All-purpose solution: the all-purpose aquatics facility uses the latest technology to create multigenerational appeal and programmability.(All-Purpose Facility)

Today's aquatics facility, is no longer just about a single body of water. It's about a community--and meeting all the needs of that community, from water aerobics to water slides. Building a facility that meets those needs takes careful planning and an even more careful understanding of what your community wants. But regardless of the budget or the community, every facility must be built with enough flexibility to literally be all things to all people.

The good news is that technology now exists to make this dream facility a reality. The bad news is that many communities still aren't taking advantage of what's available. That's unfortunate because when you build an all-purpose facility, you not only create more public excitement about the project before construction, but you also ensure that it will be sustainable for the long term. It's all about providing multigenerational activities and generating enough programming revenue to keep the facility sustainable.

By keeping those two goals in mind--multigenerational appeal and programmability--we designed what truly can be called the ultimate facility. From movable floors, to lazy rivers to a warm spa, every aspect of this facility was designed with flexibility and sustainability in mind.

Here's a look at how all the components knit together to create long-term interest and promote healthy lifestyles.

We start with a roofing system that creates all-season usability through natural lighting. Made of an engineered transparent material, it is light enough for architectural flexibility, but durable enough to handle winter climates while retaining heat. It also has the ability to let in up to 85 percent of the sun's UV light characteristics. These rays are what allow trees to grow and people to tan. What's more, the material is acoustically transparent, meaning it will alleviate the echo-chamber effect found in many indoor facilities.

Next we take a fresh approach to the traditional competitive pool. At first glance, this six-lane pool looks like any other. But look closer at the design and you'll notice three key differences: a movable floor, movable bulkhead and a wave-generation system. These three features transform the simple competition pool into an all-purpose swimming/water aerobics venue.

The movable floor goes from 10 feet deep to zero-depth with infinite positions in between. The bulkhead can move the length of the pool--and the possibilities are endless. For instance, with the movable floor, one hour you can have a competitive swimming event, and the next you can move the floor up and have a water aerobics class for seniors.