Known as the father of hygiene, Max Joseph von Pettenkofer once said, “If there is a pile of manure in a space, do not try to remove the odor by ventilation. Remove the pile of manure.” Aquatics facilities wrestle with this problem in the form of air quality everyday.
Instead of removing the “pile of manure” or the source of bad air quality, many aquatic operators try to move, circulate and exchange the air in their facilities. However, today’s top aquatics facilities are taking advantage of new, direct and preventative methods to improve air quality.
The Challenge: Aquatic Facility Air Quality
Keeping air quality fresh and healthy odor is a top challenge for aquatic operators. The “pool” odor that lurks into lobbies and locker rooms isn’t only unpleasant, but toxic to inhale. Many assume that “pool” odor is from chlorine; however, it’s chloramines, the disinfection by-product (DBP) of chlorine reacting to organic material, like lotions, sweat and urine in the water. Also known as combined chlorine, chloramines can cause red eyes, skin irritation, asthma, allergies, “Lifeguard Lung” and other respiratory health issues.The Solutions: Top 3 Approaches to Air Quality
To combat poor air quality from chloramines, aquatics facilities generally have three solutions:- Air dilution through ventilation
- Targeting air treatment systems, like the Evacuator from Paddock
- Supplemental water sanitation systems that prevent chloramine formation, like Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) or UV pool systems