STA POOL PLANT – SWIM SCHOOL POOLS
Advice For Building A Swim School Pool In a recent survey carried out by the STA, more than half of UK swim schools cited they would consider building their own pool in the future. In response, the STA and SPATA have joined together to list here the main basic points to consider, in relation to the project requirements for a pool suitable for a swim school
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hen it comes to swim schools across the country building their own swimming facilities, there has been a number of successful examples featured within SPN over recent years, and with demand for pools outstripping supply, it’s a trend that’s sure to continue. Here, we cover some of the main considerations for those keen to take the plunge into ownership.
SWIMMING POOLS An indoor (or enclosed) pool for all year teaching is preferable, but not necessarily essential. The pool size is important to ensure the correct water area for the purpose and number of persons using the pool (safe bather area). The ideal water depth to
introduce the individual to learning to swim can typically range from 0.8m – 1.2m. For babies / children, the preferred water depth is around 1.2m to ensure that the supporting adult remains comfortable within the water (enabling them to maintain a safe position at all times). Where the pool depth is greater than 1.35m this should be noted in the risk assessment (and PSOP), as the water depth may be an issue for some of the participants learning to swim. Varying depths will have a direct effect on staffing the pool in terms of teaching and lifesaving. Easy entry and exit to (and from) the pool. For ease of access to the pool, steps (and handrails) are generally more useful and accessible than ladders, but other entry and exit methods may be used. If it is a new build or major building renovation, change of use
POOL WATER TEMPERATURES The following recommendations are taken from ‘The Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group’. They are maximum values and are not intended as set targets. • Children’s teaching pool
29-31oC / 84-87oF
• Babies under 3 months or 5.5kg / 12lbs
32oC / 89oF
• Babies (over 3 months), young participants and disabled participants
30-32oC / 86-89oF
• Hydrotherapy pool
32-36oC / 89-96oF Ideally 34.5oC / 94oF (Thermoneutral)
• Recreational swimming
27-29oC / 80-84oF
• Competetive swimming and diving, fitness swimming
26-28oC / 78-82oF
• Leisure waters
28-30oC / 82-86oF
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etc., then disabled access and egress may be compulsory.
POOL WATER TEMPERATURE Pool water at the correct temperature (ideally 29ºC – 31ºC for children and ideally 30ºC – 32ºC for babies over 3 months) for indoor pools. The water temperature is important to have set at the optimum range for teaching, as it is very difficult to vary the temperature quickly. A risk assessment will determine at what temperature the commercial or domestic pool should be set. The original pool finish should be checked as part of the risk assessment to ensure that it is suitable for these higher water temperatures.
THE POOL HALL ENVIRONMENT For indoor pools, the correct pool hall environment, with adequate heating and ventilation is required. The pool hall environment needs to be fit for the purpose so that swimming teachers can be comfortable on poolside and the participants are also not too cold or too hot while being taught. Please note, the air temperature within the pool hall should be the same as, or 1ºC above, the water temperature to a maximum of 30ºC (for staff and visitor comfort). When air temperatures are expected to be below pool water temperatures, evaporation will be excessive, and, will radically increase the energy costs. This should be recognised and discussed with a swimming pool specialist at the design stage.
www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 10/06/2024 12:35