We are operating in different times. How many times have you heard that lately? Our members want more for less and expect exceptional service at all times (ok, so their mindset probably has not changed with the downturn economy). What have you added to your program to add value? Summer is here! It’s a great time to add a few low cost programs to keep your members happy and the pool deck is the perfect place to get started!
Pool Games
Calling all kids! Grab a couple staff members to conduct weekly poolside games to include a penny dive, relay races (wet t-shirt, ride a noodle, etc.), ping pong ball Scrabble, etc. Most of the needed supplies are probably lying around the club or can be borrowed. Prizes can be as inexpensive as a 5 cent freeze pop! The kids will love it! Log onto www.wemanagefun.com all summer long for pool game ideas!
Sno-cones or Sundaes on Sunday
What fun to come to the pool for a FREE (or inexpensive) cool treat! Once or twice per month, schedule a staff member to man a sno-cone machine or build your own sundae bar. You can rent a sno-cone machine for as little as $35 or buy your own! Providing ice cream and toppings is a bit more expensive, but worth the member satisfaction.
Water Fitness
For $25-$40 per hour, you can provide a water fitness class for your membership. Exercising outdoors is great alternative to going to the gym and you can work on your tan! Contact your local YMCA or fitness club for a list of water fitness instructors you can contact to employ over the summer or ask your membership for names of instructors they have met in the past - you know they love to share their ideas!
Kids Splash and Parents Dash
Give parents a 2-hour window to run errands or spend time at home alone by providing a 2-hour pool program for the kids! Engage them with games, contests, outdoor crafts, etc. Parents will gladly pay for this service. I suggest offering a second child discount. What a great way to make some revenue and help out a mom who needs a few hours to herself!
Dive In Movie
Outdoor movies are making a come back, why not offer one at your pool! Wal-Mart is selling inflatable movie screens for less than $200. You will also need a DVD projector and speakers for sound. Many times, clubs have projectors available for conferences and meetings and most pools these days have speakers on the deck. Check out your facility and see if this might be an easy addition for you!
Poolside Pampering
How about hosting a manicures and mimosa morning at the pool for the ladies? Hire a mobile spa service to conduct mini pedicures and manicures on the pool deck. The cost is passed on to members and the club can decide whether the mimosas are charged or complimentary.
The possibilities are endless! Adding a little pizzaz to your pool deck will keep your members interested and coming back for more. It’s one more reason why they will continue to talk up your club and possibly recruit a few of their friends!
Cindy Williams, Corporate Director of Activities, East West Partners Club Management
Cindy is a nationally-recognized expert in family lifestyle programming in private clubs. In addition to her blog, WeManageFun, she speaks at conferences and seminars and provides consulting services to the club industry.
This weekly blog comments on and discusses the club industry and its challenges. From time to time, we will feature guest bloggers - those managers and industry experts who have something of interest to say to all of us. We also welcome feedback and comment upon the blog, hoping that it will become a useful sounding board for what’s on the minds of hardworking club managers throughout the country and around the world.
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