Innovative New Albany indoor pool HVAC design
By: Ben Mangon
Updated on: January 29, 2025
Project Profile – Indoor Pool HVAC Design
Location – New Albany, OH 43054 in Franklin County
At Custom Air, we recently undertook a challenging Indoor Pool HVAC design. The project presented a unique set of challenges: the creation of a reliable and efficient HVAC system for a space in Columbus, Ohio. Our mission was to engineer an environment that could consistently manage temperature and Indoor pool dehumidification, ensuring comfort and structural integrity.
The owner wanted a therapy pool that doubled as a swimming pool and is a bromide pool not a chlorine or saltwater pool.
New Albany Indoor Pool Bromine Therapy Exercise Pool
Project Challenge and Design Strategy
The primary challenge in this project was controlling the ever-changing conditions in an indoor pool area. This included safeguarding the well-being of pool users, conserving energy, and ensuring seamless synchronization with water temperature and quality control systems. Collaborating with industry leader Desert Aire, renowned for their specializedclimate control solutions, we designed a system that focused on achieving a delicate balance between temperature and humidity control while also using non-corrosive HVAC materials. Understanding that each time the pool was uncovered, humidity and temperature would spike, we implemented a seamless integration of a user-friendly pool cover along with a comprehensive dehumidification strategy.
Integrated System Performance
The HVAC system has performed impeccably since its installation. According to the general contractor’s feedback, there have been no signs of airflow or moisture issues, a common concern in indoor pool and natatorium environments. The Pool house installed system will eliminate 50.8 lbs of moisture per hour, ensuring the optimal condition of both the pool and the building. The Indoor Pool Ventilation Design also ensures an even distribution of conditioned air, preventing condensation and maintaining structural integrity. For insight into the importance of maintaining proper humidity levels in indoor pools, our Indoor air quality systems and the Indoor Air Quality Association offers valuable resources.
“Our collaboration with industry leaders like Desert Aire highlights our commitment to delivering HVAC solutions tailored to the unique demands of indoor pool environments.”
Ben Mangon, Custom Air
Indoor Pool HVAC Design Considerations and Client Experience
Energy efficiency, while not the primary driver in the decision-making process for this project, was nonetheless an integral part of the system’s design. Each element of the system was selected for its ability to perform under the specific conditions of an indoor pool environment, ensuring that performance did not come at the expense of increased energy consumption.
Here’s what we consider:
- Purpose of Natatoriums: Natatoriums serve recreational and therapeutic purposes, often housing pools, water parks and related amenities.
- HVAC Design Goals: The design aims to ensure swimmer health, structural integrity, energy conservation, and synchronization with water temperature and quality control systems.
- Load Determination: Factors such as air and water temperatures, relative humidity, spectator presence, and ventilation are crucial in calculating heating, cooling, and moisture loads.
- Air Quality & Health Concerns: Addressing ‘pool smell’ and any chemical odors, the guide emphasizes the importance of controlling chloramines and other contaminants for swimmer health.
- Dehumidification and Airflow: Efficient dehumidification and proper airflow design are essential, with guidelines for ductwork design and air handling.
- Energy Efficiency: The guide stresses the use of energy-efficient dehumidifiers and strategies for maximizing energy recovery.
Feedback from the client has been exceptionally positive. The comfort and consistent climate control provided by the energy-efficient HVAC system have made the space enjoyable, aligning with our goal to create custom HVAC solutions that exceed our clients’ expectations.
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Key Project Highlights & Equipment
Additional highlights & equipment details of this indoor swimming pool climate control system:
- Contractor – Preston Development based in Columbus, OH
- Desert Aire’s SelectAireTM dehumidifiers – Selected for their excellent range of sizes and dehumidification performance
- Desert Aire’s RC Series Remote Condensers – Selected for their exceptional performance
- Reznor SC separated combustion, gas-fired duct furnace – Selected to maintain better indoor air quality and Energy Efficient
- Ductwork – Custom black painted paint grip spiral Ductwork install to handle the volume of air movement. Paint grip” is galvanized steel that is processed through a phosphate bath providing a corrosion inhibiting, crystalline zinc phosphate, micro-porous surface that promotes adhesion of top coatings.
- Fans – 3 Cupola mounted Big Ass i6 fans were installed keeping condensation off the glass and other surfaces
- Pool type – Bromine Therapy and Exercise Pool
- Pool Cover – An automatic pool cover was installed. This worked in tandem with the system to Adjust to the spike in humidity when the pool cover is open
- Spray foam Insulation – Used to tightly seal the Pool house A tight environment is critical for an indoor pool environment.
- 50.8 lbs of moisture – Avg amount of moisture removed per hour by our system ( equivalent to about 6 gallons of water)
Ongoing Maintenance and Support
Custom Air’s dedication to our clients extends beyond installation. We are committed to providing ongoing maintenance and support, ensuring that the HVAC system continues to perform optimally over time as part of our service contract. This proactive approach to maintenance is crucial for the longevity of HVAC systems in challenging environments like indoor pool HVAC design.
Closing Thoughts
This project is a showcase of our ability to address complex custom HVAC needs with precision and care. Our designs prioritize optimal building performance and longevity, guaranteeing lasting comfort for our homeowners in the years ahead. In the thriving Columbus market, we stand ready to offer our expertise to those seeking reliable, high-performance custom HVAC solutions for specialized environments.
This project has reinforced our commitment to doing things right from the start. Taking these standards actions for this project will reduce maintenance requirements, eliminate excess humidity from indoor pool areas and maintain the homeowner’s preferred temperatures in the designated area.
