For 12 years running, Athletic Business has used the Aquatic Design Portfolio to track how the industry designs, builds and pays for the pools, water parks and natatoriums that define modern aquatics programming. What started in 2015 as a modest showcase of a dozen standout projects has grown into one of the largest annual surveys of aquatics facility design in North America — and the numbers tell their own story about where the industry has been heading.
What follows is a look back at 12 years of submissions: how many projects have come through our doors, what they’ve cost, what kind of facilities keep showing up, which features are gaining ground, and where in North America the boldest aquatics work is happening. Then, your invitation to be part of year 13.
BIGGER BUDGETS, BIGGER AMBITIONS
Photo courtesy of Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Inc. (2017)
What Projects Cost — and What They’re Becoming
Facilities coming through the portfolio haven’t just gotten more numerous — they’ve gotten more ambitious. That’s showing up in the project mix, too: competition and training facilities have claimed a growing share of submissions, while stand-alone water parks have receded as splash pads and spraygrounds pick up modest ground.
Median project cost has roughly tripled, from the $6–14 million range in ADP’s first six years to a consistent $18–21 million from 2021 on.
Photo courtesy of Water Technology Inc. (2025)
WHERE AND HOW
Photo courtesy of Counsilman-Hunsaker (2025)
Geography — and What’s In the Water
One question worth asking of 12 years of data: are today’s must-have features — zero-depth entry, lazy rivers — actually new? The answer is no. Both were already standard in 2015, present in roughly a third of projects, and if anything have receded slightly as the portfolio has tilted toward competition facilities. The real movement is elsewhere: movable bulkheads and floors have nearly quadrupled in mentions, current channels have picked up steam, and diving boards/platforms are up sharply — all consistent with the shift toward more competitive, multi-use pools. Meanwhile, dedicated wave pools and vortex features — once a signature of the waterpark era — have largely faded from the portfolio.
Texas and Colorado lead all states in ADP appearances over 12 years, with California and Ontario close behind — Sun Belt growth markets and Rocky Mountain recreation districts both investing heavily in aquatics.
Photo courtesy of hcma architecture + design (2025)
Your Project Could Be Next
Photo courtesy of Aquatic Design Group (2025)
The next generation of aquatics facility innovation, architecture and design comes to life in print and online this January/February in Athletic Business for our 13th Annual Aquatic Design Portfolio. ADP 2027 is the place to showcase your aquatics project to athletics, fitness and recreation professionals throughout the United States and Canada – FOR FREE!
Submission deadline: Oct. 28, 2026
No entry fee. Projects completed Jan. 1, 2023, through Sept. 1, 2026, are eligible.
Questions? Email Andy Berg at [email protected]
