When Haissam Baityeh, CCM, CCE, became the new Chief Operating Officer at The Country Club of Spartanburg (S.C.) two years ago, he knew that addressing the pool, which he describes as just being a “box of water,” was a top priority to increase the club’s appeal to families.
A $2 million-plus pool renovation plan had been spec’d out, but then a much more cost-effective way was found to create what Baityeh says has now become a “magnetic attraction,” by using the existing shell, without any demolition, to introduce a zero-entry section with splash pad, while also adding a large slide and maintaining a 25-yard, deeper section for older kids, adults and competitions.
“We tried to work with what we had and ended up with an unbelievable project,” Baityeh says.
The payoffs have included a doubling of the pool’s average daily attendance, a more than 100% boost in snack-bar drink revenue, and a 70% increase in overall food-and-beverage sales. Just as importantly, the pool’s successful transformation has generated pride and confidence among the existing membership, creating momentum for a dining room renovation, and has contributed this year to the club’s first positive net gain in membership in more than 20 years.
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