Separating the front of the house from the back of the house is an essential task for every aquatic manager. Some actions, areas and activities should be considered strictly behind the scenes. Quickly improve your pools professional image by closely monitoring the following areas.
Personnel Considerations
Front of the House
Safety Training – Why not showcase your commitment to great scanning, first aid and in-water rescues? Show off your skills by running trainings during open pool times – just avoid peak swim hours.
Back of the House
Behind-the-Scenes Staff Situations – Staff breaks, personal conversations and employee performance review should all be considered back of the house practices.
Cleaning
Front of the House
Quick Cleanup Scenarios – It’s great to have a strong show-of-force when a quick cleanup is needed. Your patrons will appreciate the effort.
Back of the House
Cleaning Equipment – When not in use, vacuums, cleaning carts and cleaning chemicals should be locked up, and stored out of the public eye.
Signage
Front of the House
Rules and Regulations – Your rules and policies should be prominently displayed throughout your facility. Use only professional quality signage and materials.
Back of the House
Off-Brand Signage – Consider strict sign-protocol so your facility does not become bombarded with non-professional, off-brand signage.
Example Sign Protocol:
No handwritten signs
Use only specified fonts and images
Hang signs only with professional sign holders – no visible tape
Aquatic Programming
Front of the House
New Programs – Make sure you’re highlighting your new programs with current marketing materials available throughout your facility. Consider sneak previews and public demonstrations of your latest programming additions.
Back of the House
Off-Duty Equipment – Programming equipment that is not in use should be stored behind the scenes. Give special consideration to equipment that you don’t want used during general swim times. Kickboards, pull buoys and noddles may be kept at your pool for instruction, but you’ll want to store them during non-programming times.
Amenity Management
Front of the House
Amenities – Neatly arranged towels and amenities should be prominently displayed at your pool. This is a great way to set yourself apart from your competition with small extras and details only you’ve considered.
Back of the House
Used Amenities – Used towels, refuse and dirty dishes should be consistently and quickly removed from the public eye. Facility cleanup is everybody’s task and messes should never be ignored.
Chemicals
Front of the House
Testing Chemicals – Be proud of your closely monitored chemistry. Regularly gathering water samples in the public’s view and answering their inquiries regarding your scientific process will grow good-faith with your clientele.
Back of the House
Chemical Storage Areas – Chemical storage areas are a hazard to the public and should be made inaccessible with locked doors and “off-limit” signage.
Music
Front of the House
Public Music – Neatly tailored, professional music choices set a focused ambiance at every facility. Choose your music wisely as it will represent your brand.
Back of the House
Employee Music – Employee area music can quickly disrupt from your focused environment initiatives. Be sure to control the volume of music in staff-only areas.