Swimming Pools Dgn 2013

8/18/2019 Swimming Pools Dgn 2013

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/swimming-pools-dgn-2013 1/53

May Revision 004 © Sport England 2013

DesignGuidance Note

Creating a sporting habit for life

SwimmingPoolsUpdated Guidance for 2013



Swimming Pools Design

Guidance Note

May Revision 004 1 © Sport England 2013

Foreword

Sport England believes that good facilities arefundamental to developing sporting opportunitiesfor everyone, from the youngest beginner to theinternational class athlete. The buildings, whetherlarge or small, can encourage civic pride and assistthe process of revitalising deprivedneighbourhoods. Facilities that are well designed,built to last and well maintained are a pleasure touse and give an ample return on the time andmoney invested in their construction andday-to-day use.

Good design needs to be based on a soundunderstanding of the current trends and practices

within individual sports, developments in the sportand leisure industry and the lessons learnt frompreviously built schemes.

It is essential that this is embraced from thebeginning of a particular project and included inthe initial briefing stage through to the final detailedspecifications and operational arrangements.

Sport England Design Guidance Notes aim topromote a greater general understanding of overalldesign concepts, an appreciation of technicalissues as well as the critical factors that need tobe considered in reaching the appropriate solutionfor a particular project. They also advise where

further information, advice and expertise may befound and point to benchmark examples.

A well-designed pool can attract swimmers

Increase awarenessof good design in

sports facilities

Help key building professions, clients,

user representatives and other stakeholders to follow best practice

Encouragewell-designed sportsfacilities that meet the

needs of sports and are a pleasure to use.

•

•

•

Sport England’s DesignGuidance Notes aim to:




Guidance Note


Contents1.0 Introduction 3

• National statistics

• Trends• Condition and public expectation

• Partnership and cooperation

2.0 Strategic Definition 5

• Financial sustainability

• Leisure features

• Strategic issues

3.0 Preparation of the Brief 7

• Key considerations

• Size and shape of water

• Levels of competition

• Pool capacity

4.0 Concept Design 11

• Location and site evaluation

• Site planning

• External design

• First impressions

• Organising the building

5.0 Developed Design Considerations 19

• Public areas 19

O Entrance area

O Reception desk O Refreshment areas

O Public toilets

O Accommodation for children

• Pool hall 23

O Structural approach

O Glazing

O Artificial lighting

O Signs

O Configuration

O Combining two pool tanks in one hall

O Privacy for some user groups

O Pool surround requirements O Easy access to the water

O Movable floors and bulkheads

• Changing facilities 34

O Key design issues

O General planning principles

O Changing layouts

O Analysis of types of changing room layouts

O Benches, coat hooks and lockers

O Toilets

O Showers

O Vanity areas

O Calculating numbersO Changing room calculation example using

the ‘Standard Method’

• Ancillary accommodation 46

O Office accommodation

O Staff room and changing O Cleaners store

O External service yard

O First aid room

O Pool equipment store

• Spectator and competitor provision 48

O Sight line geometry

O Accessibility

O Seating types

O Conflict with the need for privacy

O Environmental conditions

6.0 Use and Aftercare 50

• Key operational/design issues

• Key maintenance issues

O Entrance control

O Ceramic tiling

O Showers

O Washing down

O Drainage channels

O Stainless steel

Appendices

1. Pool types and technical designissues:

O Main/competition pools

O Learner/learner training pools

O Diving pools

O Leisure pools

2. Servicing the building

3. Construction and specification

considerations

4. Improvement and alterations toexisting swimming pool buildings

5. Further information:

O Legislation and standards

O References

O Related organisations




Guidance Note


Condition and public expectation

It has been acknowledged by Government thatpublic swimming facilities in England havegenerally suffered from underfunding and needconstant maintenance and repair, placing manyunder threat of closure 4.

Only a few of the Victorian municipal baths, oncethe pride of Britain’s big cities, remain. In addition,hundreds of council pools built in the 1960s and1970s are close to the end of their economiclifespan. Local Authorities are often faced withdifficult decisions to close pools despite stronglocal opposition. In some cases, these are buildingsof historical and architectural importance 5.

There are also considerable pressures on schoolswhere the majority of pools were built in the 1960’sand early 1970’s, many to a poor standard.Schools face logistical problems, additional costs,health & safety issues and time and staff trainingissues in delivering the national curriculum.

Best practice includes:

• New community poolsthat cater for school

needs

• Existing public andcommercial pools being

shared between schools and the widercommunity.

4

DCMS Spending review 2010.5 Great Lengths: The historic indoor swimming pools of Britain.English Heritage.

