Welcome to Entertainment Engineering magazine’s series where we ask companies to explain their approach to solving customer problems. We recognize the value of transferring technology and design innovations from one industry to another and believe that it all starts with those initial conversations. Here’s how Cloward H2O works with its customers. 

About Cloward H2O: Founded in 1977, Cloward H2O has specialized in recreational aquatics since 1985, developing a more diverse and wide range of aquatic expertise than any other firm. We are a global leader in aquatic engineering, designing world-class water parks, pools, fountains, interactive features, and marine life support systems. Cloward H2O has designed many of the world’s foremost aquatic leisure and marine facilities including the world’s deepest pool and other world’s largest and first of its kind facilities. We specify leading edge technology in design, filtration, chemical treatment, ozonating, pool edges and other integral components to each project we undertake. Perfecting all aspects of water, our end goal is to design safe, clean, and clear water for everyone to enjoy. That is Water Perfected.

For this series, we spoke with Corry Cloward, P.E., President/Principal; Allen Clawson, P.E., Managing Partner/Principal; and Dan Aldred, Associate Principal/Senior Engineer.

Ideas: Understanding the Challenge

Customer approach and provided Information

Customers usually come to us with a project vision or problem statement — often a napkin sketch or basic concept for an aquatic feature or water system. They typically share whatever data they have (site layouts, performance requirements, water quality or capacity goals, budget limits, timeline, and any regulatory requirements). In practice, the process is smoother when clients can clearly articulate success criteria (e.g. target flow rates, clarity, or occupancy goals) and provide complete site/operational data upfront. Knowing the end goals and constraints from the outset, along with any creative aspirations, helps our team focus quickly on the right solutions.

When we decide to use a unique or innovative approach 

Cloward H2O turns to custom solutions for every project. A lot of competitors in the various industries Cloward H2O competes in more or less practice ‘cookie cutter’ approaches. The Cloward team starts from scratch every time applying proven engineering principles. Each is assessed for client goals and site constraints — developing a specialized design that aligns with the vision. In short, off-the-shelf methods don’t apply, we innovate every time. This is why Cloward H2O receives the world-first projects and very unique challenges other firms turn down, such as the deepest pool in the world, a giant waterfall volcano with slides through it, the first slides through a shark aquarium, and much more.

Response policy and procedure 

Once a challenging need is identified, we define and validate the problem by confirming the data, required regulations, and site limitations. Then we assemble the right team. We engage cross-functional experts early on in the process and apply rigorous in-house standards at each design review. For example, we have evolved internal checklists and best-practice standards covering structure, piping, electrical, and safety. This ensures that every solution is technically sound and compliant before proceeding.

Go/no-go decision factors 

We assess feasibility by balancing performance, cost, risk, and value. Key questions include: Can the solution meet technical and regulatory requirements? Does it fit the budget and timeline? What are the failure risks? Projects “demand precision” — if we cannot confidently achieve the objectives reliably, we go back to the client with the reality of physics. We often say we can engineer anything you want as long as it applies the laws of physics, and you understand the budget. Successful projects have a clear path to meeting the client’s needs sustainably; if the scope is unachievable (for example, due to an unrealistic budget or excessive technical risk), we make sure there is a resolution before moving forward.

Innovation: Working Together

Aligning expectations early 

Alignment starts with clear communication and shared metrics. We hold kickoff workshops or design charrettes so everyone (engineers, architects, owners) agrees on scope, key constraints, and success criteria. Cloward’s engineers, for instance, “review project designs as early as possible to ensure these don’t violate the laws of physics.” By addressing major assumptions up front and establishing measurable goals, we ensure priorities and desired outcomes are mutually understood from the start.

Collaborating across disciplines 

Challenging projects typically involve multidisciplinary teams. In a large aquatic project, for example, you might see civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and controls engineers working alongside architects, landscape designers, and specialty consultants. These teams collaborate closely through integrated design sessions and shared models. For instance, when designing a resort lagoon, Cloward H2O is included as the aquatic engineers, then there are always MEP engineers and geotechnical experts, and sometimes even specialists like wave-system or AV consultants. Each discipline’s input is coordinated through regular design reviews so that hydraulics, water treatment, structural layout, etc., all fit together smoothly.

Turning constraints into opportunities

We view constraints as design drivers, not roadblocks. For example, building in a desert climate forces us to innovate on water reuse and efficiency. Cloward has developed lagoon and waterpark systems that minimize evaporation, recycle water, and use energy-efficient pumps. Tight budgets or schedules also spur creative solutions, such as modular design phases or alternative materials that cut costs without sacrificing performance. In our experience, once the team treats each constraint (cost, time, regulations, space) as a catalyst, it often leads to simpler, more elegant solutions that add value.

What drives creativity

High stakes and novel challenges push the team to think outside the box. When a project has zero margin for error — like the 60-meter-deep dive pool where any failure would be catastrophic — the engineers responded with extensive simulation and testing to innovate safe solutions. Similarly, new guest experiences (like custom wave rides) or sustainability goals demand fresh thinking. Our engineers explore new technologies and creative configurations daily. Constantly exploring new technologies and ways to improve systems.

Role of AI

AI is an emerging tool in engineering, but it hasn’t gotten to the point where it is efficient, effective, or reliable for aquatic engineering processes. Therefore, Cloward H2O has not used AI for any process work yet. Cloward H2O is remaining apprised of new developments in the technology and testing features to stay on the curve when it becomes a viable ‘team player.’ On another note, many of the technologies we specify use data-driven simulation and IoT monitoring (e.g. sensors on pumps and filtration systems), and AI is enhancing predictive modeling and controls in aquatic systems. So, AI is being leveraged for analytics and system performance optimization/maintenance planning, in aquatic systems to better serve owners and operators. 

Execution: Mindset and Lessons Learned

Maintaining communication and alignment

Consistent and clear communication is key. Cloward emphasizes clear communication channels and a well-defined scope every time to keep everyone on the same page. We hold regular status meetings and design reviews with the customer and all stakeholders. Any changes or issues are documented and shared quickly. Keeping stakeholders updated at each milestone, we strive to keep the customer’s vision aligned with the project as it evolves.

Resilience and momentum

The toughest challenges often come from unexpected obstacles — unknown site issues, regulatory changes, or supply delays. Cloward’s strategy is to break big problems into smaller steps and apply proven methods for each. For example, we use a “cautious approach” and strict best practices in construction, so when problems occur, the team can fall back on tried-and-true engineering standards. Having a robust design review and issue-tracking process also helps the team quickly recover from setbacks.

What makes a customer an effective innovation partner

The best customers are engaged, transparent, and collaborative. They share complete information (site data, operational goals, constraints) and provide timely feedback. We are grateful to have clients and partners that go to bat for us and with us. Everyone has a part to play in these great projects. In other words, customers who actively participate in problem-solving — by asking questions, attending reviews, and trusting the engineering process — become true partners. This mutual commitment to the project’s success makes innovation smoother.

Key team mindset for success

A solutions-oriented, safety-first mindset underpins everything. Cloward’s engineers prioritize engineering quality and sustainability as central values. We approach projects thinking “long-term reliability” — focusing on safety and durability needs. The team’s attitude is one of rigorous practicality: we combine creativity with discipline, always validating ideas against standards and real-world constraints. This balanced, collaborative mindset (focused on clear water and clear outcomes!) is what ensures successful results in challenging projects.

*Images courtesy of Cloward H2O. 

For information: 

Cloward H2O 

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