Aquatic Facilities  |  Summer 2024

The Essential Guide to Air Treatment in Aquatic Facilities

by Ed Bauer
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Aquatic facilities, ranging from swimming pools to luxurious spas, provide crucial recreational, competitive, and therapeutic services. They also come with unique design and operational requirements, particularly due to the high humidity levels and chemical usage. Providing effective air treatment in these facilities is paramount for maintaining air quality, ensuring user comfort and preserving the structural integrity of the facility.

For private colleges and universities looking to build, expand, or enhance their aquatic facilities, we took a deeper look into the challenges aquatic facilities pose, the necessary equipment for air treatment, installation requirements, and the maintenance protocols that keep these systems functioning optimally.

Unique Challenges of Air Treatment in Aquatic Facilities

  1. High Humidity Levels

Aquatic facilities inherently have elevated humidity levels due to the evaporation of water from pools, hot tubs, and other water features. High humidity can lead to several issues:

  • Corrosion: Metals used in the construction of the facility can corrode more quickly.
  • Mold and Mildew: Excess moisture creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew growth, posing potential health risks and structural damage.
  • Comfort: High humidity can make the environment uncomfortable for users, affecting their experience.
  1. Chlorine and Other Chemicals

Chlorine and other chemicals used to maintain pool hygiene can off-gas into the air. This can lead to:

  • Air Quality Issues: Chloramines, a byproduct of chlorine mixing with organic matter, can cause respiratory problems and eye irritation.
  • Corrosive Environment: The chemical-laden air can accelerate the degradation of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems and other building components.
  1. Temperature Control

Maintaining a consistent temperature is crucial in aquatic facilities. The air temperature needs to be slightly higher than the water temperature to prevent excessive evaporation and condensation.

Essential Equipment for Air Treatment

To address these unique challenges, specific equipment is required for effective air treatment in aquatic facilities:

  1. Dehumidification Systems

Dehumidifiers are essential in managing the high humidity levels. These systems work by drawing in moist air, cooling it to condense the moisture, and then reheating and recirculating the dry air. Key types include:

  • Mechanical Dehumidifiers: Use refrigeration cycles to remove moisture.
  • Desiccant Dehumidifiers: Use materials that absorb moisture directly from the air.
  1. HVAC Systems with Corrosion-Resistant Materials

Standard HVAC systems are not suitable for the harsh environment of aquatic facilities. Specialized systems made with corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel, plastic, or coated metals are necessary to withstand the constant exposure to moisture and chemicals.

  1. Air Handling Units (AHUs)

AHUs are central components of the HVAC system, responsible for regulating and circulating air. In aquatic facilities, AHUs are often equipped with:

  • Heat Recovery Systems: To capture and reuse heat from exhaust air, improving energy efficiency.
  • Advanced Filtration: To remove contaminants, including chloramines and other chemical byproducts.
  1. Ventilation Systems

Effective ventilation is critical to remove chemical-laden air and introduce fresh air. Systems should be designed to ensure:

  • Proper Air Exchange Rates: To maintain air quality and user comfort.
  • Directional Airflow: To minimize the spread of contaminants and ensure efficient removal of polluted air.

Installation Requirements

Installing air treatment equipment in aquatic facilities involves several key considerations:

  1. Site Assessment

A thorough assessment of the facility’s design, usage patterns, and environmental conditions is essential to determine the appropriate equipment and system configuration. Factors to consider include:

  • Pool Size and Type: Different types of pools (e.g., competitive, recreational, therapeutic) have varying humidity and chemical loads.
  • Occupancy Levels: Higher occupancy levels increase moisture and contaminant loads.
  • Climate: Local climate conditions can influence the design of the air treatment system.
  1. System Design

The design of the air treatment system should be customized to the specific needs of the facility. Key design aspects include:

  • Ductwork Configuration: Properly designed ductwork is crucial for efficient airflow and ventilation.
  • Equipment Placement: Dehumidifiers, AHUs, and other components should be strategically placed to maximize efficiency and accessibility for maintenance.
  • Energy Efficiency: Incorporating energy-efficient components and systems can significantly reduce operational costs.
  1. Compliance with Standards

Air treatment systems in aquatic facilities must comply with relevant standards and regulations, such as:

  • ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers) Standards: Provide guidelines for ventilation, air quality, and dehumidification in indoor pool environments.
  • Local Building Codes: Ensure that the installation meets safety and performance requirements specific to the location.

Maintenance of Air Treatment Equipment

Regular maintenance is critical to ensure the longevity and efficiency of air treatment systems in aquatic facilities. Key maintenance tasks include:

  1. Routine Inspections

Regular inspections help identify potential issues before they become major problems. Inspections should cover:

  • Equipment Condition: Checking for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage.
  • Air Filters: Ensuring that filters are clean and functioning correctly.
  • Ductwork: Inspecting for leaks, blockages, or other issues that could impact airflow.
  1. Cleaning and Sanitization

Cleaning and sanitizing components of the air treatment system is essential to prevent mold, mildew, and the buildup of chemical residues. This includes:

  • Air Filters: Regular cleaning or replacement of filters to maintain air quality.
  • Coils and Heat Exchangers: Removing dirt and buildup to ensure efficient heat transfer.
  • Ductwork: Periodic cleaning to remove contaminants and ensure proper airflow.
  1. System Calibration

Regular calibration of sensors and control systems ensures that the air treatment system operates efficiently and maintains the desired environmental conditions. This includes:

  • Humidity Sensors: Ensuring accurate readings for proper dehumidification control.
  • Temperature Sensors: Calibrating to maintain consistent air and water temperatures.
  • Control Systems: Verifying that control systems are functioning correctly and responding appropriately to changes in environmental conditions.
  1. Preventive Maintenance

Developing a preventive maintenance schedule can help avoid unexpected breakdowns and extend the lifespan of the equipment. Key preventive maintenance tasks include:

  • Lubricating Moving Parts: Ensuring that motors, fans, and other moving parts are properly lubricated to reduce wear and tear.
  • Inspecting Electrical Components: Checking wiring, connections, and control panels for signs of wear or damage.
  • Testing System Performance: Conducting regular performance tests to ensure that the system is operating at optimal efficiency.

Steps Well Worth the Investment

Effective air treatment in aquatic facilities is crucial for maintaining a healthy, comfortable, and safe environment for users. The unique challenges of high humidity, chemical exposure, and temperature control require specialized equipment and careful planning. By understanding the essential components of air treatment systems, the installation requirements, and the maintenance protocols, facility managers can ensure that their aquatic environments remain in top condition. Investing in high-quality air treatment systems and regular maintenance not only enhances user experience but also extends the lifespan of the facility, ultimately providing a better return on investment.

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About the Author
Ed Bauer has been in publishing for over twenty years. In his early career years, he worked on the staff at Mount Union College and for the last twelve years as publisher and managing partner at Flaherty Media has been privileged to tour many private higher education campuses and talk with numerous staff members who manage these multiple building facilities. He can be reached at ed@pupnmag.com.
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