One Tank Trip  

This is a sponsored post.
Back when I was growing up in Ohio, one of the local TV stations did a series called "One Tank Trips" (which, I must admit, I have tried to pitch to my bosses time and time again, only to have them shoot down my idea, then say how great an idea it is when we see one of our competitors try it). Even back then, I loved the idea of a short little getaway, and still do to this day.

That's why when the amazing folks at Great Wolf Lodge asked my family and I to return to the resort for a follow-up visit, I couldn't turn them down! DH, G, & I had a fabulous time spending a night at the Lodge back in December (and giving one of YOU a chance to win a night's stay!).

This time, I got the chance to go behind the scenes of what makes GWL so special... their indoor water park! If you've never been to GWL (or their website), then you must go and at least take a look. They really have everything in here; wave pool, kiddie area, 10 slides-- you name it! As a teenager, I was a lifeguard at a much smaller, outdoor water park, and my days there hold some of my fondest memories. Going behind the scenes at GWL really took me back to being a 17-year-old lifeguard... well, without the gnarly fitting shorts and the hiked up bathing suit!

My first stop on this tour was the air filtration room-- actually, it looked more like something straight out of NASA, with all the shiny-silver foil padding everywhere. Actually, that silver-stuff is ventilation. You know how when you go into most pools, the stench of chlorine is almost overpowering? Not at GWL. They have these massive pumps that suck up all the air, circulating it throughout the cavernous pool area. The result is air that's a constant temperature year round and smells like a rose (well, maybe not a rose; it really doesn't smell like anything, which is what I appreciated most!).

Next, I got to go into the pump room. WARNING: if someone ever asks you if you'd like to visit the pump room of a water park that pumps 150,000 gallons of water through its system daily, ask for ear plugs first! To just say it was "loud" would be the understatement of the year; deafening would be more accurate. But obviously, it takes a lot of power to get that water moving throughout the enter park.

My favorite part of the tour-- and something I think you'll find interesting-- was the water filtration room. I don't know how many of you have ever worked at a community pool, or maybe have a pool in your backyard; but usually, you have a standard filter that cycles through the water every day or so. Well, at GWL, they cycle through ALL the water every HOUR! What does that mean for you as a guest? Well, between the speed of their system and the three different types of filters (including one which filters out particles just microns in size, and another that uses UV technology to zap out harmful bacteria), it means a pool that needs a lot less chlorine to keep it clean. I noticed that almost immediately; I didn't come out of the water smelling like I'd been sucked into a chemical tank, my skin didn't itch, and my hair didn't turn a disgusting shade of green. Oh-- and my bathing suit did not start falling apart from the harsh chlorine, like it does when I go to the neighborhood pool.

Of course, what makes this park really zing is the amazing staff. My host, aquatics director Peter McKenzie, told me he employs 100 guards; 20-30 are on duty at any given time. And although they are definitely a presence (they're hard to miss in their bright red gear!), you don't really notice them. The guards manage to enforce all the rules without encroaching on any of the fun. I think this is due in part to their training (they're all Ellis & Associates-trained guards) and the hiring process at GWL; even though you can be a certified lifeguard at age 15, the resort only hires guards 16 or older, meaning a more mature staff! Peter even told me that many of his guards are moms, who work part-time for a little extra spending money (and, no doubt, free access to the park for their families!). Sounds like a pretty good gig to me!

There are a dozen Great Wolf Lodge locations across the country; this is a company I've had the pleasure of working with twice now, and both times, I've had a top-notch experience. I can't say enough about their amenities, services, and most importantly, their people. Whether you're looking for a staycation in your area, or an out of town trip your kids will be talking about for years, I hope you'll consider a visit to Great Wolf Lodge!

My family and I were given a one-night, complimentary stay at Great Wolf Lodge in Concord, North Carolina, for the purpose of this review. We were not compensated in any other way. I was not paid for my opinion, and any views or opinions expressed in this article are 100% genuine.