Water Offerings
Aug 1, 2010 12:00 PM, By Patrick Brosnan and Ted Haug
Trends and partnerships in indoor pools and aquatic centers.
Greening the way
Most modern indoor pool designs are sustainable because of their advanced dehumidification systems, which extract excess humidity from the air to heat the water.
Highly insulated ceilings, walls and floors, as well as energy-efficient heat-recovery ventilation and air-filtration systems, cut energy bills by returning latent heat energy to the pool. Ventilation and insulation systems also can reduce the corrosive effects of chlorine-heavy water vapor, and minimize health problems caused by evaporation’s unhealthful spawn (e.g., mold, mildew, bacteria and fungi).
Some pool facilities incorporate solar panels that preheat water before it reaches the boilers to help offset the cost of heating water. Water-efficient faucets, toilets and showers also conserve water in the locker room.
Daylighting systems can reduce the electrical load of artificial light. However, direct natural light on a pool promotes development of unhealthful organic compounds. Clerestory windows, ideally situated on the north wall, offer indirect natural light without creating unsafe glare on the pool.
Maintenance also plays a significant role in the pool facility’s sustainability, especially when it comes to fighting germs. When chlorine reacts with organic compounds such as sweat and skin cells, it forms chloroform, which has negative health effects.
One response is the ultraviolet (UV) sanitizer; it kills some of those chloroform-generating germs, thereby reducing the amount of chlorine needed. The size of a pool, frequency of use, and type of filtering system will drive maintenance needs and expenditures.
Brosnan, AIA, LEED AP, is president/CEO and Haug, AIA, LEED AP, is principal in charge of design at Legat Architects, Inc., Chicago, an architectural and interior design firm specializing in planning, programming, sustainability consulting and design. pbrosnan@legat.com and thaug@legat.com.
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