Water quality and hydraulics
The mechanical components, which work within the pool’s interior, are critical to safety and the project’s long-term performance. Suction entrapment avoidance is of utmost importance in pool interior design. As a minimum standard, each pool pump requires two separate points of suction, which should be separated by a minimum of 1 m (3 ft) on centre. Pools built with surge tanks are extremely safe, as all suction points are located inside the tanks, away from the pool interior and bathers.
Properly designed hydraulics will limit the use of fittings and utilize large-diameter plumbing, which lowers line velocity and decreases entrapment risks in suction devices. In all cases, strict attention should be paid to the use of safe drain covers, making sure they are kept in proper operating condition at all times while the pool is in operation.
Proper hydraulics also ensures adequate circulation, which allows for even heat and chemical distribution. One option is to return pool water through floor jets in the base of the pool, as the warm, filtered water will naturally rise to the water surface and eliminate thermoclines (thin but distinct layers in a large body of water in which temperature changes more rapidly) and dead spots throughout the entire pool.
Water quality can be maintained via automated systems or manual controllers. Salt chlorine conversion generators can be used to simplify maintenance for most pool owners. Further, water quality and clarity can also be significantly improved via proper circulation using multiple return lines and skimmers.
Automated cleaning systems can be as simple as pressure-base or suction-side, self-propelled cleaners to more elaborate cleaning systems, which use pop-up pressure heads. Automated cleaners require a considerable amount of rigid plumbing but have the added advantage of improving the pool’s circulation and creating even, warm filtered bodies of water.
In the age of ‘green’ pool design and technology, a number of measures can be incorporated into the pool’s interior to reduce energy consumption and save the owner money. For example:
- The addition of an automated pool cover can reduce heating costs by up to 70 per cent;
- Insulating the pool shell, floor and plumbing to achieve additional long-term savings; and
- Radiant in-floor heating is a viable solution, especially when installed in an indoor pool environment where water temperatures tend to be stable.
While the area surrounding the pool takes much of the glory in an overall design, a number of significant features are found inside the pool, which contribute to the project’s overall success by providing long-term energy savings and increased user enjoyment.
Barry Justus is the owner of Poolscape Inc., a landscape contractor and pool designing and building company based in Burlington, Ont. He can be reached at barry@poolscape.com or by visiting www.poolscape.com.