6 Now under SPOGO at https://spogo.co.uk/developer-area

7 School swimming activities are covered in the NationalCurriculum and in the ASA School Swimming Manifesto.

Partnership and cooperation

Careful consideration needs to be given to theoverall justification and briefing for swimmingprovision.

Schools, local education authorities, healthagencies and local government should seek towork with members of the wider community tocapitalise on knowledge, experience andresources. They should seek to establish clearswimming strategies.

Existing pool provision in any particular area mayneed to be rationalised; schools with existing poolsmight share them with other schools and the widercommunity; pools being refurbished or replacedshould consider the needs of the entirecommunity.

The ‘Swimming Charter 2003’ published by theDepartment of Children, Schools & Families (DCSF)and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport(DCMS) gives various case studies whereswimming has been provided on a communitybasis to allow school swimming to move beyondthe essential minimum requirement of Key Stage2 of the National Curriculum 7.

There is also an impressive core of organisationsconcerned with development, management and

safety issues. See the Related Organisations section in Appendix 5.

In contrast, the last decade saw a growing number

of lottery funded swimming pools. Modern design,together with more attractive internal features andgreater attention to customer’s needs, has createda step change in pool provision. The Active Placesdata files 6 show that since 1996, some 56% of thenational stock has been built or benefited fromsome degree of refurbishment. However, thelikelihood of significant lottery funding beingavailable in the immediate future is doubtful.

Good design can:

• Maximise customer appeal

• Allow flexibility for maximum

programme options

• Provide efficient and well

organised circulation

• Minimise staffing levels whilst

allowing the effective managementof health and safety

• Help achieve sustainability and be

responsive to environmental issues

• Minimise cleaning and

maintenance requirements

• Reduce the footprint and volume

• Help achieve financial

sustainability.




Guidance Note


2.0 Strategic Definition

Public swimming pools are unusually demandingbuildings that require considerable investment todesign, build and be operated by well-qualifiedstaff. Much of the plant must operate continuously24 hours a day over 365 days a year understringent health and safety requirements to ensuresafe and supervised use. They have high energyneeds in operation and must be carefully designedto conserve energy. They contain aggressivechemicals in moisture-laden atmospheres andrequire careful design using high quality materialsand appropriate plant and equipment.

The full environmental impact of such buildings

through their life cycle should be carefullyconsidered and it is recommended that theBREEAM assessment method be adopted 8.

Pools outside the public sector, though possiblyless intensively used, must also achieve safe andacceptable operating conditions.

Current health and safety legislation will need to becarefully considered in respect of both the designand operation of a pool 9. All new pools will need tobe designed to take account of European standardBS EN 15288:2008 Parts 1 and 2. See alsoLegislation and Standards section in Appendix 5.

The Construction (Design and Management)Regulations 2007 (CDM 2007) in conjunction withthe Heath and Safety at Work Act and BS EN15288-1:2008 identify the need to consider theabilities of the project team. The team shouldinclude designers, client, operators andcontractors with sound experience and expertisewith similar projects in both scale and type fromthe outset. Refer also to the Sport England / CABEdocument ‘Better Places for Sport’ available fromthe Sport England web site.

8 The Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) includes leisure buildings.http://www.breeam.org/podpage.jsp?id=388

9 Health & Safety Executive’s (HSE) document HSG179

Managing Health & Safety in Swimming Pools’ , PAS 39,PAS 65, PWTAG Swimming Pool Water 2009 and Code ofPractice 2013 and BS EN 15288-2:2008.

Establish a strong projectteam including client,designers, operator andcontractors with soundexperience and expertisefrom the outset.

See Sport England’s‘Affordable CommunitySwimming Pools’.

Figure 1 Cost pyramid: Value for money is essential -

Invest in good design and specification to reduce wholelife costs (staff, maintenance, repair and running cost)- Ensure adequate maintenance budgets are available

Design team fees

Construction costs

Heating, lighting

cleaning and

maintenance

Staff

Capitalcosts

Revenue

costs

Financial sustainability

Even the best designed public pools are likely tobe run on a subsidised basis and it is important toconsider the long-term financial sustainability fromthe outset. The initial capital costs and the ongoingoperational costs should be balanced with thebenefits that will be offered.

There are strong arguments for swimming pools to

be combined with other facilities such as healthand fitness facilities. This way they produce anincome stream, without incurring excessiveadditional running costs, in order to offsetsubsidies and to achieve economies of scale. It isessential that realistic business planning runs intandem with the planning and design processes.




Guidance Note


Leisure features

A number of pool facilities include leisure waterfeatures that are designed to increase appeal andattract custom. These may include:

• Varying water depths, with extensive shallowor beach areas

• Wave pools and surfing pools

• Water slides and flumes

• Fast flowing river rides & rapids

• Water jets and water cannons

• Water features e.g. rain showers

• Spa facilities, including varying temperatures

• Children’s wet play equipment

• Feature lighting and sound, to introduce amore theatrical environment

• Theming, to increase excitement and appeal.

