Pool Ventilation Calculator

Pool and natatorium ventilation systems address unique challenges including high moisture loads, chloramine control, and strict temperature/humidity parameters. Indoor swimming pools generate substantial water vapor through evaporation—typically 60-80% of total HVAC load—requiring specialized dehumidification strategies beyond conventional building ventilation. The dominant design challenge is latent load management (water evaporation governed by vapor pressure difference, activity level, and surface area), combined with maintaining air quality while protecting building envelope from moisture damage. ASHRAE Applications Handbook Chapter 6 provides comprehensive natatorium design guidance emphasizing the critical balance between humidity control, indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and structural protection.

Pool Evaporation and Latent Load: Water evaporation from pool surfaces is the dominant latent load, calculated using the Carrier equation: E = A × Y × (Pw - Pa) where E = evaporation rate (kg/hr), A = pool area (m²), Y = activity factor (1.0 still water, 1.2-1.5 recreational, 2.0-3.0 competitive), Pw = saturated vapor pressure at water temperature (Pa), Pa = partial vapor pressure in air (Pa). A 400 m² pool at 27°C with 60% RH air at 29°C and activity factor 1.5 generates approximately 29 kg/hr evaporation, equivalent to 18-20 kW latent cooling load (each kg water evaporation requires 2,450 kJ). This latent load dominates sensible loads (occupants, solar, lighting) in most natatoriums.

ASHRAE Design Parameters: ASHRAE Applications Chapter 6 specifies critical control parameters. Air temperature should be 2-4°C above water temperature to prevent thermal shock and condensation on swimmers upon exit. Relative humidity must be maintained at 50-60% maximum (some codes allow 65%, but lower is better for envelope protection). Air velocity over pool surface should not exceed 0.15-0.20 m/s to minimize evaporation (each 0.05 m/s increase adds ~15% evaporation). Outdoor air must meet ASHRAE 62.1 requirements: 7.5 L/s per person or 0.48 L/s per m² floor area, whichever is greater. Dewpoint control is critical—all building surfaces (windows, walls, roof structure) must be maintained above dewpoint temperature to prevent condensation, mold, and structural deterioration.

Dehumidification and Chloramine Control: Two dehumidification approaches exist: ventilation-only (effective only in cold, dry climates, operating energy 3-5× higher) and mechanical dehumidification using refrigeration cycle (air cooled below dewpoint condensing moisture, then reheated with condenser heat). Mechanical dehumidification is standard, providing precise humidity control (±3-5% RH) and energy efficiency. Chlorine disinfection reacts with organic contaminants forming chloramines—trichloramine (NCl₃) is volatile and highly irritating. OSHA recommends <0.5 ppm, competitive facilities target <0.3 ppm. Control strategies include proper water chemistry (free chlorine 1.0-3.0 ppm, pH 7.2-7.8), pre-swim showers, UV-C or ozone disinfection (reduces chloramine formation 70-85%), exhaust ventilation near water surface, and enhanced outdoor air ventilation (1.2-1.5× ASHRAE 62.1 minimum).

Energy Recovery Systems: Natatoriums offer exceptional energy recovery opportunities due to high latent loads and continuous operation. Pool water heat recovery diverts dehumidifier condenser heat to pool water via titanium plate heat exchanger (titanium resists chlorine corrosion)—typical system produces 40 kW cooling with compressor rejecting 50-55 kW heat, 70-85% (35-47 kW) transfers to pool water, reducing boiler load by 60-75%. Pool heating typically requires 200-400 kWh/m² pool area annually, heat recovery provides 120-340 kWh/m² savings. Outdoor air energy recovery using run-around glycol loops (40-55% effectiveness) or enthalpy wheels (60-80% effectiveness) pre-conditions outdoor air with exhaust air. ASHRAE 90.1 Section 6.5.6.1 mandates energy recovery for systems >5,000 CFM (8,500 m³/h) outdoor air in climate zones 3-8. Combined heat recovery reduces total HVAC energy consumption by 45-65% compared to conventional systems.

Standards Reference: ASHRAE 62.1 specifies ventilation rates for acceptable indoor air quality. ASHRAE Applications Handbook Chapter 6 provides natatorium-specific design guidance including temperature, humidity, and air velocity parameters. ASHRAE 90.1 mandates energy recovery for large outdoor air systems. International Mechanical Code (IMC) Chapter 4 covers mechanical ventilation requirements. Local health codes regulate water quality, air quality, and occupant density. Design must coordinate with pool mechanical systems and structural systems including vapor barriers and condensation protection.