Hello from Lansing, Michigan

[SouthernSharktoothDiver]

In my mind, unless it's for a skills course like say, navigation or currents or something, I see no reason why you should be able to get your cert in any water that's deep enough. It's not like this is really any different from a quarry dive, except maybe the vis is better, the water's warmer, and it's much, much safer.

Well, and probably costs a lot more. Seriously, I was expecting like, $40 per person per day. Over three hundred is crazy, though I guess it is a very expensive op to run, and maybe things cost more in Dubai, idk. I'll be interested to see what the one in Michigan ends up costing, by comparison.

 

[TritonNexus]

@TritonNexus Wow, this sounds impressive enough I might actually come up and see it when it's finished. You've obviously put quite a lot thought into this, and it's very cool. I do have a question: How exactly do you plan to avoid the potential issue of people pushing the limits of their certs in order to dip into the next stage? I could easily see somebody deciding there's really no harm in dipping down another 30 or 50 feet to see the Alien zone, and potentially getting themselves hurt doing so. Obviously you'd have safety videos and waivers and such, but I was curious if you had plans for any sort of monitoring or supervision on the subject?

Beyond that, I can see this being extremely useful for tech diving practice/training. I know for my part, the idea of being able to practice something like deco diving (which I am not certified in, but would like to be eventually) in a safe, controlled environment would be a game changer.

Hey! Really appreciate the kind words — and I’d absolutely love for you to visit once it’s finished. The support means a lot, and your question is a really good one.


You’re spot on — themed zones at different depths are exciting, but they do bring the risk of divers pushing past their certification limits “just to peek.” Here’s how I plan to manage that realistically:

1. Strict Certification Checks at Entry: Every diver’s certification level will be verified during check-in. We’ll make sure they understand their personal depth limit before entering the water.
2. Required Safety Briefing: Before diving, everyone will go through a mandatory safety orientation to go over pool zones, rules, risks, and consequences of breaking depth limits (which may include removal or bans for repeat violations).
3. On-Site Supervision & Underwater Cameras: Trained staff and live video monitoring will help us keep an eye on divers. If someone is seen exceeding their limits, staff can intervene quickly — either calling the diver up or sending someone down to check in.
4. Emergency Oxygen Stations: Backup oxygen and rest platforms will be placed at regular intervals, so divers can pause and ascend safely if needed.
5. Future Plan: Colored Wristband System: I’m also exploring a wristband color system based on certification level — for example, a red band for beginner, yellow for advanced, blue for tech, etc. This would make it easy for staff and other divers to spot when someone might be somewhere they shouldn’t. I’m also researching whether these bands could trigger a quiet signal at the front desk if used outside their depth clearance.

The goal isn’t to shame anyone — it’s to make sure everyone stays safe and has fun without feeling pressured to keep up with deeper divers.


Also totally agree — this setup could be huge for tech and deco training. I'd love to host classes and workshops in the future for divers who want to build real skills in a controlled environment.


Thanks again for the great question — and I’m always open to more ideas!

 

[TritonNexus]

Just a few more updates about the Triton Nexus™ plans:


– All divers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
– All divers will be required to sign a waiver acknowledging the risks and releasing Triton Nexus™ from liability in case of injury.

– The pool will be thermally regulated, so even at 200 ft, the water will stay warm — likely in the mid-80s to low 90s Fahrenheit. That way, the deep zones still feel comfortable and don’t cause a thermal shock.

– I’m currently working on the design for multi-depth platforms. One idea I’m exploring is an “up-down stacked” layout, kind of like a vertical wedding cake, where platforms are spaced at different depths down the shaft. Divers can descend from one level to the next safely, and each zone will have its own theme. Still finalizing the setup, but suggestions are always welcome!

Always appreciate input — this place is being built for the dive community, so feel free to share ideas or Right now, this is still in the architectural design and land selection phase — nothing has been built yet, but the planning is full steam ahead. I’m sharing these ideas early to get feedback from the dive community while shaping the final design. All thoughts are welcome!

A local buddy suggested I install a chemical that would turn the water red if someone had an accident in the pool.
Probably not the best idea unless I want to start a stampede to the ladder.

 

[tridacna]

How do you intend to heat the water to 90F in winter? Nemo has 660,000 gals of water. I assume yours will be much more.

