Energy Loss of a Pool

I have found this graph an excellent tool to illustrate the expected energy loss of a constant depth pool based on standard summer parameters. However these parameters are variable day by day; humidity, the wind chill effect and the extent of moving water around the pool all have an effect on the heat loss and the increase or decrease of the heating demand of the pool.

For an example:

With outdoor air temperatures of 15 degrees a 10m x 5m pool covered for 20hrs/day will lose 150watts/m2/hr - 7.5kw/hr. This means that the pool requires 7.5kw/hr to maintain its set water temperature of 27 degrees. If you wanted to increase the pool temperature then you would need to provide <7.5kw/hr to move the temperature up.

What this graph especially highlights is the extent of heat lost when the pool remains uncovered. The same pool uncovered would lose 36kw/hr, which in most domestic applications means the heating source running constantly to try and maintain the temperature.

What we can learn from this?

·         Keeping the pool covered when not being used is very important

·         With new builds it is important to consider ground conditions when completing the dig. Dewatering the site will have a long term saving on the running costs.

·         Consider your pool use and length of season carefully before deciding on the correct heater to install. There is no point installing a heat pump with 15kw of output if you want to be swimming in a uncovered pool late in the season, where the heat loss is greater than the heat pumps output.

Spa BioFilm

Spa  Bio Film - The Basics

Is it time to deep clean your Spa? If you have done nothing to remove the biofilm or keep it from forming on your spa, then be assured you have biofilm on every surface, and it is very difficult to remove once it has formed. Despite best efforts to keep a spa clean, if not properly treated then over time biofilm will start to build up. This can be particularly prevalent in the pipe work, where the chlorine and spa chemicals have reduced exposure. Biofilm contains bacteria, dirt, mould and often viruses or parasites. It grows in the nooks and crannies within the plumbing systems and jets and forms a slippery film.  Why is it necessary to remove Biofilm? Even well maintained tubs will accumulate biofilm deposits and attract ‘nasties’. This build up provides a breeding ground of potentially dangerous organisms to your health. It will also reduce the performance of the spa as the pipe work and jets become restricted. A spa with immaculate plumbing results in cleaner, clearer, fresher water with better circulation. Don’t Panic! Firstly, Biofilm builds slowly in well maintained spas. We would recommend that during your usual emptying rotation a ‘spa and hot tub cleaner’ is used. This will remove oils and soap deposits and assist in reducing the build up of BioFilm. For a really deep clean, which should be done every 12-18 months depending on bather use, you should use a Bio Film eliminator (Chlorine Dioxide). This is a more aggressive and effective cleaner and the results are often startling when used on older spas. Your spa can react like this when treated with a Biofilm eliminator as the slime film and deposits are released from the pipe work, heater and pump internals. Once removed, the spa is then polished. Deep Clean Makeover for your Spa Cresta Leisure offers the following full treatment service: Prepare spa for deep clean Apply Bio Film Eliminator Where possible we will check inside the cabinet and inspect O-rings and tighten any unions Clean filter, wash down cabinet and cover, treating cover with a UV protector Empty and rinse Spa Polish Internal ShellRefill Balance and commission