Design Parameters For Public Swimming Pools
In previous articles, I have stressed how valuable knowledge is for aquatic managers to effectively operate and maintain their facilities. The whole purpose of education in swimming pool operations is to ensure the health and safety of the public. Why would we want to take our study into the design area? The reason is change.
Over the past several years, the change in technology and building techniques in the public pool environment has been phenomenal. The public is looking for more than just a place to swim and exercise; it is looking for an “entertainment center” for families. The public pool competes with other entertainment venues, and it is the responsibility of the aquatic manager to encourage participation at the local facility. Wave pools, water slides, lazy rivers and interactive water features are all newer, attractive amusements, but require specialized hydraulics and chemical parameters.
When the owners--whether private or public--recognize the need to modernize a pool facility, a number of areas need to be analyzed prior to making a decision. The aquatic operator is a vital part of this decision-making process as he/she has the hands-on experience at the facility, and can offer realistic expectations. The main consideration for any facility change is “Do we build a new facility, or renovate the existing one to meet the public’s expectations?”
There are four phases in any project development--project feasibility, project design, contract documents and construction. This article will touch on the first two: project feasibility and design.
Feasibility Stage
Project feasibility sets the stage for all of the work to follow. Depending on the desire of the management team, this stage is the most time-consuming and complicated. In addition, it involves a broader range of professionals and disciplines than are associated with other phases of the project. The feasibility study should incorporate an initial program of requirements, development of budgets and preliminary cost estimates, marketing plans, time schedules, state and local health department changes and preliminary design schematics. However, the most critical aspect of project feasibility is determining the need for the project--identifying the potential market, securing financial monies and obtaining approvals.
This is where the aquatic operator’s knowledge and experience come into play. Thus, the operator is vital in helping the plan develop. Since the community of pool users may have changed due to a shift in age or demographics, the feasibility study should address the purpose of the renovation or new construction.
Design Consideration For New Construction Or Renovation
All new aquatic facilities should consult a licensed, professional engineer dedicated to swimming pool operation and construction techniques. These professionals must have the experience and knowledge of the newer technologies, as well as up-to-date information on state and local health code changes. It is imperative that health departments are consulted early in the feasibility phase, as they will be part of the approval process. There is a current wave of changes by health departments due to the incorporation of interactive water features, which bring a new set of hydraulic and chemical issues. The major issue in the design will be the reduction of any risk to injury by the public user.
Design Development
Prior to any new construction or renovation, the pool project must meet certain requirements in the design stage. What materials will be utilized to ensure the pool will be durable and long-lasting? Historically, the pool should be renovated or built to withstand usage for 20 years.
The materials should be non-toxic; the pool surfaces must be watertight, slip-resistant and withstand design stresses. (As a side note, health departments are now looking at tile with a higher slip-resistant coefficient). Although some colorful surfaces are now being introduced in the pool industry, it is mandatory that the new surfaces allow any observer to see objects within the water. New code requirements also address various protrusions or features that may entangle swimmers or cause entrapment, such as the distance of ladders from the pool walls.
Hydraulics
Hydraulic considerations must be addressed to protect the safety of users. The use of dual main drains or gravity-feed balancing tanks can significantly decrease the potential of suction entrapment. Additional safety features include the design and location of fill spouts or better, gravity-fill lines located in the filter equipment room. Furthermore, the design of hand holds and step locations for entering and exiting the pool must be considered.
Filtration
The modernization of filtration equipment to maintain water clarity is a major factor in new construction. The type of filter selected should be based on bather load, environment (indoor or outdoor), space requirements and maintenance staff training. Innovations in filtration equipment now require less “footprint” space to achieve water clarity.
Fencing And Barriers
Barriers are one of the major topics in new construction and renovation. Suitable barriers help prevent unauthorized access, thus protecting children from injury or drowning. New codes regarding the height of the fences, location and functionality of gates are being implemented across the country.
Upgrades
If the desire is to modernize the pool facility, the location and height of the diving board(s) is important. The feasibility and design phases should focus on the newest standards for diving boards along with reviewing the existing pool depths and slope. Any alteration to the pool structure needs to address this slope issue.
