Organizing pool ventilation: the best methods for organizing air exchange

Neglecting the installation of ventilation systems in swimming pools invariably leads to increased humidity, the appearance of fungus and the creation of an unfavorable microclimate in the room.The accumulation of condensation damages the finish and destroys the structural elements of the building.

Agree, few people will be happy with the prospect of premature major repairs. Well-thought-out pool ventilation will help prevent the negative effects of high humidity - the system ensures air exchange within the limits of sanitary and hygienic standards.

The issue of organizing ventilation must be resolved at the design stage of the room. In the article, we examined typical schemes for arranging a ventilation system for indoor swimming pools, described effective ways to control humidity, and provided recommendations for project development and selection of climate control equipment.

Features of air exchange of swimming pools

During the construction of public and private swimming pools, sometimes they do not pay due attention to the ventilation of the halls, considering them non-residential premises.

However, it is there that, without proper development, harmful fauna and flora arise, posing a real threat to the practically unprotected organisms of bathers and swimmers.

Proper organization of pool ventilation and air exchange radically solves a number of operational problems that arise in such structures. The purpose of air exchange devices for closed swimming pools is to maintain humidity within acceptable established standards.

Specialized equipment removes excess moisture and promotes the flow of fresh air, while creating good conditions for visitors.The task is complicated by the need to organize a microclimate that is comfortable for being naked in the pool.

In a swimming pool, large amounts of water constantly evaporate, increasing humidity and decreasing comfort.

Ventilation of pool rooms performs two main functions:

• maintaining optimal humidity readings;
• ensuring air exchange in accordance with sanitary and hygienic standards.

Exposed water surfaces and wet walkways evaporate water vapor, significantly increasing humidity. In a room with high humidity, a person is not comfortable; he feels excessive stuffiness and tiring heaviness.

Polluted pool air with trace amounts of chlorine from the water and carbon dioxide exhaled by visitors also has a negative impact.

Ventilation of swimming pools ensures the flow of clean air, removal of harmful microorganisms and stabilization of humidity within standard values

Designing a swimming pool for a private house

In modern housing construction, the construction of indoor swimming pools has recently become very popular. A swimming pool in a cottage or private house is arranged according to an individually prepared project.

Most often, a room is allocated for it on the first floor. Preference is given to options with a water surface area of ​​18-50 m² and a depth of approximately 1.2 to 2.0 m. Paths and rest areas are arranged along the perimeter of the tank. The main requirement for private pool projects is the safety and comfort of people.

The air exchange scheme in the swimming pool of a private house is carried out according to the design, which takes into account the area of ​​the bathtub, the type and power of the heating system (+)

Such pools are most often designed for 2-5 people.Depending on the method of use, a private pool can be permanent or seasonal. If the pool tank is not in use, it is covered with a special curtain.

For a private swimming pool, the following operating parameters are recommended:

• water temperature +26-29°C;
• air temperature +27-32°C;
• relative humidity value in summer is 65%;
• relative humidity value in winter is 50%;
• air mobility is about 0.2 m/s.

To prevent air stagnation in the pool hall, the power of the exhaust unit should exceed the power of the supply units by half the multiple exchange.

In order for the ventilation system to fulfill its purpose, it is constructed taking into account the dimensions of the room, area, expected temperature conditions, number of people and the rate of moisture evaporation.

The design of an indoor swimming pool necessarily includes a ventilation system, because... only she can supply fresh air and maintain comfortable environmental parameters

The design of a private pool is carried out in accordance with the developed standards SNiP 2.08.02–89 SP “Swimming pool design”.

The sequence of ventilation design is carried out in the following order:

1. Calculation of moisture gain and heat loss.
2. Selecting a ventilation and drying scheme.
3. Calculation of expected air exchange.
4. Selection of equipment and routing of air ducts.
5. Aerodynamic and hydraulic calculations.
6. Preparation of drawings.
7. Drawing up specifications for equipment and materials.

Taking into account the listed parameters, equipment of the required power is selected. If the ventilation system is not properly organized, condensation will form on all horizontal and vertical structures of the pool that are free from water.

The result of condensation formation will provoke rotting of wooden elements, corrosion of metal and the formation of mold on the surface and in the seams between the cladding elements.

Project preparation ensures an accurate and consistent installation and provides information for the correct operation of the pool. If mistakes are made during ventilation installation, it is always possible to correctly recalculate and install the system.

