and weather-resistant designs. These modern features improve both lifeguard performance and user safety.
“Tables are common at upscale facilities and serve as both functional and aesthetic features that help craft luxurious, comfortable experiences,” continued Deacon. “At public or municipal pools, tables are less decorative and more about practicality, but are increasingly being included, especially in newer or renovated facilities seeking to enhance user comfort.”
Providing some shade is important, and “Umbrellas remain a highly popular and widespread feature around pool areas, both in luxury venues and public settings,” said Deacon. “We expect to see even more advanced options—like motorized tilting, integrated lighting or smart height control—emerging as amenities become more experiential.”
But beyond simply getting out of the sun, some visitors like a little privacy. Therefore, cabanas continue their ascendence, offering facilities some extra revenue-generating opportunities. “Cabanas are still soaring in popularity, transcending their status as luxury features to become functional staples in a variety of pool environments,” said Deacon. “Cabanas are now playing a pivotal role in shaping the modern poolside experience.”
Food and beverages are also shaping the poolside experience at a variety of venues, while also offering additional revenue opportunities. And Deacon’s company offers service flags, which she said are an increasingly popular accessory, “especially at venues where enhancing guest service and convenience matters. They’re more than a nice-to-have; they’re a practical, service-enhancing feature that elevates the guest experience while supporting operations. From resorts aiming for a polished resort aesthetic to municipal pools looking to streamline service, these flags are carving out a solid place in modern pool design.”
Deacon said that in addition to pool operators, they work with pool planners and designers. “We know the materials, we know the furniture and quality, and we’ve positioned ourselves as a partner across the whole project lifecycle, from initial planning with architects and designers to long-term operations with pool managers.”
Designing for accessibility and inclusivity is always a priority, according to Fujimura, who said that ramps and sloped entries, accessible lifts, accessible pool stairs and transfer walls are all acceptable code-required accessible entries, depending on intended user groups, programming and site logistics. “A sloped walk and a lift may be more appropriate for a community facility that intends to offer therapy and senior aerobic programming, where in a high school competition pool, ladders and accessible stairs may be more appropriate. The decision needs to be made early in the design process as they have physical space and budget ramifications that could shape the size and layout of the deck and potentially the surrounding structures.”
Marley Cunningham is director of marketing for a Missoula, Mont.-based manufacturer of products aimed at making aquatic activities more accessible for individuals with disabilities. She said accessibility has moved way up the priority list for planners, with these conversations starting in the design phase, “right alongside things like lighting and water features. A decade ago, adding a lift or accessible entry was often treated like a box to check, usually at the end of a project.”
As far as new versus old aquatic facilities, Cunningham said it’s a common misconception that existing facilities are exempt from ADA compliance. “New builds are fun because you can plan accessibility into the footprint from day one, but renovations and retrofits are just as important. We spend a lot of time helping facilities find the right solution for their space, whether that’s adding a lift to an older pool deck with challenging profiles or working with architects to spec the right products into brand new aquatic centers.”
Pool lifts have certainly evolved, according to Cunninham, with the days of “oversized, clunky contraptions” behind us. Sleek, low-profile designs now blend into the pool environment, feeling “inviting and not intimidating.” Introducing color options—and custom powder coat color matching—has been an evolution, “particularly popular with designers and architects, and often specifically requested by facilities with strong branding,” like universities. “More importantly, it turns accessibility equipment into part of the design story instead of an eyesore, making it more approachable—and even fun—for people to use.”
She said that functionally, the focus has shifted as well. “It’s not just about getting someone into the water anymore; it’s about doing it comfortably, independently and with dignity. Features like higher weight capacities, adjustable seats and solar charging stations are big drivers of that.”
Specialization has also grown: “Over recent years, we’ve developed lifts for swim spas, cold plunges, boat docks and even surf parks!” And she pointed out that lifts are “cornerstones of aquatic therapy,” not just for wheelchair users, “whether it’s an older adult who struggles with ladders and stairs, or an athlete rehabbing a temporary injury.”
Amidst the “fun” pool accessories, things like ladders and rails can be overlooked, but these are crucial components for all swimmers, and Cunningham pointed out that ADA standards spell out technical criteria for pool stairs, “things like continuous handrails into the water and uniform step geometry, so people have a consistent, secure grip and predictable footing. Ladders alone aren’t considered an accessible means of entry, but the way you spec stairs, rails and anchors absolutely affects how usable the pool is for more people.” She said they work with planners to get these details dialed in. “For renovations, we’ll custom bend and anchor to the existing footprint. For new builds, we get it right on the drawings, so accessibility is baked in, not bolted on.”
Supplemental aquatic access equipment like aquatic wheelchairs can often be an afterthought, according to Cunningham, since a facility has already provided accessible entry. But a person’s everyday wheelchair isn’t built for pool decks, let alone water use. Additionally, aquatic wheelchairs are a vital bridge to get people into the water where their programming might be taking place. “Having a dedicated water chair on hand—whether for a ramped pool, zero-depth entry or even a splash pad—isn’t just about compliance, it’s about giving patrons a fair and dignified way to enjoy the facility without worrying about damaging their personal chair.”
