By Nima Kapadia

An enormous recreation center in Flagstaff, Ariz., is taking advantage of the state’s sunny weather to warm two indoor and outdoor body slides, a family whirlpool and a three-lane lap pool: about 100,000 gallons.

The Aquaplex Recreation Center will use a 70-panel solar heating system for its multiple pools in a facility that is larger than 51,000 square feet. 

Novan Solar Inc. of Golden, Colo., provided the turnkey solar thermal system. The company’s founder and president, Jacob Futro, said in a statement: “Their (the city of Flagstaff’s) adoption of solar energy demonstrates a real commitment to their patrons, taxpayers and the environment.”

The Aquaplex’s heating system, which will generate 92 million BTUs of energy each year. More than 60 tons of carbon dioxide will also be offset, which is the equivalent of:

• Energy use in 11 passenger cars
• 140 barrels of oil
• 6,810 gallons of gasoline
• Electricity use in 8 homes

Novan is one of the largest providers of solar heating in the Southwest. In addition to Aquaplex, the company built a 144-solar panel water heating system for the North Boulder Recreation Center in Colorado and 70-panel system for the New Erie Colorado Recreation Center. Novan also has projects pending in Utah and New Mexico.

For more information on the Aquaplex Recreation Center, which will also feature amenities such as a gymnasium, dance room and climbing wall, visit the City of Flagstaff’s website.