Larger scale leisure centres are usually planned as‘destination’ facilities that attract people from awide catchment for a ‘day out’ experience.

Detailed information on leisure features is outsidethe scope of this guidance, but some further

information is included in the Leisure Pools sectionof Appendix 1.

Strategic Issues

The following strategic issues need to beconsidered for a proposed development:

• Local Authority’s leisure/recreation strategyand sports development initiatives?

• Sporting objectives; for example, the impacton local community participation or thesignificance on a wider catchment of specialisttraining and competition features?

• User profiles of the catchment area; who / howmany will use it and when, and over what sizeof catchment area?

• Whether the local need can be met elsewhereor by other means; for example, by upgradingor extending an existing pool?

• The impact on existing facilities10?

• Crucially, if client groups have liaised with theirLocal Authority, their regional Sport Englandoffice, and advisory bodies such as the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) todetermine:

O Whether there is a local strategy forswimming pool provision that covers thearea?

O What type and size of facility isrecommended for their particular location?

Sport England’s Local Sport Profile Tool 11 is aimedat those involved in the development of sport intheir local community and sustainable communitystrategies. This is a new tool that replaces the1999 publication Planning Across Boundaries.

A swimming development strategy is essential to setout the context of sporting

and management objectivesfor any new provision.

Ensure that balanceddecisions are made about

need and financial resources.

10 Sport England’s Active People Survey has segmentation dataavailable from late 2007. See: http://www.sportengland.org/

research/active_people_survey.aspx

11 See: http://www.sportengland.org/support__advice/local_government/local_sport_profiles.aspx

http://www.sportengland.org/research/active_people_survey.aspx



http://www.sportengland.org/support__advice/local_government/local_sport_profiles.aspx









Guidance Note


Key considerations

After the strategic issues have been consolidated,information needs to be gathered in a logical,methodical way to develop a Statement ofRequirements (SOR) that will inform the brief forthe design team. This will be used to build thebusiness case for the development and assist inmaking well-informed decisions that will stand upto challenge and scrutiny. The SOR will then beused to appoint a design team who will take theproject forward with the main project team.

Key questions include:

• Who will be the principal users?

• What activities need to be accommodated?

• What are the requirements for the type, sizeand depth of pool(s)?

• How many people will use the pool at any onetime?

• Will the pool(s) be used for competitive events?If so, what activities to what levels?

• Is spectator viewing required? If so, whatextent of accommodation can be justified?

Pool users may comprise a combination of thefollowing groups:

• Local community including ethnic/culturalgroups

• Schools

• Swimming clubs

• People with disabilities

• Older people

• Carers with babies and young children.

The main types of activity are likely to be:

• Recreational swimming

• Learning to swim, including water-acclimatisation for young children

• Fitness swimming e.g. lane swimming andaqua aerobics

• Training

• Competitive swimming.

Other activities may include:

• Diving

• Water polo

• Synchronised swimming

• Canoe practice

• Life saving practice

• Sub-aqua training

• Underwater hockey

• Leisure activities

• Private parties.

Nearly all of these activities can be accommodatedin a standard 25 m (or 20 m)12 community pool withdepths ranging from 0.9-1.8 m, by simply dividingthe area with floating lane markers.

12 More suitable for school sites or remote rural locations.

3.0 Preparation of the Brief

It should be recognisedthat new, replacement or

refurbished pools, meeting present day standards, have theeffect of increasing use.




Guidance Note


Size and shape of water

Many small pools will be used solely for recreationaland fitness swimming and will not necessarily needto strictly follow the ASA recommendations. It isgenerally recommended that standard dimensionsshould be used to allow appropriate levels ofcompetition and training and to help meet safetystandards. However, relatively few pools need to bedesigned to full competition standards or includespectator facilities 13.

Single community pools should have a minimumshallow water depth of 0.9 m (if there is no learnerpool) and a deep end of 1.8 m or 2.0 m. Where alearner pool is provided, the shallow water depth

of the main pool should be increased to 1.0 m inorder to better cope with tumble turns.

13 Further advice on spectator seating is given on page 48. 14 Also referred to as booms.

Training for competition, low-level synchronisedswimming, and water polo can all take place in a25 m pool, and with modest spectator seating, thepool will also be able to accommodate competitiveevents in these activities, to the same level.

Diving from boards, advanced synchronisedswimming and more advanced sub-aqua training

require deeper water. These can all beaccommodated in one pool tank, which ideally should be in addition to the main swimming pool. A dedicated tank for deep-water use may be anessential requirement for some activities at certainlevels of competition.

