Controlling Humidity in an Indoor Pool or Natatorium

The level of humidity in an indoor pool or swimming pool is related to the comfort of the facility's users, as well as the long-term protection of the building structure and the health of its occupants. The use of dehumidifiers in indoor pools or swimming pools will be highlighted here.

What Causes Indoor Pool Humidity?

At the heart of humidity issues in an indoor pool is the natural process of evaporation. When pool water is heated, it evaporates into the air. The amount of evaporation increases with higher water temperatures and greater surface area of the pool. For instance, a typical swimming pool heated to around 82°F (28°C) can lose up to one quart of water per hour per square foot. For a medium-sized indoor pool with a surface area of 500 square feet, this translates to a staggering 12 gallons of water evaporating into the air every hour.

But the story doesn’t end there. The evaporated water, now in the air, increases the humidity level within the enclosed space. In an environment with insufficient ventilation or inadequate humidity controlling measures, this moisture has nowhere to go. It condenses on cooler surfaces, such as walls, windows, and ceilings, contributing to a cycle of increasing humidity levels that can be difficult to break.

Several factors can exacerbate this situation:

Water Temperature: Higher temperatures speed up evaporation. A swimming pool indoor heated above the recommended range can significantly increase the humidity load.

Air Temperature: Warm air holds more moisture. If the air inside the indoor pool area is too warm, it can trap more humidity, leading to an uncomfortable environment.

Inadequate Ventilation: Without proper ventilation, humid air remains trapped inside, leading to condensation and potentially harmful mold growth.

Related reading: How To Dehumidify a Room?

Why Is Controlling Indoor Pool Humidity Important?

Managing indoor pool humidity is not only about comfort, but also about protecting the pool and the investment in the building itself. Here are reasons to control indoor pool humidity.

Protecting Structural Integrity

Excess moisture is a silent threat to building materials. When humid air inside a swimming pool indoor facility comes into contact with cooler surfaces, condensation occurs. This process can lead to the gradual deterioration of building components. For example, wood used in construction can begin to rot, while metal fixtures may corrode. Even concrete, which is typically resistant to moisture, can suffer from prolonged exposure to high humidity, potentially leading to costly repairs.

A study by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) found that continuous exposure to relative humidity levels above 70% can lead to mold growth within 48 hours. This highlights the importance of maintaining controlled humidity levels, typically between 50% and 60%, to avoid long-term damage to the building structure.

Ensuring Health and Safety

Mold and mildew thrive in high-humidity environments, and an indoor pool is no exception. These fungi release spores into the air, which can be inhaled by occupants, leading to respiratory issues such as asthma and allergies. Children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable.

Additionally, high humidity can cause discomfort for swimmers and staff. The air feels heavier and more oppressive, making it harder to breathe, especially during physical activity. This can discourage the use of the pool, which defeats the purpose of having an indoor swim pool in the first place.

Enhancing Energy Efficiency

Efficient humidity controlling not only protects the building and its occupants but also saves energy. High humidity levels can make the air inside the pool area feel warmer than it actually is, leading to unnecessary use of air conditioning systems. By maintaining proper humidity levels, you can reduce the load on HVAC systems, thereby lowering energy consumption and costs.

For instance, a properly designed dehumidification system for indoor pools can save up to 50% on energy costs compared to an unmanaged environment. This is because the system is optimized to remove moisture without overcooling the space, ensuring that both temperature and humidity are kept within comfortable and safe levels.

Preserving Aesthetic Appeal

Excessive moisture can lead to unsightly problems such as peeling paint, rust stains, and mold patches on walls and ceilings. These not only detract from the appearance of the pool area but also signal deeper underlying issues. Addressing these problems through effective indoor pool dehumidification ensures that the facility remains visually appealing, which is important for commercial or public indoor pools where first impressions matter.

How To Avoid Home Damage From Indoor Pool Humidity

The risks associated with indoor pool humidity are clear, but what steps can you take to mitigate these risks and protect your home? Here’s a practical guide to avoiding damage:

Install a Dedicated Dehumidification System

A dehumidifier for indoor pools is an essential investment. Unlike standard home dehumidifiers, these systems are designed specifically to handle the unique demands of indoor pools. They work by removing moisture from the air and maintaining a consistent humidity level. Choose a system that is appropriately sized for your pool area. For instance, if your indoor pool covers 1,000 square feet, you might need a system that can remove up to 100 pints of moisture per day. Such a large pint of dehumidifier is only suitable for commercial dehumidifiers, domestic dehumidifiers can not achieve this effect, but also loss of power consumption.

Ensure Proper Ventilation

A well-ventilated indoor pool area allows moist air to escape and fresh air to circulate, which helps prevent condensation. Mechanical ventilation systems, including exhaust fans and air exchangers, are particularly effective. These systems draw in dry outdoor air while expelling humid indoor air, maintaining a balanced environment. Heavy duty dehumidifier，In areas where high humidity is persistent, a heavy-duty dehumidifier can be combined with ventilation to provide an extra layer of moisture control.

There are several types of ventilation systems that can be used in conjunction with dehumidification:

Mechanical Ventilation

This type of system uses fans and ducts to move air in and out of the pool area. It’s particularly effective in larger facilities where natural ventilation might not be sufficient.

Natural Ventilation

In smaller indoor pools or those with large windows, natural ventilation can help reduce humidity. Opening windows or doors when the pool is not in use allows moist air to escape.

Air Exchangers

These devices are designed to replace the humid air inside with dry outdoor air. They are especially useful in climates where outdoor air is significantly drier than indoor air.

Monitor Humidity Levels Regularly

Install a quality hygrometer in the pool area to measure humidity levels. Check it once a day. If you notice that the humidity level is gradually exceeding 60 per cent, it's time to take action - whether it's adjusting the dehumidification system or increasing ventilation.

Some modern indoor pool dehumidifiers come with built-in humidity monitoring and alarms that notify you when humidity levels exceed a set range. For example Aloraircommercial's Storm Extreme LGR 180 PPD, with its automatic on/off and memory start function, is even easier to use.

There are other machines for example:

Auto Dehumidifier: Automatic systems that adjust both temperature and humidity based on real-time measurements are highly effective. These systems can be programmed to maintain specific temperature and humidity levels, ensuring a comfortable and safe environment at all times.

Wifi Dehumidifier: Modern dehumidifiers, such as the wifi dehumidifier with pump options, allow remote monitoring and control, enabling you to adjust settings as needed to maintain optimal conditions.

Use Pool Covers When the Pool is Not in Use

A simple yet effective method to reduce evaporation and subsequent humidity is to cover your pool when it’s not in use. Pool covers can reduce evaporation by up to 90%, which directly lowers the moisture load in the air. Choose a durable cover that fits snugly over the pool surface to maximize effectiveness.

Regular Maintenance and Inspections

Regularly inspect the pool area for signs of condensation, mold, or structural damage. Address any issues immediately. Ignoring small problems can lead to much larger, more expensive repairs down the line.

Concludsion

Indoor pool humidity control is a complex but essential aspect of maintaining a safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient environment. By understanding the causes and consequences of high humidity, and implementing a combination of dehumidification, ventilation, temperature control, and air filtration, you can effectively manage humidity levels in any indoor pool setting. Whether you're overseeing a large commercial facility or a smaller residential pool, these strategies will help you protect your investment, enhance the user experience, and ensure the long-term viability of your indoor pool.