Discover the best way to keep pool hall humidity under control

Evaporation is inevitable in every setting and, in larger pools, equates to the loss of thousands of litres of water in a single day. To avoid expensive repairs, ongoing damage and health risks to staff and visitors, both ventilation and dehumidification are essential.

In this article, you’ll discover why controlling humidity should be the number one priority for every indoor pool operator focused on protecting their buildings from corrosion and improving the experiences of guests and staff.

Understanding the effects of humidity

Swimming pool evaporation is predominantly caused by unregulated temperatures in indoor pool halls. However, it can be heightened when the pool is busy and the water surface area is increased. As water evaporates and humidity rises, excess moisture can lead to:

• Mould and mildew
  With more moisture in the air, condensation is likely to form, creating the perfect conditions for mould and mildew. Left untreated, this can quickly spread throughout a building, eating away at the structure while releasing toxic, airborne spores that can cause skin irritation, breathing difficulties and asthma.
  
  

• Uncomfortable environments
  Fluctuating temperatures, a lack of fresh air, fogginess and a strong smell of chlorine are all signs of unregulated humidity. As well as an uncomfortable experience for visitors, staff trying to work in these conditions are likely to struggle.
  
  

• Accelerated corrosion
  When chlorine evaporates with pool water, it is captured in the atmosphere and can permeate the walls of your building. Because it is such an aggressive chemical, the chlorine will start to deteriorate cement blocks, mortar joints, bricks, metal doors and light fixtures at a much faster rate.

Why does humidity build in swimming pools?

As warm air is able to hold more moisture than cold air, humidity levels will increase as a pool room heats up. The amount of moisture that the air can hold at its current temperature is measured in relative humidity (RH) as a percentage. When the air cools down(at night or during less busy times) and is able to hold less moisture, the RH level will continue to rise until it reaches 100% or ‘dew point’. This is when excess moisture in the atmosphere is released.

Humid air will also condense on cold surfaces below the dew point temperature. For example, when the air inside a swimming pool is at 28°C with a relative humidity of 60%, and a window’s temperature is less than 19.5°C.

Indoor pools are delicate ecosystems

Regulating humidity requires a bespoke air handling solution for every pool setting. Some of the deciding factors will include the size of your swimming pool, the volume of the pool hall it’s contained in and the number of swimmers you expect to accommodate day-to-day.

Dantherm air handling units can be tailor-made for any indoor pool. From private wellness facilities to Olympic-scale swimming centres. Each system is designed to manage airflow, temperature and humidity to maximise the comfort of your guests, the conditions of your building and your facility’s energy usage.

For more about handling humidity in your indoor pool or to get help finding the right solution for your setting, don't hesitate to get in touch with our expert team.