AQUA-SPAZIO

INDOOR SWIMMING POOL DESIGN

An indoor swimming pool requires a complex, integrated design to control humidity, manage air quality, and ensure structural integrity. The best practices cover several key areas, including environmental control, structural considerations, safety, and energy efficiency. 

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Environmental control

Proper management of air and water conditions is critical for the longevity of the pool area and the health of its users. 

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• Heating and ventilation: The air temperature should be kept approximately 1°C warmer than the water temperature to minimize evaporation. An integrated HVAC system should handle heating, ventilation, and dehumidification.

• Dehumidification: A dedicated dehumidification system is essential to keep relative humidity below 60%. Excess humidity can lead to condensation, mold growth, and structural damage. Advanced systems can capture and reuse heat from the dehumidification process to warm the pool water or air.

• Air distribution: The HVAC system should use ducting to ensure even air circulation, especially targeting cold surfaces like windows and glazed walls to prevent condensation. Air returns should be positioned to collect moisture-laden air across the pool's surface.

• VapoUr barrier: A high-quality vapor barrier is necessary in the roof and walls to prevent moisture from entering the building structure, which can cause significant damage. All joints must be completely sealed. 

Structural considerations

The structure supporting an indoor pool must withstand heavy loads, high humidity, and corrosion.

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• Independent structure: For integrity, the pool's shell should be constructed independently of the building walls, leaving a gap of about 350mm. This prevents movement in the building's foundation from damaging the pool and allows access for maintenance.

• Insulation: The pool shell must be properly insulated to meet regulations and minimize heat loss, which improves energy efficiency. This also prevents "cold bridging," where insulation gaps cause localized condensation.

• Materials: Use materials specified for exterior use, as they can withstand the moisture and chemical exposure of a pool environment. Waterproof render, tiling, and treated timber are suitable, while plaster and plasterboard are not.

• Windows and glazing: All glazing should consist of sealed double- or triple-glazed units with thermal breaks to prevent condensation. Window frames should be made of corrosion-resistant materials like PVC or aluminium. 

Water management

Maintaining high water quality and managing water systems are crucial for safety and comfort.

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• Filtration and chemistry: Implement a high-quality filtration system with regular maintenance. Regularly test and adjust pH and sanitizing chemicals, such as chlorine, to ensure proper water balance.

• Alternative sanitization: Consider UV or ozone systems, which can improve water quality while reducing the need for harsh chemicals.

• Circulation: Ensure adequate water circulation to prevent stagnant areas and evenly distribute chemicals.

• Pool cover: An automatic slatted pool cover is highly effective at reducing evaporation, which saves a significant amount of energy on heating and dehumidification. 

Safety and accessibility

Prioritising safety involves using non-slip surfaces and adequate lighting, including ambient and underwater LED options. Accessibility features like ramps, lifts, and handrails should be included, and secure, self-closing gates or doors are necessary to prevent unsupervised access. 

Energy efficiency and maintenance

To reduce long-term costs, use energy-efficient equipment such as high-efficiency pumps, LED lighting, heat pumps, and solar heating. 

Design the equipment room (plant room) to be well-ventilated, away from living areas to minimiSe noise, and ensure easy access to all services for maintenance