How much does it cost to build a water park?

Blog > How much does it cost to build a water park?

Slide is often contacted for information on how much it costs to build a water park.
Whoever asks us this question owns land, even a large one, and therefore thinks it is enough to enter the water entertainment business. All of this is obviously wrong.

In this article we will try to best explain the entire process that goes from the idea to the construction of the water park.
The premise is that the final cost can vary greatly based on several factors, including the size of the park, its geographical location, the attractions offered, the quality of the facilities and much more.

The construction of a water park

Typically, building an average-sized water park can cost anywhere from a few million to tens of millions of euros.
This cost includes the purchase of the land, the cost of the project, the development of infrastructure, the construction of swimming pools and attractions, the installation of
filtering and security systems.
Furthermore, the construction of the buildings for the toilets, refreshment points and changing rooms, and the cost of a possible Customizations of the Water Park. As well as other associated costs such as marketing and licensing and all municipal charges associated with the project.

How much does it cost to build a water park?

Are you interested in building a water park? If you have the financial availability, contact us for consultancy on the project

Fill out the form, we will reply to you within 4 days

The initial costs of a small water park start from a total expense of approximately 5/6 million euros (excluding land) based on a land of approximately 4 hectares (40,000 thousand m2). This expense includes all the minimum infrastructures such as:

  • One Entrance
  • Men’s and women’s changing rooms
  • A restaurant
  • 3 swimming pools, swimming pools with waves and/or lagoons with related compensation tanks
  • A group of waterslides for adults
  • A group of baby waterslides for children
  • Parking lots
  • Tool storage
  • Offices
  • Park paving

Finally, everything needed for correct operation.
In addition to these costs, the starting costs must also be added, such as the hiring of lifeguards, seasonal workers, as well as the annual hiring of a Park Manager.
And finally, a minimum of 4 other people as year-round assistance for the park, divided between secretarial and maintenance services.

How much does it cost to build a water park? The bigger it is, the more expensive it is

Furthermore, it is necessary to underline that the economic commitment for a Water Park varies greatly if we consider that by increasing the land made available in terms of hectares, the cost of its construction and infrastructure greatly increases.
This is because the project of a Water Park is always to be understood as a tailor-made suit. And every existing structure tends to differ from every previously built project.

How much does it cost to build a water park?
Themed water park

With this premise we want to make it clear that in any design phase the operating costs, in today’s times, are very high.
If you want to archive higher Quality standards for the future water park, in order to compete with existing structures, a company in its preliminary phase of acquiring all the necessary costs must consider budgeting them.
It is also important to highlight long-term operating costs, such as personnel, facility maintenance, energy and water costs, as well as the construction of a photovoltaic system to be started later to save energy costs. of the park during seasonal opening.

swimming pool with artificial waves
Water park with a very fun attraction, a pool with artificial waves

Before starting a water park construction project, it is essential to conduct a complete feasibility study and consult industry professionals such as Slide Srl to obtain an accurate cost estimate and evaluate the potential return on investment.

I already have several hectares of land, can I build a water park there?

If you already have a very large piece of land, you have certainly taken an important step towards creating a water park. However, there are still many factors to take into consideration before proceeding with construction. Here are some:

  1. Local Regulations and Permits You need to talk to local authorities to ensure you obtain all necessary permits for building and operating a water park on your land.
  2. Feasibility study: Carefully evaluate the feasibility of the project. A thorough market analysis is needed to determine if there is sufficient demand for a water park in your area. Also consider the competition and potential challenges you may face.
  3. Budget: A realistic budget must be established for the construction and operation of the water park. Then include all associated costs, such as facility construction, attraction installation, operating expenses and more.
  4. Design: It is crucial to find architects and engineers who specialize in water play design to create a detailed plan for your park. Consider the layout of pools and attractions, visitor circulation, safety and accessibility. Often all this is carried out by companies specializing in water entertainment such as Slide Srl which offers a 360 degree service thanks to the general contractor.
  5. Sustainability: It is important to consider the environmental impact of the water park and look for ways to make it more sustainable, for example by using energy-efficient technologies or implementing cutting-edge water management practices.
  6. Marketing and Promotion: A solid marketing strategy should be planned to attract visitors to the water park once it is built. This could include advertising, special promotions and partnerships with other local businesses.
  7. Insurance and Liability: You need to make sure you get the right insurance coverages to protect you from any risks associated with owning a water park, such as accidents or property damage.

