Duke University Aquatics
There is a lot more to consider when maintaining these colossal giants of competition and wellness than one might think. Pool Operators face a myriad of challenges beyond balancing the mega-gallonage at a body of water that serves as a recreational, fitness, and sports venue. Duke University’s Director of Aquatics, Abi Schaefer, joins us to discuss some of the intricacies of operating a collegiate swimming pool. Here is what Abi had to say:
Director of Aquatics
Duke Recreation & Physical Education
Duke University is unique in many aspects of everyday university life, but I like to think it is especially unique in the Aquatics world. Duke University Aquatics sits in a very rare spot when it comes to University Recreation and Aquatics. On a day-to-day basis, we serve so many different populations and groups that it can be very challenging to ensure each group and population has the best possible experience, while keeping the safety of our clients, athletes, and patrons in mind. Duke Aquatics oversees the operation and programming of three facilities: Taishoff Aquatics Pavilion, Brodie Aquatics Center, and Central Campus Pool. Each facility brings both diverse challenges and opportunities.
Taishoff Aquatics Pavilion, for example, houses the Varsity Swim and Dive teams, recreational lap swim, the Masters swim team, Physical Education Courses, the Club Swim team, Club Water Polo, and the Duke Dive Club. On the other hand, Brodie Aquatics Center supports our learn to Swim program, American Red Cross Lifeguard program, weekly Kayak Clinics, Stand Up Paddle Board programming, recreational lap swim, Physical Education Courses, and weekly Special Olympics practice. Outside of those two facilities, we have a seasonal outdoor facility, Central Campus Pool. This facility is used by students during the Spring and Fall semesters as a place to relax, study, and take a break; however, during the summer months, it is generally home to the Duke community’s faculty, staff, and families. This is designed as a recreational pool that can offer everything from recreational lap swim to learn-to-swim programming, weekly outdoor kayak clinics, birthday parties, group rentals, and an exclusive space for the Duke Community to utilize.
All of this said, our biggest challenges are scheduling, spacing, timing, and safety. Everything has to run like a well-oiled machine to ensure that each group, club, practice, and program has access to the facilities at their scheduled time, date, and location. For example, if one facility has a maintenance issue, as all pools do from time to time, it affects more than just that specific facility because most programming has to be moved to another facility or cancelled altogether. Not only does this create a scheduling nightmare, but it can take away from the overall experience we want to provide each and every patron. It truly takes a team of pool operators, aquatics professionals, coaches, and key part-time staff to keep everything running smoothly. Additionally, the schedule must be put together, keeping each specific group, team, club, etc., in mind; even leaving one group out can throw off this delicate balance.
The most important aspect to remember is safety. The schedules have to be designed so that the pools are not overloaded, that programs are not so large that they take up their own space and the space of another program, and that everyone is safe. For example, you would never want to put a Level One Learn to Swim Program at the same time as the Kayak Clinic. It takes a critical eye and true understanding of what each group needs to be successful to have well-run facilities and programming.
To see what the University of Georgia’s Director of Aquatics, Alex Nichols, had to say on the subject in the Spotlight on UGA: University of Georgia Aquatics
Operating large aquatic facilities like those at Duke University requires more than experience—it requires formal training in water chemistry, risk management, and regulatory compliance. This is why many universities, municipalities, and aquatic facilities rely on Certified Pool Operator (CPO) training to prepare their staff for the complexities of commercial pool management. CPO certification programs teach pool operators how to manage sanitation systems, maintain proper water balance, prevent recreational water illnesses, and operate filtration and circulation equipment safely. At CPOClass.com, our Certified Pool Operator classes focus not only on passing the CPO exam but also on helping aquatic professionals truly understand the science behind pool operation—from disinfection chemistry to facility safety and preventative maintenance. For facilities operating multiple pools or large aquatic centers, such as those at Duke University, proper CPO training ensures staff are equipped to maintain safe, compliant, and high-performing aquatic environments.
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