Best Practices for Maintaining Urban Fountains and Splash Pads
- CSG Blog Administrator
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Keeping public fountains and splash pads safe, clean, and working perfectly
As Colorado grapples with a historic drought and the anticipated record-breaking heat this summer, water features are critical to keeping cool in urban environments. This “blue infrastructure” can provide a fun and visually attractive gathering place, often thought of as an affordable alternative to swimming pools. Water features like public fountains and splash pads are critical to community vibrancy and require complex care to ensure they are healthy and safe for public use.
CSG is the premier partner with specialized expertise in the field of fountain care. By masterfully balancing sophisticated technology with rigorous safety protocols, CSG ensures that Denver’s aquatic gathering spaces remain sustainable, operational, and clean, even in the height of a dry Colorado summer.
Where can you cool off in Denver?
Water-based play spaces such as splash pads - also known as interactive fountains, spray pads, spray parks, or wet decks - may be exempt from water restrictions during times of drought. Features that use non-potable water - meaning it’s chemically treated and not safe for drinking or bathing - often recirculates the water it uses to power displays, making these aquatic spaces water efficient.
From Westminster’s McFall Park to Stapleton’s Central Park and Wynkoop Plaza at Denver’s Union Station, visitors have plenty of places to chill out with a visit to a community splash pad. The Union Station fountains are located on the southern side of Wynkoop Plaza, located off Wynkoop and 17th Streets.
Denver metro is home to over 30 water features, though each one has customized parts and operates uniquely, making it critical for CSG to learn the intricacies that make each feature special. Many splash pads feature programming that runs with the help of technology - choreographed timing, creative spray angles or shapes, bright colors, lighting, and other bells and whistles. The mix of water with electricity alone requires acute attention to detail!
Are splash pads clean and safe?
CSG is specialized in cleaning and maintaining many types of public water features and well-versed in the City’s safety standards. While some splash pads are not required to be regulated by safety and cleaning standards, the Wynkoop splash pad is diligently monitored and cared for by CSG. Water feature maintenance is documented and tracked daily, with oversight by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
CSG’s Fountain Care protocol includes manual and digital water quality audits daily, diligently monitoring pH and chlorine levels, and water refreshes when necessary. Beyond the surface, CSG also analyzes water psi, flow valve functionality, and gallons per minute water cycles through the splash pad. At Wynkoop Plaza alone, this involves the twice-daily cleaning of primary filters and a manual, "shopvac and brush" detail of the 92 jet heads to remove debris, ensuring all systems are leak-free and calibrated for optimal performance.
“CSG’s expertise extends beyond surface-level aesthetics to the mechanical, chemical, and technological that powers modern public water features,” said Katie Troeger, Manager Quality Control & RTD at CSG. “By integrating the City’s safety standards into our daily operating procedures, we preserve expensive mechanical infrastructure, and ensure a safe, playable environment for the community."
CSG’s Extraordinary Care: Managing Invisible Risks
To keep Denver’s water features operating at peak performance, CSG’s Fountain Care Team monitors, tracks, and resolves issues with urgency. This helps to prevent potential further damage to the feature as well as keep it open to visitors.
Sunshine can affect the sanitation solutions in water features, lessening their effectiveness, which makes it important to regularly test and adjust the sanitizers. CSG performs these quality checks multiple times a day, every day.
Lights inside the splash pad can go out or malfunction, where a fuse may need to be replaced.
Water streams could go awry and potentially cause slips or falls. Splash pad nozzles are designed to spray at specific angles, though positioning could shift over time. CSG regularly examines valve positioning and repairs it if there are open/close issues.
Debris can clog fountain water nozzles. Things like leaves, cigarette butts, small toys, pet or human hair can require CSG to remove, flush clean, and replace nozzles.
Water flow can be controlled should the pressure become too strong. Lower psi is recommended for public splash pads so that the water isn’t too forceful, making it comfortable and safe for children.
Weather can impact splash pad performance. If it’s too cold, water features will power down or close to avoid freezing. High winds can also force the splash pad to shut off automatically.
Technology helps to operate splash pad programming and can include safety mechanisms, though computerized systems can fail from time-to-time. CSG manually tests and measures splash pad accuracy in addition to digital monitoring to ensure peak performance.
Any infraction is documented in CSG’s custom technology called Eponic. This allows the Fountain Care Team to track concerns and expedite repairs with detailed progress updates provided to the client.
“The Wynkoop Plaza splash pad is one of the most beloved spring and summertime destinations in downtown Denver,” said Troeger. “Every year, I appreciate seeing people enjoy it!”
CSG redefines the standard of care for water features by combining eco-conscious stewardship with data-driven strategies that amplify a district’s economic and social ROI.
Schedule a consultation with the CSG Fountain Care Team to see how your public water feature can provide long-term value for your urban district.
Don't swallow the water.
Don't let water go up the nose.
Don't poop or pee in the water.
Don't sit or stand on the jets.
Don’t bring toys to the splash pad.
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