Specifications

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Natatorium DesigN maNual
The Key
What is the most important HVAC design
aspect in a Natatorium?
Get the air distribution right. Get air to the breathing
zone. Get your condensation concerns covered. You
can do a perfect job everywhere else, but if you don’t
get air down to where the occupants are you will have a
problem job. If the windows are sweating, you will have
a problem.
Duct Material
What duct material is recommended?
Galvanized sheet metal or Fabric Duct are
recommended. Aluminum is also suitable. Do not use
Stainless steel. Painted galvanized spiral ductwork
is popular when the duct is exposed. Fabric duct is
gaining popularity and is a good option. Regardless of
which duct material is chosen, it must be designed so
that the air is directed to where it is needed in the space.
Fabric Duct
Is this duct material recommended?
Absolutely, there are many benefits to fabric duct. It is
inexpensive, easy to install, lightweight, won’t corrode
and can be ordered in virtually any color. Special care
must be taken when using fabric duct. Ensure the
material grade does not ‘leak’ air and the diffusers must
have suitable throw and be sewn in where they will
deliver air to where it is needed in the space.A good
rule is if you wouldn’t do it with metal duct, don’t do
it with fabric either. If using fabric duct all the same
air distribution and duct design rules apply. You must
ensure supply air gets to where it is needed or IAQ
problems will result. This duct still needs diffusers and
nozzles to direct air – do not use duct that has only
holes for air delivery.
A good rule is if you wouldn’t do it with metal duct,
don’t do it with fabric either. If using fabric duct all the
same air distribution and duct design rules apply. You
must ensure supply air gets to where it is needed or
IAQ problems will result. This duct still needs diffusers
and nozzles to direct air – do not use duct that has only
holes for air delivery.
Wave Pool and Water Park Features
What are some of the design challenges?
Calculating the evaporation rate and maintaining good
IAQ. These facilities have high dehumidification loads in
a very concentrated space due to the water features.
They tend to have heavy bather loading and also require
more outdoor air than a traditional natatorium. Contact
your local Seresco representative for additional design
assistance.
Pool Covers
I have one. Do I still need a dehumidifier?
Yes. The dehumidifier is sized for the load presented
by the pool when in use. Manual pool covers are often
not used but are essential in the event of a power
failure to the automatic pool cover. Pool covers do not
completely stop evaporation, but they do reduce it.
Consequently, use of a pool cover will reduce the run
time of the dehumidifier.
Suspended Ceilings
Is it true that suspended ceilings
are not recommended?
It is true due to the ceilings are very vulnerable to collect
condensation and have corrosion problems. If a facility
has a suspended ceiling, the area above the suspended
ceiling must be conditioned as would the rest of the
pool space.
Skylights
What are the design concerns?
In cold climates they will be vulnerable to condensation.
The large quantity of supply air required for
condensation control is often a problem because
ductwork is necessary, which often causes concerns
about aesthetics with the owner.
Swim Meets
My Facility will host Swim Meets. How does
this impact dehumidifier selection?
Facilities that host swim meets have two distinct modes
of operation, “Normal” and “Swim Meet”.
• Normal Mode is how the facility operates when not
hosting a swim meet. This may have warmer water
temperatures and high activity factors for water
agitation. The Outdoor ventilation air requirement here
is at baseline.
• A swim meet will have a large spectator load and
possibly a load at the deck if many competitors
stay there during the competition. The designer
must get these numbers from the owner. During the
swim meet the pool swimmer density in the water
is less than during normal operations. There is an
Frequently Asked Questions