swimming pool technologies: are these the answer?

Swimming Pool Technologies: Are These the Answer?


MRPA Parks and Program Summit

2014

Presented by:Jeff Nodorft, P.E.

AgendaAgenda

• Challenges/Regulations/Issues• Mechanical Room• Air Quality • Pool Construction• Recreation Value• Pool Equipment

Many people think the way in which a swimming pool is designed is unimportant.Many people think the way in which a swimming pool is designed is unimportant.

Did you know there are:– 6 different source water tests to complete before

selecting chemical treatment options?– 22 states require certified pool operators?– 20 different pool interior finishes?– 10 different pool automation solutions?– 15 different ways to filter pool water?

Changing Code RequirementsChanging Code Requirements

Regulations & Guidelines Regulations & Guidelines

• Federal Regulations• State and local regulations• Industry guidelines

Regulations & Guidelines Regulations & Guidelines

• Federal Regulations• State and local regulations• Industry guidelines

• Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)– Protect public from unreasonable risk

• VGB, Barriers, Pool Alarms

Did you know:– 274 different codes and standards– A Federal Law impacted over 300,000 pools at a

estimated cost of $1.5 billion.• Fines for non-compliance 1.8 million• Criminal charges with jail time

– Model Health Code - 2014

Changing Code RequirementsChanging Code Requirements

Hazard TypesHazard Types

• Physical• Microbiological• Chemical

Issue: Suction EntrapmentIssue: Suction Entrapment

• 80 reports of main drain entrapments in the U.S. from 1999-2008 resulting in serious injury or death

• Pool / Spa Location Deaths Injuries– Public 4 21– Residential 7 38– Unknown 0 10

– Male 4 30– Female 7 39

• Individuals in the 5-9 year-old age group had the highest frequency of entrapment reports. 74% of the reported cases are children under the age of 14.

• Individual lawsuit judgments over $100 million U.S.

Issue: RWI’s

Pathogenic Bacteria, Viruses and Protozoa in Swimming Pool Water Represent Potential Risks to Public Health

Issue: RWI’s

Pathogenic Bacteria, Viruses and Protozoa in Swimming Pool Water Represent Potential Risks to Public Health

(Giardia) (Cryptosporidium)Viruses

(Hepatitis, Polio)Bacteria(E.coli)

Protozoa

Number of Outbreaks1995 – 2004: 5 outbreaks per year

2006: 222007: 29

Number of Cases2000: Fewer than 3,0002005: 5,0002007: 10,423

Issue: Combined Chlorine in PoolsIssue: Combined Chlorine in Pools

A 2009 survey by the Water Quality and Health Council (WQHC) in the United States revealed that:

17% of bathers urinate in swimming pools.

83% of bathers do not shower before swimming.

63% are unaware of illnesses associated with swallowing, breathing or having contact with contaminated pool water.

Mechanical System TechnologiesMechanical System Technologies

Mechanical TreatmentMechanical Treatment

• From the day of fill and draw, to modern day filtrations and sanitation

Principals of Water QualityPrincipals of Water Quality

• Filtration– Remove particulate

• Sanitation– Kill bugs– Oxidize particulate

Filtration - The Basics Filtration - The Basics • Pressure Systems

– High-Rate Sand– Regenerative Media

• Vacuum Systems– Vac Sand– D.E.

• Operation– Automatic – Semi-auto – Manual

• Orientation– Horizontal– Vertical

• Material– Steel– Fiberglass

Hi-Rate SandHi-Rate Sand

Technology: FiltrationTechnology: Filtration

• 1980’s – 2000’s– Hi-Rate Sand

• Captures 25 microns• Ease of operation – automation• Reusable filter media• Significant water use – sanitary requirements


• Present– Re-Generative Filter Media

• Approx 20% to 30% of market• Captures 1 to 5 micron level

– Tested for 3 log reduction for Crypto

• Reduced backwash volume to waste• Filter media backwashed to waste

– Diatomaceous Earth– Perlite (Darcy rating, float)

• First Dollar Cost Implications • More sophisticated operation

Regenerative MediaRegenerative Media

Technology: FiltrationTechnology: Filtration• Future

– High Rate Sand + New Technology• Air assisted backwashing

– Old technology with a new application» Goal of 20% water usage

• Modified Filter Bed: Polymers– Crypto 3 log reduction

• Flocculant Additives– PRS– Improves ability to capture pathogens

– Regenerative Media• New technologies• Greater efficiencies• Media quality

DRUMFILTERS• Membrane Filtration• Gravity Flow

– Reduced Energy• Expels backwash every

15 minutes


Technology: SanitizersTechnology: Sanitizers

• Challenges– Increases and Fluctuations in Organic Loading

• Pool type• Pool Features

– Indoor Aquatics• Enclosing the by products of sanitation process• Goal to Minimize Chloramine Levels

