Spain’s water parks are making waves—not just with their thrilling rides but also in their commitment to sustainability.
With increasing awareness of climate change and the need for responsible tourism, many water parks in Spain are incorporating eco-friendly innovations to reduce their environmental footprint.
From solar energy to advanced water recycling systems, these sustainable measures are shaping the future of aquatic entertainment.
Several water parks and aquatic attractions in the region are investing in renewable energy solutions, water conservation initiatives, and eco-conscious designs to minimise their impact on the environment.
Solar Energy: Powering Water Parks Efficiently
One of the biggest shifts in water park sustainability has been the adoption of solar energy.
One of the first was the Hidropark Alcudia in Mallorca, which in 2020 announced a crowdfund to install 50 kW of solar panels. The aim was to reduce the energy consumption the park needed to manage 50,000m2 of attractions—including 6 swimming pools including a wave pool.
The crowdfund raised over €66,000 and was one of the first of its kind.
Loro Parque (the Tenerife zoo that is owned by the same company that operates Siam Park) in 2020 also announced their plans to great a large solar installation to provide electricity to the park—a giant park with up to 1MW of installed capacity.
However, we can’t find confirmation that this installation has been set up yet.
Unfortunately, there aren’t many other cases of water parks switching to solar energy yet in Spain.
This is particularly something to watch in coming years in places like Marbella and Malaga on the Costa del Sol. These regions enjoy the highest amount of solar hours in all of Europe, many water parks, and a large amount of tourists to serve each year. There’s no shortage of companies installing solar panels in Marbella too.
We hope to see more large-scale projects soon!
Water Conservation: Smart Filtration & Recycling Systems
We covered in a previous post how Siam Park in Tenerife uses an advanced water filtration system to recycle much of the water in the park.
The company has received recognition for its efforts to reduce its water usage, avoid contamination and reuse it.
Operating a water park requires a vast amount of water, making conservation efforts essential. Leading parks have embraced similar advanced filtration and water recycling systems, which purify and reuse water in pools, lazy rivers and slides.
This technology not only reduces waste but also ensures that the parks operate efficiently without excessive freshwater consumption.
Eco-Friendly Architecture & Green Spaces
Another way Spain’s water parks are embracing sustainability is through eco-conscious design. Many attractions are incorporating green roofs, shaded areas using natural materials, and energy-efficient cooling systems to reduce heat absorption and electricity usage.
Additionally, integrating local plant life into landscaping helps maintain biodiversity and reduces the need for excessive irrigation.
Sustainable Visitor Experience
Beyond infrastructure, some water parks are also encouraging eco-friendly behaviour among visitors.
Measures such as providing refillable water stations, banning single-use plastics, and using biodegradable food packaging are becoming standard practice. Many parks are also offering incentives for visitors who travel via public transport or use electric vehicles.
The Future of Sustainable Water Parks in Spain
As technology advances, so will the sustainability measures within Marbella’s water parks.
Future innovations may include AI-driven energy management systems, even more efficient solar panel technology, and increased use of rainwater harvesting to supplement water supplies.
For tourists and locals alike, these initiatives not only provide a guilt-free way to enjoy some of Spain’s best attractions but also set an important precedent for the broader leisure industry. With Spain leading set to become the world’s #1 visited country in the world, and water parks a major draw, we hope the country will prove that fun and sustainability can go hand in hand.
Whether through solar energy adoption, water conservation efforts, or sustainable visitor initiatives, these parks are paving the way for a greener future in tourism.
Have you visited a sustainable water park in Spain? Share your experiences with us on our contact page!
