There’s something magical about a sunny summer day at a splash pad. Kids are laughing, water’s shooting in every direction, and everyone’s just trying to cool off and have fun. But as a parent, it’s hard not to wonder: Is that water actually clean?
We get it—at Ensor Plumbing, we think about water systems all day long. And when it comes to splash pads and water parks, we’ve seen how things work behind the scenes. So let’s talk about it—without the alarm bells, just the facts and a few things to keep in mind.
Recycled Water: Great in Theory, but…
Most people don’t realize that the water shooting out of those splash pad jets isn’t always fresh from the tap. In many setups, that water is recirculated. It goes down the drains, through filters and chemical treatments, then comes right back out again.
Now, when the system is running like it should—properly maintained and tested—it’s generally safe. But the thing is, these systems need regular attention. Filters clog. Chlorine levels drop. Pumps wear out. And when that happens, bacteria and parasites have a chance to sneak in.
A Closer Look: What Health Experts Say
According to the CDC, splash pads are a bit of a blind spot. They’re often treated like pools in terms of regulation, but in reality, they’re a different animal. Why?
- No standing water makes them seem cleaner, but that same recirculated spray can still carry germs.
- Kids in diapers (yep, even the swim ones) are a major concern. A single accident in a splash pad can introduce some unpleasant microbes.
- No pause for cleaning – Many public pads run nonstop on busy days, which leaves little time for testing or maintenance.
It’s not about fear—it’s about awareness.
What Can You Do?
You don’t have to skip the splash pad altogether. Just be smart about it.
- Look around – Does the place look well-kept? Is there any murky or standing water around the drains?
- Check if it’s regulated – Some towns post inspection records online. If they don’t, it’s okay to ask.
- Teach your kids not to drink the water (easier said than done, we know).
- If your child’s had a stomach bug recently, it’s best to wait a bit before hitting the splash pad.
Water Safety Starts at Home
Here’s the bottom line: water safety isn’t just about what happens at the splash pad. It’s about good systems, good habits, and keeping things clean—whether you’re outside or at home.
At Ensor Plumbing, we don’t run water parks, but we know what clean, safe water should look like. Whether you’re thinking about a filtration system, concerned about backflow, or just wondering what’s in your water, we’re happy to help.