 

[TritonNexus]

How do you intend to heat the water to 90F in winter? Nemo has 660,000 gals of water. I assume yours will be much more.

Great question — heating such a massive volume of water to 90°F, especially in winter, is definitely a challenge and a major part of the planning process.

Our pool is planned to be around 200 feet deep and roughly 75 x 75 feet wide, which puts the volume estimate at over 800,000 gallons, so yes — more than Nemo 33.

We intend to use a hybrid heating system, combining high-efficiency heat pumps, geothermal energy, and solar thermal assist where feasible. The goal is to maintain the pool at a steady 90°F year-round, even in Michigan winters.

Heat pumps will do most of the heavy lifting, since they’re much more efficient than traditional gas or electric heating. Geothermal will help stabilize the baseline temperature using the earth's consistent underground heat, especially since the deep pool shaft extends far below ground level. Solar thermal (not just solar panels) will be used to assist on sunny days, helping offset energy costs.

I know it’s a serious undertaking, but heating and water filtration were at the top of our priority list early in the design because of how critical they are for diver comfort and safety.

We want divers to feel like they’re exploring Atlantis — not swimming in the Arctic.

 

[SouthernSharktoothDiver]

@TritonNexus for preventing people from going deeper than their cert allows, you might consider rigging up a camera designed to flag/alert staff whenever someone passes say, 130 ft. That’s deep enough that divers going below that depth will likely be a rarity, while also is the depth where undercerted divers will really start getting in trouble.

As for the rest of it, I’m curious what your planned payment model is. Is it a pay by the day, by the tank, more like a gym membership, etc

 

[TritonNexus]

@TritonNexus for preventing people from going deeper than their cert allows, you might consider rigging up a camera designed to flag/alert staff whenever someone passes say, 130 ft. That’s deep enough that divers going below that depth will likely be a rarity, while also is the depth where undercerted divers will really start getting in trouble.

As for the rest of it, I’m curious what your planned payment model is. Is it a pay by the day, by the tank, more like a gym membership, etc

Hey, great questions — thanks for asking!

Yeah, I’m absolutely planning to implement a depth monitoring system for safety. One of the ideas I’m leaning toward is placing cameras and sensors at key depth markers (like 130 ft and deeper). When someone crosses into those zones, it would send an alert to the front desk and log the diver’s ID using their wristband or tag. Staff could then verify their certification level before allowing deeper access — or intervene if needed. I’m also considering emergency oxygen masks every 10 ft along the descent ladder, with a camera behind each one to monitor use and help prevent abuse.

As for payment, I’m still working out the final structure, but I want it to be flexible and make sense for real people. I'm leaning toward:

• Day Passes – for travelers or locals who just want to drop in for a dive, snorkel, or gym session
• Memberships – monthly/annual, like a gym, with perks like gear storage, discounted air fills, and class access
• Dive Packs – prepaid bundles (e.g., 5 or 10 dives) for flexibility without commitment
• Tank Rentals & Air Fills – available à la carte
• Special Packages – for certification classes, CPR training, or group bookings like birthdays/events

I heard Deep Dive Dubai charges $326 USD for scuba, $245 for freediving, and $109 for snorkeling. Personally, I think that’s kind of insane — but they’re running a luxury model. I’ll be aiming for a fair, common-sense pricing setup that still covers costs without scaring people off… unless it’s Halloween.

Really appreciate the feedback — happy to share more as things come together!

 

[TritonNexus]

Hey dive folks, quick update!

So the original land I had my heart set on for Triton Nexus™ — the 200 ft indoor dive center — got sold off. The estate decided to go with another buyer whose business seemed more “realistic.” (Apparently, they weren’t ready for sea gods and scuba glory.)

Now I’m back on the hunt.

I may have found another option right in the heart of downtown Lansing, Michigan. It’s smaller, but loaded with foot traffic — right by the Lansing Lugnuts stadium, two high schools, and a few colleges including MSU. If I can secure it and get permission to dig deep, it could be the perfect home for Triton Nexus.

I’d love land in East Lansing (right next to MSU), but the rules there are strict — no deep ground excavation allowed. So that’s a no-go… unless someone bribes a zoning committee with a kraken plushie.