The provision of separate water areas for differentactivities is, however, unlikely to be a cost-effectivesolution and difficult to justify, except wherecompetition is a specific requirement. A moreeconomical approach is to include a movablefloor(s) and bulkhead(s)14 to divide a single pooltank and create separate pool water areas of

different depths. This allows greater use andprogramming flexibility. There are many ways suchfeatures can be configured and these arediscussed in more detail from page 32 on.

Early advice should be sought from a range ofmanufacturers/suppliers on the overall designimplications of integrating their plant/equipmentinto a design and a cost comparison should becarried out to determine the most appropriateoption.

S

Wet Change

Plant room

RZ AST

PT

FA

SwimmingPool

Refreshment and viewing area

LearnerPool

Key:

AST: Attendant staff accommodation

FA: First Aid

PT: Public toilets

R: Reception

RZ: Refreshement Zone e.g. vending, kitchen

S: Store

R

Figure 2 Diagrammatic layout of a community swimmingpool facility with a 4-lane 25m main pool and secondary(learner) pool with minimum circulation and good visibilityof all key features incorporating a viewing area

If the proposed poolwater area is too small,

it will be under constant pressure during busy periods.

Conversely, pools that are oversized may beunderused, lesscost-effective and likely

to result in greaterfinancial deficit.




Guidance Note


Levels of competition

A new pool should be designed to meet the variousneeds of all the community it serves. In mostinstances, designing for community use will allowthe pool to be used by one or more of the 1,400clubs which are a member of the AmateurSwimming Association (ASA).

Where the pool is to be used for higher levels ofcompetition, it may be necessary to consider thespecific needs of the ASA and for majorcompetitions, the requirements of the FederationInternationale de Natation Amateur (FINA)15.However these requirements do not prevent useby the general community.

Building elements affected include:

• Dimensions and tolerances of the pool tank(s)and pool surrounds

• Sectional profile and water depths

• Provision of ancillary water areas e.g. a learnerpool that can double as a warm down pool

• Poolside equipment including timing andscore board

• Diving facilities

• Spectator seating

• Support accommodation

• Standards of illumination and water treatment.

Consultation should occur early in the designprocess with the ASA and FINA as appropriate.Their facility rules are available f rom their websites.

ASA National Hierarchy 16

The ASA’s From Policy to Pool gives a frameworkfor all publically accessible pools but stresses that regardless of the type of completion that can be held, all new pools should also meet a full range ofcommunity needs.

Swimming

• 50 m major competition pools

• 50 m (or 25 m) national/regional competitionpools

• 50 m (or 25 m) national intensive trainingcentres *

• 25 m 8-lane county competition pools

• 25 m 6-lane community pools

• 20 m 4-lane small community or school pools

• Teaching/learner pools.

Diving

• High performance centres *

• World-class training centres *

• County and sub-regional development centres.*

Water Polo

• International* sized playing areas

• County and sub regional development centres,25 x 12.5 m with deep water.

Synchronised swimming

• International competition pools

• County and sub-regional development centres.

* It should be noted that terms such as high performance, worldclass, international, national and regional often refer more to thecoaches and standard of athletes in development programmesrun in particular facilities.

15 Also known as International Amateur Swimming Federation: http://www.fina.org/H2O/

16 See: From Policy to Pool – An ASA policy document on swimming pools in England http://www.swimming.org/asa/ facilities/management-advice-guidance/from-policy-to-pool-an-asa-policy-document-on-swimming-pools-in-englan/2805/

http://www.swimming.org/asa/facilities/management-advice-guidance/from-policy-to-pool-anasa-policy-document-on-swimming-pools-in-englan/2805/








Guidance Note


Pool capacity

The number of people likely to use the pool at anyone time needs to be estimated early in theplanning and design process. The figures areneeded to assess the number of changing roomplaces required and for more technical issues suchas the design of the pool water filtration plant. Itwill therefore be a key factor in establishing thetotal floor area of the building.

Pool operators often refer to the maximum numberof bathers estimated to be able to use a pool atany one time as the ‘maximum bathing load’.

The pool capacity will vary according to theparticular programme session/activity and will bea function of the available water area. It will alsobe dependent on water depth and configuration,and appropriate risk assessments / operationalarrangements to ensure safety being in place.

For un-programmed recreational swimming, aminimum water area (occupancy ratio) of 3 m2 perbather should be allowed to ensure physicalsafety 17.

17 Health & Safety Executive’s (HSE) document ‘HSG179Managing Health & Safety in Swimming Pools’ 3 rd Editionand PWTAG Swimming Pool Water 2009 and Code ofPractice 2013.