The ventilation system is supplemented with duct dehumidifiers that draw in fresh air from outside the pool. Excess air mass is removed by exhaust devices (+)

Ways to control humidity

The method of regulating and monitoring humidity indicators is to dry the entire volume of indoor air in the pool using a supply and exhaust ventilation device, installing an air dehumidifier, or a combination of these two systems.

Method #1 - Using Dehumidifiers

The problem of high humidity in the pool is partially solved by means of special dehumidifiers. The choice of this equipment is carried out according to the volume of the room. Dehumidifiers pass three times the volume of humidified air mass in the room in 1 hour of operation.

We determine the optimal relative humidity of a swimming pool in a private house to select the necessary characteristics of the dehumidifier

The selection of dehumidifiers is carried out according to the parameters required for a given facility. The action of dehumidifiers is based on the condensation of water vapor. Some models are equipped with a fresh air supply device.

Dehumidifiers are divided into types according to their purpose:

1. Household. These compact units remove moisture from small areas, located on walls, floors or in a hidden way.
2. Industrial. These are high-tech systems that process large volumes of air.

Depending on the installation method, the devices can be wall-mounted (floor-mounted) or duct mounted inside air ducts.

The use of wall-mounted dehumidifiers is not particularly widespread due to the noisy operation of the unit, inconsistency of design, significant cost and the need for maintenance. Duct-type dehumidifiers operate more silently, do not distort the design, but have a decent price.

Whether a wall-mounted dehumidifier is needed in the pool or whether it is necessary to install a ducted version is chosen by the owner of the house

Mostly existing dehumidification systems They do not supply fresh air to the room and do not remove exhaust air. It is only possible to partially solve the problem of high humidity and air exchange in the pool using dehumidification devices.

It is possible to fully ensure the required level of pool humidity by using dehumidifiers in combination with other types of ventilation.

Wall-mounted dehumidifiers can reduce indoor humidity levels, but they are not able to supply fresh air (+)

Method #2 - organizing full ventilation

The most common way to maintain optimal humidity and air quality in a pool is supply and exhaust ventilation. This system includes a ventilation unit, duct network and distribution devices.

The ventilation unit, in turn, contains elements such as air filter, fan, heater, recuperator and automation system.

In very hot weather, air coolers and self-contained dehumidifiers are added to the system. Application air mass recovery in a ventilation system is economically feasible, as it makes it possible to use the exhaust air to heat the supply air.

The forced ventilation system removes unpleasant odors that arise in the pool due to high humidity. Installation of a supply and exhaust system is effective when the pool area is small and not intensively used.

Supply and exhaust units for pool ventilation are most effective in winter (+)

This ventilation method cannot guarantee the desired level of humidity throughout the year. The system is ideal in winter, it replaces the humid air of the pool with dry air from the street.

In summer, the humidity of atmospheric air is high, so moving it through supply and exhaust ventilation into the pool does not give the desired effect.

Healthy: Design and principle of operation of a gas water heater for heating a swimming pool.

Methods for organizing ventilation of swimming pools

It is almost impossible to prevent water evaporation from the water surface of the pool. You can slightly lower the humidity level and reduce ventilation costs by using special impermeable coatings for the water surface.

If during operation the water temperature is reduced and the air temperature is increased, the evaporation of water from the pool will decrease.

It is also possible to prevent excess evaporation without disturbing the supply and exhaust air flows. For the most effective air exchange and ventilation of swimming pools, the most rational and effective is the use of systems and equipment specially produced for the needs of artificial reservoirs.

Supply and exhaust ventilation

Good ventilation in the pool room is ensured by specially designed ventilation on the base air handling units with recovery air.Such a system takes part of the air from the street and mixes it with part of what is available indoors.

After heating, the mixed air flow is supplied to the pool. By mixing a warm portion of air in the pool with the fresh part, energy costs to achieve the required temperature are reduced.

With the help of a supply and exhaust circuit, humidity is reduced to standard levels and unpleasant diffusions are eliminated. Thanks to the admixture of “street” air, the proportion of suspended particles that negatively affect people’s respiratory canals and overall health is reduced.

In supply and exhaust devices, counter flows never mix. Supply grilles are installed at different levels with exhaust suction.

The advantages of a supply and exhaust ventilation system with a recuperator are high energy savings

Ventilation systems of this type are very effective in pools with a small water surface area and not very intensive operation. The option is economical, but does not always guarantee a comfortable level of humidity.

The principle of operation of the system is to exchange moist air from the pool with drier air from the external environment. For greater energy savings, the system is equipped with frequency regulators. With their help, the system performance is reduced depending on the need for ventilation.