Technology: SanitizersTechnology: Sanitizers

Today’s Industry Standard• Halogen: chlorine• Supplemental Sanitation

– UV– Ozone

Sanitizers• Gas (100%)• Liquid (12-15%)• Tablet (65%)

Chemicals Feeders•Automation•Maintenance•On-Site Generation

Halogen: Chlorine

Sodium Hypochlorite• Advantages:

– Relatively safe to handle unless splashed or swallowed– Nonflammable– Convenient– Simple system, pump and tubing

• Disadvantages:– Storage space: bulky– Short half life: Loses its effectiveness rapidly in heat and

sunlight– Topping off chlorine tank with new product– Significantly raises pH (pH=13)

• Approx. 1 quart of Muriatic acid is needed to counter the effect of each 1 gallon of sodium hypochlorite used

– Build-up of TDS– Sodium dissolved in the water will eventually give the

water a salty taste – requires draining more often than cal hypo

– Unless tested for strength, never sure of the percentage of chlorine

– 12% - 15% FAC

Calcium Hypochlorite• Advantages:

– High percentage of available chlorine– Convenient and easy to use in tablet form– Consistent chlorine delivery– Long shelf life– Less frequent draining of pool required– Requires less pH buffering than sodium

hypochlorite– 65% - 68% FAC

• Disadvantages:– Delivery system more complex than sodium

hypochlorite– Flammable and combustible -- unsafe if

improperly stored, allowed to get wet or contaminated with a foreign product

– Raises pH (pH=11.8)– May contribute to scale formation and

calcification problems

Salt Water Chlorine Generation (Saline Systems)

• Newer Technology in Commercial Pool Market

• Minimal Space Requirements• NaCl + H2O à HOCl

– Pool dosed with salt– Brine tank solution

• Higher Initial Cost than Liquid or Tablet Chlorine Feed Systems

• Reduced Sanitizer Costs• Add Salt as Needed: $5/50#:• Replace Cells – 3-5 Years

Industry IssuesIndustry Issues

Salt GeneratorsTotal Dissolved Solids3,000 to 5,000

NSF May See This As An Issue.New definitions for conductivity for pool materials.

– Type 1 has a conductivity less than or equal to an aqueous sodium chloride solution of 1500 ppm.

– Type 2 has a conductivity greater than Type 1 and less than or equal to an aqueous sodium chloride solution of 6000 ppm.

– Type 3 water has a conductivity greater than Type 2

Approved February 2, 2009.

• Newer Technology in Commercial Pool Market

• Electrolysis Generation:– NaCl + H2O à HOCl

• Does not require salt in pool water

• pH neutral chlorine• TDS level setpoint• Higher Initial Cost than

Liquid or Tablet Chlorine Feed Systems ($20K - $40K)

• Lower Operating Costs• Add Salt as Needed: $5/40#• Electricity vs. bleach @

$1.25/gal• Replace Electrodes – 2-3

Years: $4000

On-site Chlorine GenerationOn-site Chlorine Generation

Ultraviolet Light - UV• Simple and reliable• No daily maintenance• Minimal space requirements• Chloramines (combined chlorine) reduced to below 0.2 ppm• Reduces or eliminates need to superchlorinate• Improves air quality in natatorium• UV is effective against all micro-organisms• Treats total water flow• UV is not hazardous• Maintenance required is minimal

• Disadvantage – higher first dollar cost

• Automatic adjustment to water conditions• Cruise control for your pool• Multiple power levels depending

on condition of water• Advantages:

– Longer lamp life– Reduced power consumption

UV TechnologyUV Technology

OZONEOZONE• Ozone O3 (gas) generator

– Corona discharge– UV irradiation

• Increased First Dollar Cost• Challenges

– Space requirements– Sophisticated operation– Domestic support

• Benefits– Increase ORP– Kills pathogens

Sphagnum MossHow did this happen?Sphagnum MossHow did this happen?