18 The Sport England Facility Planning Model uses a figure of

6 m2 per bather. The ASA use a figure of 11 m2 of water perpopulation of 1000 as a benchmark guide to Local Authoritiesfor urban locations (assuming a ’pay and play pool’ open tothe public and discounting open-air pools and teaching pools).

Therefore, theoretically a 25 x 8.5 m 4-lane poolwith a water area of 212.5 m2 would accommodatea maximum swimmer capacity or ‘maximumbathing load’ of 71 bathers.

However, such figures should be used with cautionand careful consideration should be given to theproposed programme of activities and likelydemand. For example, for a strategic planningexercise or in the development of a realisticbusiness plan or estimating the annual throughputof a building, a lower figure might be assumed

18.

Maximising customer appeal should be a primary objective of any swimming pool design




Guidance Note


4.0 Concept Design

Location and site evaluation

Before final selection of a site, it is essential that itis fully evaluated in terms of catchment, potentialmarket and user demographics, as mentionedunder the Strategic Issues section of Section 2.0.

A technical analysis should also assess:

• Space for the proposed facility and for futureexpansion

• Site constraints such as shape and contoursand whether they can be used to reduceexcavation or the visual impact of the proposed

building

• The bearing capacity of the ground, soilcondition and depth of the water table,particularly in relation to the pool tank andneighbouring buildings that may be linked toor be close to the pool building

• Accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists, cars,coaches, service and emergency vehicles andpublic transport

• Potential car parking for users and staff

• Location of existing public services and

drainage capacity• Links with existing recreational, sports and

educational facilities in order to benefit fromshared management and grouped facilities.

Site planning

Once a site has been selected, the position of thepool will depend upon a range of factors:

• Position of existing and new access roads andpublic utility services

• Orientation in relation to natural lighting and

solar glare• Visibility of the facility and how it complements

its surroundings

• Car parking, including potential for overflowparking

• Access for service and emergency vehicles

• Soil sub-strata conditions and depth of watertable obtained from the soil survey.

External design

Swimming pools cater for all sections of society:parents with children, schools, the elderly, ethnicgroups and people with disabilities amongstothers. The external design must reflect thespecific needs of these groups in the same way asthe interior of the building.

It is recommended that reference is made to SportEngland’s Accessible Sports Facilities and CarPark and Landscape Design Design GuidanceNotes and Active Design download available fromthe Sport England web site.

Principal points for consideration include:

• The main entrance should be clearly visiblefrom the main pedestrian and vehicularapproaches to the site. Where this is difficultor impossible to achieve, such as in tighturban sites, existing schools or on collegesites, there should be clear signs givingdirections to the main entrance and related carparking areas.

• Direct and well-defined hard landscapedroute(s) should be provided for pedestrians

from the site boundary to the main entrance.These routes should be separated from carsand cycles, although they will be linked toparking areas.

• Safe route(s) should be planned to avoidcirculation problems such as road crossings(particularly on education sites).

• Seating areas along pedestrian routes (over50 m).

• Drop-off point as close as possible to theentrance.

• Access for people with disabilities, includingwheelchair users, must be provided. Incorporatededicated car parking close to the entrance.

A facility should complement its surroundings




Guidance Note


• Service and maintenance access should beseparate from public car parking and the mainentrance. This may include the provision of ascreened service yard for the delivery ofgoods, water treatment chemicals and refusecollection 19.

• Access to a first aid room with a dedicatedspace for emergency vehicle parking andadequately-sized doors for stretcher access.

• Security for users with well-lit public parking,appropriate landscaping and pedestrian routeslocated away from areas of potentialconcealment.

• Coach parking spaces and turning space,particularly if the facility serves children fromlocal schools or if it is a ‘destination’ venue fora wider catchment.

• Secure and separate bicycle parking withracks located under cover close to the mainentrance and, preferably, visible from theoffice/reception.

• Carefully considered evergreen planting and/ or trees to prevent unacceptable levels of glarein the pool hall.

The following factors have an impact on theexternal appearance of pool buildings:

• Swimming pools are generally large volumespaces. The massing, scale and volume of thebuilding will be key planning considerations inrelation to location and environmental context.

• Activities such as diving, where high divingboards are provided, could substantially

increase the overall height of the building andits scale.

• Water slides or flumes (if included) can beused as an internal and/or externalarchitectural feature. They should form anintegral part of the overall design and can helpto give an individual identity to the building.

• The choice of an appropriate structural approachand material(s) for the large spans covering thepool hall and ancillary accommodation.

• It is essential that the glazing design is carefully

considered to avoid glare and specularreflection inside the pool hall 20.

• Providing the optimum balance of naturallighting avoids gloomy conditions in the poolhall.