Handicap Access
Handicap access is of utmost importance when undertaking any new construction, renovation or modernization. Be sure to consult The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), administered by the Department of Justice, and obtain a written, credible opinion regarding the location and the type of access for people with disabilities. Studies by the NationalCenter on Accessibility have identified and evaluated methods and standards related to handicap access for public swimming pools. The study found that at least one accessible means of entry and exit must be provided on all public swimming pools. It was recommended that lifts, ramps, stairs with appropriate railings and zero-depth entry are the preferred means. During the feasibility study, this topic should be discussed and legal documentation should be obtained.
Water Chemistry
New water chemistry equipment has been developed and should be considered when modernizing or building a new pool facility. If the facility proposes interactive water play areas, there are specific requirements for sanitization and the introduction of chemicals into the pool water. Automatic feed systems, electrolytic chlorine generators, ultraviolet equipment, digital readouts and computer-assisted feed controls all add value to the renovation and should be addressed during the feasibility and design phases.
Get The Most Use
When conducting the feasibility study, the team should consider the general usage of the facility. Will there be night swimming, which will require additional lighting within the pool as well as on the deck area? Determine water depths that will work for various activities, for example, competitive swimming versus children swim instruction.
Decking
There are many options for decking around the pool. Most codes require a minimum decking, but the decking should be adequate for sunbathing. Aquatic operators know what percent of people are actually using the pool compared with the number of sunbathers, and this information should be considered when designing the decking. In addition, the decking should be designed as slip-resistant, with proper drainage to prevent slipping and falling.
Amenities
Although we have addressed the structural and design areas of the swimming pool, there are additional areas surrounding the pool that need to be considered in the feasibility and design. In many locations, changing rooms and bathrooms are being upgraded and increased. Diaper-changing stations are now mandated in both men’s and women’s bathrooms because men are playing a greater role in children’s upbringing. These areas should be addressed in the modernization of any pool facility.
Additional Space
The study may determine a need for visitor and spectator areas. Food and drink are usually prohibited around the pool deck, but the facility needs areas in which patrons can consume food and beverages.
Water Parks
One of the most exciting changes in swimming pool entertainment--both indoor and outdoor--is the growth in number, complexity and popularity of water parks. This is definitely creating a surge in enthusiasm for water entertainment, but with it comes some unique features that require knowledge in hydraulics and water chemistry. When considering this type of “swimming pool,” the team should talk about the ability to maintain safe and clean water with heavy bather loads; the hydraulics of wave pools and water slides; additional barriers to prevent children from being separated from their parents; circulation and ability to propel bathers through lazy rivers; and the amenities necessary to accommodate long waiting lines for use of a feature.
If the owners desire these types of features, the existing pool plumbing, piping and hydraulics will need to be calculated to accommodate the additional water movement. In addition, the automated chemical feed controls and related equipment must be updated as protection from recreational water illnesses.
The pool environment is changing. The various factors being considered in any new pool construction, renovation and modernization must meet all the rules and regulations of the local and state health codes. In addition, the owners, along with the aquatic managers and operators, should look at the costs and budgets, and recognize the feasibility of the project prior to construction. Even if the project just needs resurfacing, there may be a need to update all the safety aspects to prevent entrapment and water contamination. The goal of any facility is to provide a healthy, fun and enjoyable place for the public, and protect the participants in a safe and healthy pool environment.
Connie Gibson Centrella is Program Director for the online Aquatic Engineering Program at KeiserUniversity eCampus. She is an industry veteran with over 40 years experience in the pool and spa industry. She is a former pool builder with extensive knowledge in pool construction and equipment installation as well as manufacturing.
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Aquatic Handbook Is Multi-Functional
“The Aquatic Play Feature Handbook,” published by the National Swimming Pool Foundation, provides a professional manual for any facility that has an aquatic play feature, large or small. People who operate and manage these innovative recreational features will appreciate this full-color book that describes the different types of features available and the unique aspects to operate play features and to maintain water quality. The book focuses on risk reduction to the users, the employees and the facility. The book also can be used as a stand-alone training manual. It builds on the fundamental information in the Certified Pool-Spa Operator handbook and the Pool Operator Primer online training program. Cost: $19.95 plus shipping. To order, visit www.nspf.org, or call (719) 540-9119.