How Wave Pools Work

If you have visited a water park, you may notice a large number of people standing or swimming in a large pool of water as if they are waiting for something. Then suddenly, they scream in excitement as a huge wave comes rushing towards them! This leisurely attraction is called a wave pool.

A wave pool is designed to imitate the ocean's movement. In smaller pools, a powerful pump blows pressurised air onto the surface of the water to generate the wave. Some pools also use a paddle device instead of pressurised air. More complex systems include an accordion mechanism which opens to suck the water in and closes to push the water out, causing waves to form. In bigger, high-volume wave pools, huge amount of water are quickly dumped into the far end of the pool. This action forces the water to displace and even out, generating a gigantic wave. As the water reaches the end of the pool, it flows to a return canal which lets it then to flow back to the tank, ready to be used in making another wave.

These attractions are entertaining but they can be dangerous if one does not take precautions. Because they are not in open water, people often overestimate their swimming capability in these facilities. In addition, the moving water, sun glare, and the large volume of swimmers make it difficult for lifeguards to rescue patrons. Furthermore, most automated drowning detection systems do not function effectively in wave pools. But this should not discourage you from soaking in wave pools to ward off the summer heat. By obeying the park's rules, you can be assured of a fun swim in a wave pool.