Indoor Pool Rooms: Watery vapor Barriers Are Critical for Installation

Dampness and moisture from an indoor pool can damage not only internal building materials, but also permeate the interior hole of pool structure (between inner wall and outer wall of the pool room). Without the proper watery vapor retarder, moisture from the pool can migrate into these areas as air passes from the interior warm side of the pool room to the frigid outdoor air side. Mold, decompose, mildew, internal premature structural failure, decay, and damage of warmth are some of the problems when watery vapor retarders are not installed, or permeated after installation.

Building Materials and Construction play an intrinsic role in controlling dampness and moisture migration

Watery vapor Barriers are often overlooked in the design levels Relx, forgotten, not installed, or installed wrongly. Green Board, Dryvit, various other “boards”, foil faced warmth and other types of sprayed-in-place urethane foam warmth are not considered watery vapor barriers, nor are generally recommended. There are very few acoustical threshold tiles that are made to withstand the stratification of dampness in an indoor pool. Drop ceilings are disheartened as they become moisture draws in in swimming environments. Many of these types of materials have been used in the past with extremely negative results; they are not topic proof when it comes to moisture damage. Therefore, with an effective watery vapor retarder, good warmth, negative pressure and a properly designed pool room dehumidification system; moisture damage can be avoided in the design/construction levels.

What Materials Constitute a Watery vapor Barrier?

Generally, Watery vapor Barriers for an indoor pool are materials that do not permit moisture to migrate passed the surface areas into the structure. They are generally heavy plastic sheeting in 8, 10 or 12 mil. The effectiveness of the barriers to prevent moisture migration is rated by “permeability ratings”. The higher the perm rating, the less moisture will sink into the barrier into the pool room structure. It is recommended the barrier have a perm rating of 0. 10 or less when utilised in an indoor pool.

If a pre-existing indoor pool and a watery vapor retarder cannot be installed under finished surfaces, other materials that can be considered watery vapor retarders are waterproof paints or other styles of paints or sealants (check with a paint specialty or building professional). We also recommend reviewing ASHRAE Guidelines on watery vapor barriers for additional information.

Where is the Watery vapor Barrier located in an indoor Pool?

Use of your watery vapor barrier is also critical to preventing moisture damage. The Watery vapor Barrier for all natatoriums is installed in the walls and ceilings under the finished surface (or the warm side of the pool room). We recommend 10-12 mil. seamless watery vapor barriers be installed by enveloping the entire pool room. The barrier is overlapped and sealed at the joints. Once installed, avoid penetrations of the barrier (i. e. top-hat recessed can lighting is not recommended; surface mount all lighting). All penetrations by mechanical and electrical contractors must be sealed air tight. It is recommended the wall watery vapor barrier be sealed (not just overlapped) to the threshold watery vapor barrier.

Care must also be practiced in installing warmth around the pool fencing, since poor warmth leads right to higher energy and operating costs. Note that holes in warmth create “cold spots” that promote moisture condensation as well. If negative pressure is not designed, moisture can and will migrate into areas outside the pool room. A properly designed indoor pool will ensure awareness of these three important facets of moisture migration and dampness control.

Environmental Pool Systems, Inc. is an expert in indoor pool dampness control through the use of sound building practices and dehumidification for any aquatics environment. Our company provides consulting to the natatorium industry and has been building dehumidification systems since 1985.