BUT! If I can’t find land in Lansing, I’m expanding my search radius — still local though. I’ll look near the airport next, which could be perfect for travelers and dive tourists.


If that fails too? I’ll start talking to colleges like MSU or other schools to see if they’d want to partner on a facility that supports marine science, fitness therapy, and dive training. It would give them amazing PR as an educational + recreational = tourism hub.

And if the city says no all around?

…I go to WAR AGAINST THE CITY!
(Just kidding. Probably.)

More realistically, I’d go rural. Find land further out, build big, and bus people in. That opens the door to upgrade the Emergency Wing — complete with its own ambulance station right in the building. Triton Nexus would always have EMS on standby, two hyperbaric chambers, and maybe even a helipad. If someone nearby has a dive emergency or a serious injury, we’d have the infrastructure to help immediately — stabilizing patients before sending them to the hospital. It won’t be a full clinic, but there will be a small treatment area for non-critical injuries.

Worst case? If no land works around Lansing, Plan B cities include Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo, Flint, or Jackson. (Sorry Detroit… too many abandoned buildings, high crime, and it just doesn’t feel like the right vibe for this project.)

And one last thing — Yes, I may be deaf, but I’m not letting any challenge or lack of service stop me from reaching my dream. Triton Nexus™ will rise, one baby step at a time.

– Earl (Triton Nexus™)

 

[tridacna]

I hope that you are able to pitch this successfully to a group of investors before buying land. The cost to develop a 200' deep pool and sports complex are staggeringly high. Putting this "in the sticks" is unlikely to produce the revenue required to offset the costs. Do you have an actual business plan? Or is this a thought experiment?

 

[TritonNexus]

I hope that you are able to pitch this successfully to a group of investors before buying land. The cost to develop a 200' deep pool and sports complex are staggeringly high. Putting this "in the sticks" is unlikely to produce the revenue required to offset the costs. Do you have an actual business plan? Or is this a thought experiment?

Thank you for your reply — I really appreciate thoughtful feedback, especially from experienced voices on this forum.


This project isn’t a thought experiment. It’s something I’ve been developing step by step for quite some time. I’m currently working through land evaluations, including properties near the airport and one in downtown Lansing — not rural or remote — to ensure visibility and traffic flow are factored into the revenue model. The project is called Triton Nexus™, and it’s designed to be more than just a deep pool. It combines indoor diving, scuba education, fitness therapy, medical safety training, and tourism elements — all wrapped into a unique destination experience.


I fully understand the cost of building a 200-foot pool and multi-use facility is substantial. That’s why I’m working directly with city officials to confirm zoning permissions and the ability to excavate to the depth required. I’m also engineering for long-term operational efficiency — the current plan includes six industrial-grade water pumps with two backups, a filtration system designed for high visibility and cleanliness, and geothermal and solar-assisted heating systems to reduce utility overhead, especially in winter.


As for revenue: this isn't just a passion project. It’s designed with multiple streams of income:

• Daily dive admissions, tiered by depth and experience level
• Scuba certifications and refresher courses (including adaptive diving)
• Freediving, CPR, and safety classes
• A full-service scuba shop with gear rentals and equipment sales
• On-site café (Fuel Up Station) for food, drinks, and social gatherings
• Fitness center memberships and physical therapy sessions
• Private bookings for events, training simulations, and even underwater photography or film shoots
• Tourism packages partnering with local hotels and colleges

I’m building a business plan to pitch to investors and grant programs once land is secured and architectural renderings are ready. In the meantime, I welcome questions, critiques, and insights like yours — especially from people who know the realities of building and running a large facility.

Just wanted to add one more point about the land
To clarify, I don’t plan to purchase land outright before securing investor interest — but I do believe having a specific site in mind (or ideally, under a letter of intent or hold agreement) is a critical part of building a compelling pitch. Most investors I’ve talked to want to see a real location, confirmation that zoning is feasible, and that city officials are on board. Without that, it’s hard to move beyond the “idea stage.” So my goal is to identify the right parcel, start conversations with the city, and then approach investors with a solid plan — one that includes infrastructure, logistics, and location, not just blue-sky thinking.


If you know of anyone who might be interested in a project that merges recreation, education, and innovation — I’d love to connect.