• Windows allowing views in and out of the poolhall need careful consideration and should beconsidered in relation to the need for privacy.

• Windows can provide dramatic effects bothinternally and externally, particularly at night.

A well-positioned and landscaped pool building

19 See the Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group (PWTAG)publications Swimming Pool Water 2009 and Code of Practice

2013, the Health & Safety Executive’s (HSE) document HSG179‘Managing Health & Safety in Swimming Pools’ 3rd Edition –IRSM (now CIMSPA) industry guidance and BS EN 15288: 2008- Parts 1 and 2.

20 See page 23 for section on glazing and the safety implicationsof glare and direct sun penetration into the building and methodsof mitigation.




Guidance Note


Set down point

Clear direct pedestrian footpathswith clearly defined cross-overpoints where vehicle andpedestrian routes intersect

Separatestaff parking

including disabled

parking provision

Outdoor sun bathing areas, whenprovided, should be positioned so thatthey have sunlight throughout the day

Orientation of the pool hall may be

critical depending upon planning,site constraints and the need

for controlled natural lighting

throughout the day minimisingthe risk of specular glare

Consider need forspace for additionalcar parking provisionfor 'specialist events'

or for future expansionof centre

Screenedservice yard

Potential futureexpansion

Separate accessfor plant, chemicaldelivery and first aid

Access for emergencyvehicle parking

Main entrance givenvisual emphasis andprotection by canopy

Well lit car parkwith simple

vehicle circulation C o a c h p a r k i n g

Seat

road

of main entrance

Exit for use at

peak times

Main

Bus stop

Bus stop

Office has views

Bicycles V i e w s o u t f r o m p

o o l h a l l

approach andbicycle parking

Assistance dog

rest area

Drop-off point

Seat

Low planting allowing

Pedestraincrossing

car parking to beclearly visible

boundary

Main entrance visiblefrom main road/ site

Prominently positionedsign indicating name ofcentre, facilitiesprovided and other

information

Figure 3 Notional site layout indicating desirable features (not to scale)




Guidance Note


Clear signage helps users and raises the profile of a building. Signage should be incorporated into the overall designrather than be applied separately

An example of successful location, massing and use of materials for a small community pool




Guidance Note


First impressions

Swimming pool buildings should be attractive andwell-maintained to ensure lasting customer appeal.The customer experience starts with the approachto the building. The position of the building on thesite and the quality of the surrounding landscapingare important elements. Scale and identity are alsoimportant design factors in both rural and urbanenvironments.

Signage and lighting can assist greatly inpromoting the building and may be used toreinforce its external identity.

The entrance should have sufficient space tocreate clear orientation for customers and beinviting and non-threatening. It should also alloweffective and unobtrusive supervision by staff. Apositive first impression will influence visitors’perceptions of the facility as a whole. The materialsand colours of the reception area will also influencethe overall image and can provide a theme for therest of the building.

Open arrangements work well with good levels oftransparency into the main areas of the building,such as the pool hall, refreshment areas and anyassociated fitness facilities. However, appropriate

The need to create a good first impression

begins at the entrance.

A positive first impression will influence visitors’ perceptions of thefacility as a whole.

A well-proportioned entrance with clear and direct access from the roadside

security measures will be required to avoidunauthorised access. In addition, an effectiveenvironmental separation should be maintainedwith pool/wet areas that have high temperature,humidity and air-borne chemicals.

A dedicated welcome area may be provided inlarger centres enabling staff to provide newcustomers with key information on the servicesavailable.




Guidance Note


Plant

room

S

Fitness

equipment room

Space over pool hall

Admin.

offices

Exercise

studio

'Dry'

changing

& toilets

Plant

room

C S

Wet change

Pool hall

PT

Refreshment

& viewing

area

Future

extension

R

AST

Key:

AST

C

FA

PT

R

S

SH

T

Attendant staff accommodation

Cleaner's store

First Aid

Public toilets

Reception

Store

Showers

Toilets

Spectator seating

FA

Figure 7 Diagrammatic example of a two-storey swimming pool building layout




Guidance Note


Public areas

Entrance area

The entrance area should provide sufficient spacefor groups of people to circulate, view notices orwait for friends. At peak times, the sudden influxof customers may require managed space forqueuing. An open and uncluttered reception areaeases circulation and customer orientation.

The entrance area should include:

• Clear and easily accessed ‘in’ and ‘out’circulation routes

• A draught lobby, to reduce heat loss, providedwith an effective dirt removing surface andautomatic doors designed for easy access forall

• A prominently positioned and instantlyidentifiable reception desk

5.0 Developed Design Considerations • A clearly signed and direct circulation routefrom the main entrance to the changing roomsvia the reception desk

• Key information provided using clear signageto explain, for example, if changing rooms areseparate ‘male and female’ or ‘shared’ and thelocation of accessible toilet facilities.