Supply and exhaust systems provide intensive air exchange throughout the year, although in summer it is less effective due to increased atmospheric humidity. This method is able to dry the air in 98% of cases.

The advantage is recognized as the presence of optimal parameters, the ability to regulate productivity, a large flow of fresh air and good energy efficiency.The disadvantages include the possibility of short-term exceeding the calculated humidity in the summer.

Combination of air handling unit and dehumidifier

The use of air dehumidification and the use of forced ventilation devices separately cannot guarantee the desired effect, so in practice they are combined. By combining dehumidifiers with minimal air exchange from ventilation units, optimal humidity in the pool can be easily achieved.

Heating, dehumidification and ventilation of pools in combination bring the most beneficial results. However, instead of disparate systems assembled into a complex, it is better to install an air conditioning system that alone copes with the listed functions

Supply and exhaust ventilation devices are equipped with wall-mounted or cassette dehumidifiers. Wall-mounted options are located in the pool room, and duct-type dehumidifiers are located in utility rooms. It is advisable to use two dehumidification devices simultaneously.

In this case, ventilation is carried out in the following order: by means of a supply fan, air is supplied to the duct dehumidifier, mixed with recirculation, then dried and supplied to the room. Air is removed through an exhaust fan from the upper zone.

This type of forced air exchange with a dehumidifier is most appropriate for use in private swimming pools in cottages, hotels or educational institutions. Duct dryers are used when the water surface is more than 50 m².

The advantage of this method is its minimal cost, ease of installation and operation. The disadvantage is the provision of only sanitary and hygienic standards of fresh air, high room temperature, as well as increased energy consumption in the summer.

To treat a pool, installing only supply and exhaust ventilation is not enough. It only partially removes excess moisture. The system can show good results in tandem with air dryers (+)

Symbiosis of ventilation, dehumidifier and air conditioning systems

The most energy-efficient method of reducing humidity in a pool is the installation of universal climate systems, which are a combination of elements of air drying, ventilation and air conditioning.

In this case, the operation of supply and exhaust ventilation is standard. The system is complemented by cooling sections and autonomous dryers.

The symbiosis of a dehumidifier and mechanical supply and exhaust ventilation guarantees the most optimal ventilation of the pool (+)

The main burden falls on supply and exhaust ventilation. At high humidity and during peak periods, elements of dehumidification and air conditioning systems are activated. In winter, the humidity is regulated by a dehumidifier, and the ventilation system provides the necessary air exchange.

Today, consumers are offered high-tech units that combine all three functions, that is, ventilation, dehumidification, and air conditioning. Such innovative installations are equipped with two-stage heat recovery units, built-in dehumidifiers with a heat pump and a built-in automation system.

The presence of automation allows you to select the most optimal air treatment mode. The advantage of the system is that it has maximum energy efficiency and guarantees that the required pool humidity parameters are met all year round. The complex has a high initial cost.

Installation of climate control systems

In pools with a water surface area of ​​more than 50 m² Modern climate control systems are used for air exchange and ventilation purposes. These multifunctional units are designed to maintain the microclimate in specified conditions throughout the year.

They are capable of cleaning, dehumidifying and heating the air masses of the room. These modular units are supplied completely ready for installation.

The complex consists of the following elements:

• supply and exhaust fans;
• recuperator;
• desiccant;
• heater;
• filter;
• air valves;
• Control block.

The configuration is individual and can be changed according to customer preferences. This complex operates in different modes.

Its sensors react to changes in air parameters and the unit automatically changes the operating mode to a more suitable one. Such climate control systems are distinguished by their impressive dimensions, so a special room must be allocated for their installation.

The climate control complex is a powerful unit with impressive dimensions and advanced functionality.

Such a powerful climate control system is capable of maintaining the necessary microclimate in large rooms.

The use of this climate control system can replace heating devices, dehumidifiers, and air handling units throughout the entire room. Complexes of this type are often installed in cottages, private houses, therapeutic and sports pools.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Video about the installation of fresh air ventilation for a swimming pool in a country house:

For the safe and comfortable use of indoor swimming pools in private homes, first of all, you need to maintain the necessary humidity and air exchange parameters. This is done by dehumidifying the air and organizing a high-quality ventilation system.

The choice of the most optimal method of air exchange is carried out individually in accordance with the technical parameters of the pool room and personal priorities.

Do you have anything to add, or do you have questions about organizing pool ventilation? You can leave comments on the publication, participate in discussions and share your own experience in arranging a ventilation system. The contact form is located in the lower block.