August 22, 2025: "Less, but better" - Dieter Rams
Good Morning,
Recently I learned about Dieter Rams, a German industrial designer. You've probably seen some of his iconic designs without even realizing it. Two things he said that resonated with me: "Less, but better" and "indifference towards people and the reality in which they live is actually the one and only cardinal sin in design" (emphasis added). He also has a very famous series of 10 Design Principles.
Why am I bringing this into an aquatic newsletter? Recently I've encountered a few situations with clients & colleagues where there is a desire to fix a problem, but the solutions proposed are so complex, cumbersome or expensive they are very "bad design." Having a thorough procedure no one can follow or expensive/pretty equipment no one likes to use is utterly pointless and doesn't fix your problem.
As I say repeatedly in the Certified Pool Operator (CPO) class, there is no "perfect" product in pool operations; it comes down to personal and operational preference. As a female, I have small hands, so the water test kit I reach for might be completely different from that better serves someone with large hands.
Good design doesn't have to be inherently expensive, but it does require being thoughtful and determining your personal/organizational/operational priorities. I'm not suggesting you spend 10 minutes analyzing different types of pizza for your next team meeting, but if you're spending more than $1,000 on an item or will have to live with the decision for more than a season/year, take a few moments to consider the "design" and ask yourself how this can be less [work], but better [outcomes].
The decision also has to stand up to the reality of your aquatic facility & team, so be honest & realistic
Let's break down what the industry conversations have been about this week -
Royal Caribbean closes waterslide on Icon Class ships pending safety checks
This includes the brand new ship Star of the Seas that debuted this week in Florida. This follows on videos I shared in last week's newsletter regarding the shattered slide.
Regina breaks ground on $285M indoor aquatics facility project
This is a big step - the city hasn't built a new indoor aquatic facility since 1992. It's a big spend in an uncertain economy, but waiting longer will make the project cost even more later.
Upper Arlington teen hopes speaking out about waterpark dress code will lead to change
"Adkison said dress code policies that depend too heavily on someone's interpretation can be harmful."
Could more have been done to prevent death at Tulsa Wave Park?
2 Americans drown in a 3-hour span at same Bahamas resort: Police
I'm hearing that both elderly victims had significant pre-existing medical conditions that could have made them just as likely to collapse spontaneously in a grocery store as while exerting themselves swimming on vacation.
A year in, Great Falls’ $20M pool and rec center struggles to find financial footing
"In June 2024, while planning the coming year’s budget, Great Falls city commissioners stared at a line item for the equivalent of 25 new full-time employees and the expenses that came with them." I cannot tell you how frustrating it is to see communities lobby for these beautiful, new recreation/aquatic facilities and then balk at 4% annual operating costs and increased staffing levels based on substantial increases to square footage!
Male drowns in Harrison Hot Springs lagoon
I will be curious to know if heat and/or intoxication was a factor in this incident.
New bill would require ride closure transparency from amusement parks
I love this idea. I've been learning a lot about proactive communication in amusement park settings during the last year that I've been a member of IAAPA.
Fire department rescues 40-year-old stuck in playground tube slide
I share this article not as a joke, but to reiterate the weight, height & size limitations of any wet/dry slides or play equipment need to be strictly adhered to.
Princess Charlene sounds alarm as drowning cases surge in France
"Between June 1 and July 23, 2025, there were 702 reported drowning incidents, 193 of which were fatal. This represents a 45% increase compared with the same period last year."
Registration open for cardboard regatta in Wisconsin Rapids
I love these types of pool events. They are so easy to put together and showcase such creativity from the community without a significant impact on water quality. It can also double as a fundraisers.
Comparing The Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Venues To The Initial 2017 Bid
"Breaking the tradition from any other Olympics, venues will be allowed to have corporate sponsor names attached to them."
Beach visitors risk 'arrest' for swimming without lifeguard following tragic incident
Universal Orlando Resort Reveals New Details Ahead of Volcano Bay Nights
Adult-only nights and programming are a huge area of potential revenue growth many aquatic facilities - even your plain, old community pool - should be considering.
Idaho health officials want the legislature to reinstate (and expand) pool inspections
This is an update on a story we shared earlier this year that saw commercial pools no longer inspected in Idaho as of July 1, 2025.
Check out this incredible DIY water testing vial I saw on a Royal Caribbean ship this week:
'Twas the Week Before Shutdown
I love this reel (video) on Facebook reminding the Fort McMurray, AB community of the aquatic facility's upcoming annual shutdown.
Seabreeze wants to build a new waterslide complex. Tariffs are getting in the way
This Quiet Shift Is Helping Founders Build Fierce Customer Loyalty
This is not strictly a pool article, but I've gotten a lot of value from this author over the years, including his most recent book Stop the Shift Show. This is a great article for your communication binder or a 10 minute toolbox meeting.
YouTube is still in queue to come back, but my life schedule has been dominating my work schedule. If there's anything else specific you'd like to see included in upcoming newsletters or social media content-wise, please take a second to hit Reply and let me know.
Thanks again & have a great weekend.
Katie Crysdale
Lakeview Aquatic Consultants Ltd.