In addition:

• Automatic doors need to be carefully positionedas they can allow draughts when both sets ofdoors are open at the same time

• Notice boards and signs are required toindicate opening times and promote activitiesand services available to users

• A public telephone accessible to all users

• Entrance matting should be of adequate sizeto remove rainwater from shoes during peakperiods.

Entrance area within a sports facility with viewing to the pool hall and fitness suite from the foyer




Guidance Note


Reception desk

Location and layout

The reception desk is of prime importance and itslocation, appearance and lighting will impact onthe whole area. There are two main types:

• Island: Its central location occupies morespace but can suit larger centres with both wetand dry facilities, where separate circulationand space for queuing are required. Thearrangement can be confusing to newcustomers and more difficult to control. It’sisolation from offices and stores cancomplicate operation

• Sidewall: located to one side of the entrancearea and usually linked directly to an office/ store. This option is more suitable for smallercentres allowing the counter to be unmannedduring quiet periods leaving office staff to dealwith the occasional customer.

The reception desk should be located to allow:

• Visual supervision of the entrance/exit routesand all adjoining areas

• Restriction of unsupervised access byarranging the circulation pattern to pass the

reception desk

• Security barriers/screens to be integrated intothe design, where security is a high priority, andbe in close proximity to the reception. In somecases, a position for a security guard may berequired. Mobile or adjustable barriers mightalso be used at peak times, to control queuing

• Suitable artificial lighting for reception staff atall times of the day

• Direct access to other parts of the buildingincluding the pool hall, social and changingareas

• Adequate queuing space between the point ofentry and the desk based on estimatednumbers of users.

Cross-circulation, in front of the reception desk orthrough queuing areas, should be avoided.

Vending

Public

toilets

Seating /

viewing area

Reception

Offices

Viewing

area

Glazed

screen

Pool

hall

Notice

board

S

T

Offices

overlook

forecourt

Views of social

area from main

approach

Turnstile /

gate

ADW

WBS

WBS Wheelchair / buggy storage area

Key

ADW Assistance dog waiting area

T Public telephone at low level

S Store

Entrance and foyer area within a multi-sports village including access control gates located next to the reception desk

Figure 8 Entrance and foyer arrangement for a typicalsmall pool building with upper-floor accommodation




Guidance Note


Cash handling

The design of the reception area should takeaccount of issues associated with handling cash. A secure area will be required for cashing up at theend of the day and possible overnight cashstorage. In larger facilities, a pneumatic cashhandling system may be included between remotecash points and the cash storage area.

Ventilation

Adequate ventilation should be provided to createcomfortable working conditions, particularly whenrooflights are sited above the reception desk.

Access Control

The initial design should anticipate the need foraccess control appropriate to the scale and natureof the facility. A system may include the provisionof gates, turnstiles or barriers and allowanceshould be made for suitable access and egress forwheelchairs and pushchairs.

The access system may also incorporate acombination of control systems based upon:

• Magnetic swipe/smart card or PIN codethrough a membership control system

• ‘Pay as you go’ system using paper tickets,

magnetic swipe tickets and/or tokens eitherpre-purchased or obtained from reception

• Manually controlled access by reception staffor a security guard.

Accessible Sports Facilities Design Guidance Noteavailable from the Sport England web site givesdetails of space and other requirements.

Large café/reception area overlooking the pool

Refreshment areas

A refreshment area is often located close to themain entrance with views of the pool hall. It isusually intended for those who use the pool orother activity areas, but may also be located beforethe reception desk in order to attract passingtrade. However, in smaller centres it may not bepossible to justify more than a few vendingmachines in association with some informalviewing areas.

The social/refreshment area should be positionedon a primary route so that it will attract visitors’attention as they enter and leave the facility. Iflocating the refreshment area on an upper level isunavoidable, it should be linked by prominentstairs to the foyer and be clearly visible from thefoyer area.

Signage begins atthe entrance and

should display:

• Opening times andemergency numbers

• Clear directions to help circulation and

orientation. Remember that manyusers, in addition to

partially sighted people, remove their glasses and contact lenses to swim.

Signage should be largewith contrasting colours

and be easily read.See page 26 for signage

required on the pool surrounds.




Guidance Note


The size and scale of refreshment provision willdepend upon:

• The number of people expected to use thebuilding and whether the pool is linked to, oris part of, a larger centre containing dry activityareas

• Whether the pool is part of a community centrewith a bar and kitchen

• The location of the pool building and whetherthe neighbouring area already has adequaterefreshment facilities

• The type of menu to be offered

• Opportunities for brand sponsorship.