Cunningham called aquatic walkers “the unsung heroes. We’ve seen these used with great success in rehab scenarios—from people recovering from severe injuries to those participating in low-impact therapy who need just a little extra support.”
When it comes to fitness, training and therapy programming, Fujimura said there’s a growing awareness of creating flexible uses with drop-in equipment. “For those fortunate enough to have experienced a vacation with activated programmed pool programs such as underwater biking, fitness stand-up paddle board, or even just the loud and fun aquatic exercise programs, it’s easy to see how popular these programs can become if done right. Tot-dock style platforms in lap pools can also increase the efficacy and safety of swim lesson programs at a relatively low threshold.”
Additionally, “Providing additional anchors and infrastructure for starting blocks, lane lines, water polo goals, etc., is simple and inexpensive during design, allowing for future flexibility and… additional revenue generation potential,” said Fujimura. “Lessons, rentals for water polo tournaments or swim competitions, and the addition of inflatable courses are just a few examples.” And she mentioned video scoreboards, as they also create recreational use opportunities and can be tools for advertising, training and local announcements.
Eve Julian is the sales and support manager for a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based company offering hardware and software to the aquatics industry. She said video scoreboards are becoming more common, and for smaller venues where LED videoboards are impractical, “we have scoreboard software… that will display a scoreboard on a TV or projector screen.”
When not running swim meets, videoboards can be used for “movie nights, underwater video feed, and power points highlighting teams or sponsors.” She said some customers are selling ads or adding permanent signage for sponsors. Outdoor boards are also available, featuring weatherproofing and “brighter LED that can be seen in sunshine.”
Kristen Linehan Omli is vice president of a Columbus, Ohio-based manufacturer of competitive swimming products. She said that more facilities are adding these products even if they don’t host competitions, as individuals and teams might use the pools for training. This includes racing lane lines, which not only provide visual lane boundaries but also control turbulence and prevent waves from interfering with swimmers.
The lines attach to pool walls, and Omli said they now offer a wrench-free tensioner. “We were hearing from customers ‘I lose the wrench’ or ‘It falls in the pool,’ so we designed this to have the option to not use a wrench to tighten your lanes and it’s been received really well.”
There are also take-up reels for mobile storage and installation of lane lines, which “can be customized with colors or logos,” according to Omli, for schools or venues looking for branding opportunities. Lane lines also can be customized with a variety of colors. Her company also offers pace clocks, floats and backstroke flags.
With the Los Angeles summer Olympics on the horizon, interest will spike in competition swimming, according to Elliot Ball, deck equipment product manager for a Canby, Ore.-headquartered pool deck equipment manufacturer. He believes that starting blocks will become a focus, and said they’ve come a long way in recent years, with the basic sand tread tops no longer fitting the competitive swimmer’s needs. “There are varying textures… that provide better grip and longer-lasting durability, wedge systems to aid in faster starts, and now backstroke devices are taking hold at more than just elite levels of competition.”
And while diving boards and towers are common competitive features, Ball said there’s always an emotional connection to them on the recreational side, with diving boards “staying connected to the magic of the pool. Adults want to remember their youthful days, and kids earn their confidence by getting up the nerve to attempt the next big height or wow the crowd with the biggest splash.”
A major focus point for pools is to encourage variations in programming; keeping pools full at all times of day, said Ball. One strategy is to have items like basketball hoops and volleyball nets open for use when there are no lap programs. “But this can more easily be achieved by segmenting some suitable bodies of water into multiple (bodies) with products like bulkheads or (swim walls). This allows open play on one side not to interfere with water aerobics on the other side, for example.”
He added that while most facilities would love to offer waterpark-sized waterslides, footprints or budgets may not allow, therefore they continue to see interest in their compact slide, which fits in smaller venues.
Pool covers offer many benefits, according to Ball, and with proper use and deployment, they can save “up to 70% in heating costs, 60% in chemical consumption, and 50% in water loss, while also reducing some of the cleaning burden.” Additionally, many power/utility companies provide rebates for purchasing covers. For storage, there are traditional rolling reels, and Ball’s company also offers a pool cover reel/bleacher seat combo, with cover storage under the bench.
Fujimura pointed out that storage for large equipment, including lane line and pool cover reels, water polo goals, portable lifeguard chairs, non-anchored umbrellas, moveable lounging spaces and ladders, needs to be considered during design. “If there’s no building space, we need to plan for additional deck space, (and) whether this is storage under bleachers, behind structures or designated spaces against the fence or walls, it’s important to make sure the space needed is accounted for and functions for the staff operationally.”
She said most non-competition programs—lessons, fitness, specialized recreation—use equipment that needs to be stored indoors, and planning for indoor storage space—approximately 100 square feet—“is a good starting point.” This could grow, depending on anticipated programs, such as if a facility has a timing system. “The one thing that facility operators will always tell you is how much more storage they wish they had!””