Ready financial availability

You must already have the financial availability ready to be able to actually start with the project, something that is normally overlooked since the beginning of the water park.
Instead, we often trust in the probable bank loan which is often almost never granted. For example, for various investigative or credibility reasons of applicants who do not have the so-called requirements necessary to obtain the credit.
Time and resources are wasted without having a real financial and economic plan, often based on views of other infrastructures present in the area. But not having acquired the right maturation of the work in question.

swimming pool with waves
A swimming pool with artificial waves is an attraction for the whole family that should not be missing from a water park

Building a water park is a significant undertaking that requires planning, resources and commitment. So making sure you do all the necessary research and consultation before starting the project is the bare minimum.
Now, are you sure that building a water park is within your reach?

Who can really invest in this sector today? Not everybody!

You will have understood that having a land of several hectares is not enough to start thinking about building a water park.
Even in this sector, access to credit and the various financial rules do not easily allow obtaining the necessary financing for a project of this scale.

So the question is how to do it? This is where Structured Funds are increasingly intervening, having acquired many global initiatives on various markets with their credit power. They have created many large and capacious enterprises linked to the aquatic and thematic world.

hydrotube 1400 water slide
Hydrotube 1400 water slide

Today the experience of a builder of water parks, slides and water games, such as Slide, becomes fundamental for those who want to undertake the creation of a company linked to this sector. Not to mention the knowledge in the related sectors, including suppliers, technical studies specialized in design and theming,

scenography themed waterfalls
Theming, scenography with artificial rocks and waterfalls

The Water Park is a complex environment where various types of Business collide:

  1. Fun
  2. Aquatics swimming pools, etc.
  3. Park management and project
  4. Various types of water slides in the Park
  5. Thematization
  6. Mascots
  7. Catering
  8. Marketing and Advertising
  9. Innovation in park care
  10. Specialized personnel
  11. Merchandising
  12. Hotel dedicated to the park
  13. Continuation even after the summer period (if possible) with other subsidiary activities

But if you are still not convinced, and you think the project is within your reach, in the next paragraph we will talk about the maintenance of a structure such as the water park.

How much does it cost to keep a water park active?

The annual cost of maintaining a water park depends on several factors, including the size of the park, the number and type of attractions, the quality of the facilities, the geographic region, staff expenses and much more. However, here is a general overview of the typical expenses associated with maintaining a water park:

  1. Staffing: Staffing costs are one of the major components of a water park’s operating expenses. This includes salaries for security workers, pool workers, maintenance workers, administrative staff, food service workers and more.
  2. Maintenance: You must keep the attractions, pools and park facilities in good condition. This may include daily pool cleaning, equipment maintenance, repairs of damaged attractions and replacement of obsolete equipment.
  3. Toilets and Water: Expenses for water used in swimming pools and toilets can be significant, especially in regions with high water costs.
  4. Electrical Energy: A water park requires significant energy consumption to power attractions, lighting, heating and cooling systems, and more.
  5. Insurance: Insurance is important to protect the park and its visitors from possible risks.
  6. Fees and licenses: There may be annual fees and licenses to pay to local authorities to keep a water park running.
  7. Marketing and Promotion: To attract visitors to the park, you may need to invest in advertising and marketing campaigns.
  8. Upgrades and Improvements: Periodically, it may be necessary to upgrade or improve park attractions and facilities to maintain visitor interest and remain competitive in the marketplace.

It is difficult to give an exact figure because costs vary greatly from one park to another.

Annual costs

The annual maintenance of a water park can easily reach several hundred thousand euros or more, depending on the size and features of the park. Wise expense management and operational efficiency can help keep costs under control.

In conclusion, the construction of a water park, even a small one, is only within the reach of economically structured, solid companies with consolidated experience.

Slide is however available to the customer who wishes to invest in this business. It is able to offer its expertise and experience in this sector with a 360-degree turnkey service.

Contact us and request personalized advice.

If you want more information on what merchandising is you can find it here.

logo slide
European Waterpark Association e.V.

Privacy policy | Site map