GUIDANCE | i | } ‘Swimming Pools - Small Public Indoor CONTENTS 1 User Requirements 2. Layout Requirements fs : MA > =. ees OR ‘One of a series prepared ta-give-clear, concise, comprehensi ip the planning, design and management off buildings. for money allied with quality in ali new shed sports afid © Sports council November 1994SWIMMING POOLS - SMALL PUBLIC INDOOR This Guidance Note gives information on the design, plenning, construction and building services of small, public indoor pools. It is based on work done for the Sports CCounci's small pools prototype project, which resulted in a 20 x 8m indoor pool building being built at Melbourn Village College, near Cambridge The information is primarily intended for new, stand-alone pools, although it may also be useful where pools are being added to existing facilities, such as community centres or educational sports buildings It should be emphasised that swimming pool buildings are expensive to build and operate; client groups and their professional advisers, should consider their needs very carefully and aim to get the most economical layout (including water area) possible to serve their community's needs. 1. User Requirements ‘There are a number of questions that need to be asked in ‘making the preliminary - but important - decisions about ‘the sort of pool to be planned. Who Will be the Main Users? This is likely to be a combination of the local community, school, and specific user groups from within the ‘community, for example swimming clubs and disabled user ‘groups. What Activities and What Priority for Each? The main types of swimming participation in small pools willbe «learning to swim - schoo! groups, adult and other lessons. ‘swimming for fun and enjoyment + swimning for fitness, particulary lane swimming and ‘aqua-aerobies + swimming for competition, including training, water polo and diving practice + basic life saving practice. In many cases, learning to swim, family recreational swimming and fitness swimming and exercise will be the main activities ; these, then, will have priority use of Club-level swimming needs @ pool length of only 16.67m oF 20m; @ pool of 25m length is required for higher-level training up to international standard. Minor league water polo needs a pool of 25m x 8m x 1.2m. For information on lane widths, see Main Poo! Siz, page 10. For sizes of 20m x 8.5m and above, the pool should be suitable for school galas How Many People are Likely to Use the Pool at ‘Any One Time? This will vary according to the activity and will be determined by the available water area and the capacity of ‘the pool water treatment plant, For recreational swimming, itis recommended that a minimum water area of 2m* per bather is allowed for physical safety. So a water area of 160m: (i.e. 20 x 8m) would allow a maximum of 80 bathers, although it is extremely unlikely that this number ‘would be allowed in the pool at the same time, as it could result in uncomfortable bathing conditions. 1. Although the spectator ares is not overly generous in ira at this poo, ite sufficient te accommodate areatonable number of people during busy periods. ‘Spectator Space? No fixed seating will be required, but if school or local galas ‘are to be held, there should be space for one or two rows Of chairs. These would be along the length of the pool, so ‘one of the long pool surrounds would need to be increased Jn width (Say 2.5 - 3m) to accommodate them, including a Circulation route between the pool edge and the front row Cf spectators. To minimise the dirt carried onto the pool surrounds by footwear, access to pool surround spectator seating should be as direct as possible - for example, from ‘the social viewing area. Consideration should also be given to the location of fire exits for these areas. ee the pool. : What Level of Play is Expected for Each Activity? This will depend on the length, width and depth of the pool, ie. whether itis 16.67m, 20m or 25m in length; 8.5m or 10.5m in width; and if it has a shallow water depth of not less than 900mm. Space for casual viewing can be provided as part of the pool hall or as part of the socal area overlooking the pool hall. There are no specific requirements for the number of spectators 10 be accommodated; 10 to 20 spaces should bbe adequate for a pool size of up to 20x 8.5m.2. Layout Requirements The amount of accommodation needed will vary with the size and type of pool. Accommodation and planning features for ‘basic’ and ‘top-level’ small poo! projects are shown in Tablet The lst includes accommodation and design features found in most small pools, irrespective of their size and type, although they may vary, depending upon local circumstances. There are also a number of common features which need to be considered: ‘+ a draught lobby at the main entrance; + access for people in wheelchairs; Table 1: Small Public Indoor Pools SWIMMING POOLS - SMALL PUBLIC INDOOR first aid room adjacent to the pool surround and with external access; 4 poolside store for poo! hall equipment; this may include space for cleaning equipment and materials; 2 plant room with internal and external access; secure store for chemicals; safety equipment; laid out for easy maintenance; pool water flow and return pipework in access ducts; concealed pipework in public areas; fixed shower heads with percussion control and remote temperature control; main natura ight from a high-level diffused source; 4 any daylighting must be accommodated so as to minimise glare; Top Level Model Basic Model Socal provision ‘Minimal vending catering Poolside spectator viewing with tables and chairs Poolside recess and bench space Franchise cafeteria for spectators Public toilets Disabled toilet and changing Male and female WCs doubling up as spectators’ tollet including disabled access Reception Reception desk doubling as office | Independent reception desk | Office and staff accommodation : Office Staff room Changing and clothes storage Minirnal with poolside bagidlothes storage ‘Combination of group and ‘mixed sex cubicle changing Locker clothes storage Pre-/post-swim showers and toilets Minimal poolside showers Male and feae toilets Separate male and female showers ‘Male and female toilets Other features including disabled access Poo! type and size ‘Main poo! - ‘Main poo! 16.67 x8.5m, 25x 10.5m; 0.9 to 1.2m depth 1 to 1.8m depth Separate learner poo! Pool edge detail Deck level ‘Main pool: deck level or conventional overfiow Learner pool: deck level Poo! cover Manually operated (subject to Mechanical staff availabilty to operate) E Underwater lighting Other accommodation Sauna Solarium Fitness suite ‘Table 1: These ists were prepared forthe Sports Couns Small Pools Prototype Project and formed the bass of the model scheme slated into the finalised design for concept which was later