Splash Lagoon, a top 10 waterpark resort in the U.S., draws over 300,000 guests annually to Erie, Pennsylvania. Among its attractions is a 200,000-gallon wave pool, a centerpiece of the park that sees intense seasonal usage. However, maintaining water clarity and system performance with the existing cartridge filtration system became increasingly challenging as guest volumes grew.
Challenge
Splash Lagoon’s wave pool, added in 2011, relied on cartridge filters better suited for residential pools than high-capacity commercial use. The system struggled to keep up with demand, requiring daily filter cleaning and replacement during peak periods. This labor-intensive process not only strained resources but also risked issues with water clarity, potentially leading to pool closures during busy periods. The park needed a solution that could handle high volumes, reduce water consumption, and fit within the constraints of the existing mechanical room.
Solution
After evaluating options, Splash Lagoon chose the Defender® regenerative media filtration system from Xylem’s Neptune Benson. This advanced system uses fine media to capture particles as small as one micron, offering superior filtration performance compared to traditional systems. The Defender system regenerates the media through mechanical agitation, reducing water and energy consumption while requiring less physical space. The compact design of the Defender unit, capable of operating under an 8-foot ceiling, was a perfect fit for Splash Lagoon’s spatial constraints. Installation was scheduled during the park’s annual one-week shutdown to minimize disruption.
Results
The Defender system has revolutionized Splash Lagoon’s wave pool operations, delivering a range of impactful benefits. Guests now enjoy crystal-clear water, elevating their overall experience at the park. The system’s automated regeneration process has drastically reduced the time staff spend on filter maintenance, freeing up resources for other priorities. Additionally, real-time data tracking enables proactive maintenance, ensuring consistent and reliable performance. Beyond operational improvements, the Defender system supports Splash Lagoon’s commitment to sustainability by significantly lowering water and energy consumption. Looking ahead, Splash Lagoon plans to extend filtration upgrades across other parts of the park, further enhancing guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.