Chlorine odour, fogged glass and peeling paint are the clichés of yesterday’s indoor swimming rooms. Today, a mineral natural pool can live in the heart of your home—silent, crystal-clear and free of chemical smell. Below is a comprehensive design brief built from Origin Aqua’s projects in Lisbon, Cascais and the Algarve.
1. Why an Indoor Natural Pool?
| Benefit | Old chlorine pools | Mineral natural pools |
|---|---|---|
| Air quality | Chloramine vapour irritates lungs | Zero chloramines → spa-fresh air |
| Condensation | High; causes mould | 30 % lower due to reduced evaporation |
| Aesthetics | Lighting haze, stainless corrosion | Glass-like clarity, no rust |
| Running cost | High (24/7 ventilation, chemical dosing) | –35 % energy + –80 % chemicals |
2. Core Engineering Requirements
2.1 Ventilation & De-humidification
- Six air changes per hour with heat-recovery ventilator (HRV).
- Dew-point maintained 2 °C below water temperature to prevent condensation on glazing.
- Integrate CO₂ sensor to modulate fan speed and save ≈ 15 % electricity in low-use hours.
2.2 Bio-filtration Plant Room
- Footprint: 2 m × 1 m skid; fits through 90 cm door.
- Noise: ≤ 48 dB at 1 m—think library-quiet.
- Water chemistry: pH 7.2-7.6; mineral blend 1 g/L; ORP 450 mV.
2.3 Heating
- Primary: Air-to-water heat pump (COP ≥ 4.0) sized at 3 kW per 10 m³.
- Secondary: Roof-mounted evacuated-tube solar loop (adds 3-5 °C, April-October).
- Cover: Automatic slatted cover retains 70 % heat overnight.
3. Design Considerations
Lighting – LED RGBW strips recessed in the coping; mineral water amplifies colour saturation.
Finishes – Porcelain or tactile limestone: chlorine-resistant sealants unnecessary. Avoid cement based product.
Acoustics – Install micro-perforated ceiling panels to absorb splash noise.
Glazing – Specify low-E, triple-pane glass (U-value ≤ 0.9 W/m²K)
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I retrofit my basement pool? | Yes—filter skid and HRV ducts fit through standard doorways. |
| Will humidity damage artworks? | Not at 55-60 % RH. Several clients display oil paintings poolside. |
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