Dr. David Knighton, M.D.• Atlantic Monthly article

– WWI war wound treatment– Native American uses– Vikings– Attributed the increased survival to absorption of fluids by

dried moss– Effect could only be attributed to anti-microbial activity

• Review Medical Articles– Used Sphagnum Moss from Northern Minnesota and

Europe

Creative Water Solutions LLC © 2011

Sphagnum MossSphagnum Moss• New Zealand moss used in

orchid industry• Orchid growers want long

strands of moss to wrap the base of the plants

• Moss leaves that came off were sold as mulch

• Compressed moss leaves into a board to facilitate shipping costs

• Packaged pressed leaves in fine mesh plastic sleeves or bags depending on the application


Summary of Sphagnum Moss ActivitiesSummary of Sphagnum Moss Activities• Clarifies water• With normal biocide levels

prevents eye and skin irritation, hair discoloration, reactive airway disease, and “chlorine” smell

• Stabilizes pH• Absorbs positively charged ions• Inhibits bacterial and algae

proliferation• Inhibits biofilm formation• Removes scale from water surfaces• Inhibits corrosion

Separation plate

Chamber lid

CC-75 contact chamber cross section

Large PoolMoss®

Small PoolMoss®


Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)

• Significant Energy Savings– Experience exponential savings

from motor speed reduction• 80% motor reduction can equate to

approximately 50% energy savings– Flow meter integration

• Constant monitoring and real time adjustment of recirculation rate

– Soft starting capabilities– Ideal for water feature

adjustments

Chemical ControllersChemical Controllers

• Automated feed– Sanitizer– pH buffer

• Systems Integration– Flow Monitoring– TDH monitoring– Integrating VFD technology– Chemical level monitoring– Backwash Automation– Backwash Reclamation– Heater– Auto-Fill– TDS Control

ControlControl

Flow Sensor

Pressure Sensor,Pump effluent

PSI/Vac SensorPump influent Any VFD

Liquid LevelMeasuring

pH, Cl

Circ Pump

FilterBackwash

TurbidimeterBW Tank Level

BW HoldingTank

HeaterAuto-FillSurgeTankLevel

TDS

MODBUS TCP/IPMODBUS TCP/IP

• Full Read/Write Access• Nearly 200 parameters available

– pH, ORP, free Cl, temp, total Cl, combined Cl, flow rate, VFD, autofill, cond/TDS, chemical inventories, surge pit, etc.

Advantages to IntegrationAdvantages to Integration

• Common, user-friendly interface– Tailored to the aquatics industry

• Common access to data logs and parameters– One application accesses all historical data and control parameters

• Integrated historical data logs– Diagnostics– Compliance

• Unified alarm notification– On-site– Remote, to service and/or management personnel

• Improved performance– Enhanced water quality– Equipment safeguards

Common AccessCommon Access

Integrated DataIntegrated Data

Email Alarm NotificationEmail Alarm Notification

SMS Text Alarm NotificationSMS Text Alarm Notification

Air Quality TechnologiesAir Quality Technologies

HVACHVAC

• ASHRAE Standard 62• Minimize evaporation by keeping the

air temperature approximately 2 degrees warmer than the water temperature.

• Maintain 50% relative humidity (RH )• Warm air "washing" of walls, ceilings,

and exterior openings (skylights, doors, windows) to reduce condensation.

• Limit air velocity to 25 fpm.• Maintain a slightly negative pressure.

Web Server ScreensWeb Server Screens

HVAC InterfaceHVAC Interface

Combined ChlorineCombined Chlorine

• Total Cl and Free Cl membrane sensors• Combined Cl = Total Cl – Free Cl

VFDs on Air HandlersVFDs on Air Handlers

Air Purge FeatureAir Purge Feature

• Operator settable Air Purge Set Point– When Comb Cl reading > Set Point, trigger air

purge– Activate relay for a programmed amount of time– Simple, universal interface to any air handler

• Air Purge Delay setting– Minimum time to wait between purges

Combined ChlorineCombined Chlorine

• Air handler can use Combined Cl value, along with other parameters (air temp, humidity, etc.), to manage air turnover during winter months

• Objective is to improve indoor air quality while conserving energy by minimizing amount of cold winter air that requires heating

UV ControlUV Control

• Combined Chlorine Set point– User settable parameter (0.2 ppm at Des Peres)– When Comb Cl < Set Point, UV Turndown relay is

activated• Start Delay

– If set, the time the Comb Cl must be below the Set Point before the UV Turndown relay is activated

Pool Construction TechnologiesPool Construction Technologies

Pool Shell ConstructionPool Shell Construction

• Traditional concrete pool construction–Pneumatically Applied Concrete – Shotcrete (wet mix)

–Cast in Place Concrete

–Monolithic shell and floor pour

• Pre-Engineered Pool Shells– Stainless Steel Panel Walls

– Fiberglass

Concrete Pool Shell Construction– Cast in place Vs Pneumatically applied concrete

• Identical structural solutions• Monolithic pours• Similar final result in finish, life expectancy

Pool Shell ConstructionPool Shell Construction

ACI 350-06 VS. ACI 318-08ACI 350-06 VS. ACI 318-08

• All concrete will crack - ACI 350 limits size and frequency of cracks, and decreases permeability

• Use of ACI 350 over ACI 318 results in:– Increased size & tighter spacing of reinforcing– Higher cementitious material content– Lower water content– Greater concrete density & less permeability– Increased performance & greater durability– Increased capital cost

Pre-Engineered PoolsPre-Engineered Pools• Manufacturers

– Myrtha (Italy)– Astral (Spain)– Natare– Bradford

• Primarily used for rectilinear pool configurations (i.e. competition pools), but can be custom shaped to allow for curved sections of pool walls.

