How does a pool dehumidifier work?
An indoor swimming pool is a wonderful leisure and exercise environment, but there are many important factors to consider when planning and designing a pool. Even when you cannot see it, moisture in the form of water vapour is all around us in the air. The humidity in the air, if not controlled, will cause corrosion, mould and bacteria growth. This is where a pool dehumidifier will be needed.
When left unchecked, moisture damage in swimming pool buildings causes major structural damage. Prolonged exposure to high humidity can cause walls, roofs, finishes and decorations to deteriorate rapidly.
A high humidity will also affect your personal comfort. Unless the environment is controlled swimmers and bathers can find a pool environment uncomfortable. A comfortable humidity will usually range from 50%-65% in a pool room.
When a pool is uncovered, evaporation is inevitable leading to excess humidity in the air. Other than personal discomfort a high humidity can commonly lead to condensation, damp, mould & mildew, misting, corrosion and general building deterioration.
As water evaporates from the pool, it takes a significant amount of heat with it. This means your pool room will excessively heat. It’s recommended to pair any dehumidification with some form of extraction.
How a dehumidifier works
The process of dehumidification involves moisture-filled air being drawn into the dehumidifier. The air passes across a refrigerated coil within the system that rapidly cools the air below its dew point. This condenses the water vapour and recovers its latent heat energy for re-use. The cooled air is then passed across the condenser where it is reheated and returned to the served area at a lower and dry humidity.
Combining a dehumidifier with an extractor or ventilation unit will cause the newly dried air to mix with cool air from outside. This will lower the overall temperature of the pool room. This will also allow fresh air into the pool room. We’d recommend using both a dehumidifier and a ventilation unit for your pool room.
The Blue Cube recommendation
The Calorex range of purpose-built, stylish dehumidifiers for humidity control and energy recovery in indoor swimming pools. These high-performance dehumidifiers will minimise the need for air extraction by recirculating warm, dry air back into your pool room.
- Improved dehumidification capacity (resulting in lower running costs)
- Modern and elegant design
- Reduced sound pressure level
- Readable evaporator & condenser
- User friendly configuration & ambient temperatures through the PCB display
- Remote control of setpoints with visible pool hall conditions
- BMS / Home Automation Connection
- USB data logging and software option
- Wireless remote control for changing setpoints included as standard
- Through-wall models available
Calorex Monitair Dehumidifiers
- Hot gas defrost (allows operation to 5°C air temperature)
- High moisture extraction for low power consumption
- Corrosion free, easy to clean aluminium air grille, easy clean air filter
- Low internal operating pressures
- Adjustable air outlet
- Quiet centrifugal fans, two speeds
- Variable remote humidistat and on/off function
- Smooth white coated alloy finish or through-wall model with grille kit
- Simple floor-standing installation
Fully self-contained units, these Calorex dehumidifiers require minimal installation. When it comes to operation, units offer quiet, reliable and safe performance. Flexibility is built-in. Both models are available in standard options like pictured or through wall options. This allows only the vents to be visible in the pool room while the dehumidifier is in the plant room through the shared wall.
Energy saving
Removing humidity from the air enables these Calorex dehumidifiers to absorb latent energy and return it to the air in the pool room as useful air heating. The heat pump technology roughly converts 2.5kW to air heating for every 1kW of electricity consumed making them a real bonus for running costs!
Low temperature operation
These models standard defrost function allows you to use this system economically. Operating at temperatures just above freezing you can ensure moisture control even in the colder months. This allows to you save money on the running costs by using less energy when you’re away from the pool.
Closing Thoughts
A pool dehumidifier is one of many things needed for a small indoor pool room. Along with ventilation this will keep your pool room breathable and protect elements like walls and pool features.
Are you looking at installing an indoor pool in your home? Here at Blue Cube, we can help. With 25+ years of experience in the industry, we can make sure that you have the best system for your individual pool room needs. Our friendly team are always here to help with what equipment can work best for your needs. Why wait? Contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ventilation needed in an indoor pool room?
In short, yes. You’ll need a ventilation unit to work alongside a dehumidifier in a pool room. A dehumidifier will take moisture from the air but will recycle the used air back into the room. A ventilation unit is needed to introduce fresh air to the pool environment.
Should I use a dehumidifier or an AHU for an indoor pool?
This depends on the size of the pool room. A small pool room can operate with a dehumidifier and ventilation unit. A larger more complex pool room will usually require a more robust air handling unit (AHU). A small house extension with pool installation is usually more suitable for a dehumidifier.