Success Models from Small Pools to Big Pools
Mick Nelson, B.S. M.S., USA Swimming

Success models – from small pools to big pools

  • Total Aquatic Programming – community it serves
  • Program it – Design it – Build it
  • Cost to build – cost to operate – bottom line for each facility

17,000 square foot version for populations up to 50,000

  • Teaching and exercise pool
  • Community and competitive pool
  • Offices and reception
  • Land exercise area
  • Meeting rooms and viewing areas

30,000 square foot version for populations up to 100,000

  • Teaching and exercise pool
  • Community and competitive pool
  • Rehab and specialty pool
  • Offices and reception
  • Land exercise area
  • Meeting rooms and viewing areas
  • Dryland supporting areas

45,000 + square foot version for populations over 100,000

  • Teaching and exercise pool
  • Community and competitive pool
  • Rehab and specialty pool
  • Offices and reception
  • Land exercise area
  • Meeting rooms and viewing areas
  • Dryland supporting areas

Biographical Information:

Mick Nelson is the Facilities Development Director for USA Swimming. He comes from a club ownership and coaching background along with extensive experience in business and aquatic management. Mick & wife/business partner Sue formed their own swim club and built their own indoor facility in Danville, Illinois in 1972. In 1974, they formed Nelson’s Swim Supply, a retail and wholesale pool/spa and aquatic equipment business. In 1982, they formed NSS, Inc which offered aquatic facility design, building, and business consultation to the aquatic industry. In 1994, they formed WaterWay Therapy Inc. which was one of the first and only privately owned and operated Medicare approved outpatient Aquatic Physical Therapy centers in the country.

In 2002, they formed Poolside Health & Wellness Center which became not only the home for the USA Swim Club, WaterWay Therapy, and Swim America learn-to-swim program, but a full service land and water community health and wellness center. Mick’s specialties include business development, design planning, programming, and water treatment. In June 2004, they moved to Colorado Springs to help form the new Facilities Division of USA Swimming.