Paddock Movable Bulkheads

A movable dividing bulkhead is the simplest and most cost-effective way to maximize the efficient use of any aquatic facility. It allows for ultimate flexibility in programming by creating separate areas for competition, instruction, or recreation in the same pool to be conducted concurrently, if desired. So, the swim coach can hold practice while the fitness instructor is teaching water aerobics class, or while the aquatics director is conducting a lifesaving course, or while kids are playing. Because the bulkhead is movable, the competition courses can be easily changed from 25 yards to 25 meters or 50 meters. Deep and shallow areas can be segregated, minimized, or expanded depending on the scheduled activity. For large pools, two or more bulkheads can create even more options. And, by adding a bulkhead to the design, an owner essentially gets two or more pools for the price of one. Capital and operational costs can be dramatically reduced by using a bulkhead in one pool instead of building two separate pools for various uses.

Paddock bulkheads are custom-built entirely from stainless steel and are engineered for strength and durability, ease of use, and low maintenance. Our first bulkheads were built in 1971, and with over three decades of experience with installations at such notable venues as Arizona State, LSU, Notre Dame, the University of Michigan, and the University of Houston, Paddock remains the leader in the industry.

Most of our bulkheads are four feet wide, but five and six foot wide bulkheads are becoming more popular. Paddock can fabricate a bulkhead to exacting specifications, with any width and depth desired by the customer. When used on pools with our stainless steel recirculating perimeters, Paddock bulkheads are fitted with wheels for easy movement; our skid-mounted bulkheads can be installed on any new or existing pool wall. Starting platforms, timing equipment, and stanchion posts are commonly included. Today’s Paddock bulkheads are made with Type 316L stainless steel to resist staining in corrosive environments.

A singular advantage of stainless steel bulkhead construction is its flow-through characteristics. While the bulkhead takes the appearance of a solid, floating bridge in the pool, there is actually an open area of 32% in the target panels installed in each lane. Sanitized water is constantly entering and flowing inside the structure on both sides. The benefits of this design include ease of movement, improved sanitation (no closed spaces inside where algae can grow), and speed—the rebound of waves is minimized during flip turns, improving swimmers’ times.

While its steel framework gives the Paddock bulkhead strength and durability, only about 30% of the visible surface of the Paddock bulkhead is stainless steel. The remainder is comprised primarily of reinforced, slip-resistant PVC grating to maximize safety, enhance aesthetics, and create versatility. The grating is the same type used in Paddock recirculating perimeters. Design features incorporating grating include slip-resistant targets, tops, and recessed handholds.