The Challenge
Virginia Tech’s Recreational Sports Department faced a persistent safety issue at its aquatic facilities: students and visitors continued entering the pool area when it was closed and unsupervised. Traditional chain barriers and signage were ineffective, and because emergency exits needed to remain accessible, the team required a solution that blocked access without compromising safety protocols.
“We were having a problem with people entering our facility, specifically our pool area, when we were closed,” says Lyncee Bowman, who oversees Aquatics. “And that’s obviously a safety concern if there are no lifeguards on duty.”
The Solution: ZonePro by Modus
After seeing how ZonePro® barriers successfully controlled access within another campus fitness facility, the Aquatics team implemented the same system — customized with Virginia Tech branding — to secure the pool’s “wet corridor.”
ZonePro provided a clear visual deterrent with its 3-by-12-foot banner coverage while still retracting instantly into a compact 4-inch canister when the space needed to remain open for emergency egress. Durable vinyl construction ensured the system performed reliably even in humid pool environments.
Key Features Delivered
- 3’x12’ highly visible coverage to block access
- Rapid retraction into a slim 4” canister when not in use
- Custom Virginia Tech branding for authority and clarity
- Durable vinyl suited for constant moisture and heavy handling
- Flexible operation supporting required emergency exit access
The Impact
Unauthorized entry into the pool area decreased immediately after installation. “We were getting phone calls all the time that people were just walking in,” Bowman says. “I’ve not had that since we installed it.”
The barriers also proved exceptionally durable — one banner remained in excellent condition after two years of continuous use in a humid environment. With strong results in both aquatic and fitness spaces, the university is now considering additional applications across campus.
“I truly do love the products,” Bowman says. “Making sure no one enters the building while figuring out how to keep the emergency exit doors available was a huge safety concern for Aquatics. ZonePro offers a temporary solution that can be opened and closed as needed. Now, I don’t have to worry about safety at all.”
Looking Ahead
Following the successful deployment in Aquatics, Virginia Tech sees potential to extend ZonePro® barriers into more campus facilities as awareness and demand grow.