Pre-Engineered PoolsPre-Engineered Pools

• Has been seen in the market as a viable short term installation as well as long range solution– Temporary installations at high-capacity

venues for competitions• Olympic Trials – Long Beach, CA and

Omaha, NE• US Nationals – Indianapolis, IN• World Championships – Barcelona

• Cost can vary widely and may be dependent upon the Contractor and manufacturer

• 25% to 50% premium over traditional concrete construction

• Typical Warranty on pre-engineered systems is 15 years

• Can help provide an expedited construction schedule

Pre-Engineered Pool ConstructionPre-Engineered Pool Construction• PVC laminated stainless steel wall panels to 2-meter depth.• Buttress system to support wall panels, requires over excavation

(up to 10 feet) around pool walls for installation.• Pool floor and pool shell below 2-meter depth are concrete with

PVC membrane liner• PVC material is heat welded or chemically bonded at seams• Floor markings and wall targets can be contrasting PVC or tile

Recreation Value TechnologiesRecreation Value Technologies

Trend Setting Markets

Where To Look§ Private Sector§ Resort§ Waterpark

§ University/Student Rec§ Therapy & Wellness

Waterslides

• Pros– Available for all

ages– Easy to operate and

maintain

• Cons– Need several slides

for different groups– Loses “Flair”

WaterslidesTot Slides Thrill Slides

Aqua Loop

TurboChargerTM

Champagne BowlTM

Boomerango ExpressTM

Dual MB Express

MasterBlaster ExpressTM

AquaDrop

Megatube Series

Constrictor

MEGAtube Series

The Viper1

Wave Technologies: Wave PoolsWave Technologies: Wave Pools

• Pros– Add Capacity– Family Fun

• Cons– Maintenance– Utilities– Safety

Wave Technologies: Flow Boarding

• Pros– Extreme amenity for teens– Unique

• Cons– Minimal riders at a time– Steep learning curve

Children’s Play Features

• Pros– Capacity Holder for Young

Children– Endless Themeing Opportunities– Variety of Sizes to Meet your

needs

• Cons– Cost– Maintenance / Upkeep

Moving Water

• Pros– Enhanced

Experience– Multiple User

Groups– Recreation– Fitness & Therapy

• Cons– Blind spots– Guarding

Challenges

Challenge AmenitiesChallenge Amenities• Skill Development

Pool Equipment TechnologiesPool Equipment Technologies

LED Underwater LightingLED Underwater Lighting

• Significant energy savings– Up to 85% over traditional

incandescent lighting• Increased life expectancy

– Up to 6 times compared to traditional pool lighting (Incandescent ~ 5,000 hrs; LED ~ 30,000 hrs)

• Cooler operation• True white light• Color changing capabilities

Pool CoversPool Covers

• Significant Opportunity for Energy Savings– It takes 1 BTU to heat 1 lb of H20, 1 degree

Fahrenheit, but each pound of 80ºF water that evaporates removes over 1,000 Btu of heat from the pool

– ASHRAE Standards require pool covers if 60% of pool heating is not from an onsite energy source

– UV-stabilized polyethylene, polypropylene, or vinyl

– Manual, semi-automatic, or an automatic pool cover

– Recommend for both Outdoor as well as Indoor pools

Pool Covers (automated)Pool Covers (automated)

Stainless Steel Storage Reel

Power Winder

Pool Covers (manual)Pool Covers (manual)

Test KitsTest Kits

• Manual– Colorimetric– Titrimetric– Turbidmetric– Dip and Read

• Electronic/Photometer– Palintest– Lamotte

Accuracy vs. Ease of use

Accessibility RequirementsAccessibility Requirements

• Primary– Sloped Entry– Lifts

• Secondary– Repeat Primary– Transfer Walls– Step Entry

• On September 15, 2010, the ADA Guidelines finalized on July 23, 2004 (ADAAG 2004) were signed into law and now require compliance by all Title II (Public Entities) and Title III (Public Accommodations and Commercial Entities) by March 15, 2012. This includes recreation facilities, swimming pools, wading pools and spas



MRPA Parks and Program Summit

2014

Presented by:Jeff Nodorft, P.E.

swimming pool technologies: are these the answer?

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