Consider the following points in the design andlayout of all pool refreshment areas:

• Regardless of the scale of the facility, allowspace for at least two or three vendingmachines positioned in a wall recess to reducebulk and integrate within the overall design ofthe area. They should also be positioned toavoid repetitive/cross-circulation problemsand allow space for people to stand in front ofthe them. Avoid positioning machines close todoor swings.

• Select easily cleaned, impervious floor finishesin areas subjected to heavy trafficking, soilingand likely spillage in order to meet hygieneregulations and minimise the risk of accidents.Such flooring should be selected to provideadequate slip-resistance, particularly in thepresence of spillages etc.

• Ensure that lockable storage space for vendingmachine products is close by.

• Provide seating and table space appropriateto the size of facility, with good views of thepool hall and located close to public toilets.

• Ensure that catering facilities meet with therequirements of the Food Safety (General FoodHygiene) Regulations 2006, including anyprovision for staff sanitary accommodation.

Refreshment areas can be planned as integralparts of the pool hall, or separated from it by aglazed screen – this will stop spectators distractingchildren during swimming lessons and avoidhumidity and smells making the spaceuncomfortable. It will also stop drinks and foodgetting on to the pool side.

A barrier may, however, be sufficient if the pool

environment is well-controlled and designed toprovide comfortable conditions for spectators 21.

A small community pool will require sufficientspace in the refreshment area for up to 20 people.For larger pool facilities, other provision couldinclude the following:

• Snack bar: advice on design and layout shouldbe sought from a catering specialist. It is likelyto include a seating area, counter and servery,food preparation area/kitchen, food storagearea(s) and waste disposal facility.

• Licensed bar: legal advice must be sought and

great care taken to meet the appropriatelicensing requirements, particularly if thecentre is run by a charity. It may need to bephysically separated from other areas. Mostbreweries, if they have agreement to act assupplier, will give advice on the layout/designof the bar, including storage.

Public toilets

Ideally, toilet facilities should include male andfemale accessible toilets for users with disabilities. At least one unisex accessible toilet should alsobe provided.

For small community pools with a limited social/ viewing area, a unisex accessible WCcompartment should be provided in addition toany accessible provision within the changingareas. For larger facilities, the provision ofaccessible toilets should be considered in respectof an overall access strategy. Refer to currentregulations and standards 22.

The social/refreshment area should be positioned so that itwill attract visitors’

attention as they enter and leave the facility.

21 See page 48 for section on Spectator & competitor provision

22 BS8300:2009 Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people.

Building Regulations - Approved Document M 2004 and the Accessible Sports Facilities Design Guidance Note available fromthe Sport England web site.

For some programme sessions, it may benecessary to close blinds or curtains to createprivacy in the pool.




Guidance Note


Cafe area can be passively supervised from reception andoffers views to the pool and the building surroundings

Accommodation for children

Pushchair and pram storage: Baby buggystorage with security locks should be located closeto the entrance, preferably in sight of the receptionarea. In addition, there should be sufficient spacein the changing rooms, for carers who prefer to usethe buggies whilst changing themselves, or theirchildren.

Baby change facilities: Baby changing facilitiesshould be easily accessible. They should be wellventilated and equipped with an adjustablechanging shelf, a large purpose made nappydisposal bin and an adjacent washbasin. Provisioncan be within the male and female toilets and/orby providing one or more unisex accessible roomswith enough space for a parent, 2 children and apush chair (See BS 6465 and BS 8300 ). This maybe integrated into a unisex accessible changingroom with toilet, or by providing a dedicated unisexaccessible parent and child toilet.

Childcare facilities: Accommodation for crèchesor playgroups should be located at ground leveland have direct access to a secure fire exit. Thebest facilities are linked to the outside with a secureand protected courtyard providing outdoor playfacilities.

Levels of provision vary significantly depending onwhether crèche, playgroup, nursery or day-carefacilities are required and the length of stay.

A licensed childcare facility will need to complywith current Ofsted National Standards 23.

23 Refer to Ofsted publication Crèches: Guidance to the NationalStandards published by DfES: Standard 4 – PhysicalEnvironment. Similar publications are available for other levelsof childcare.

Pool hall

Structural approach

The sectional profile and height of the pool halland adjoining areas, such as changing areas,may impact upon the scale of the spaces,making them feel either: light and spacious; orclaustrophobic and oppressive. There are anumber of structural roof options that may beconsidered:

• Simple pitched roofs

• Curved roofs with the high point centered overthe pool width

• Sloping or curved mono-pitch• Staggered or ‘sawtooth’ roofs

• Flat roofs.

Each option has advantages and disadvantagesrelated to the specific site, internal volume andenvironmental requirements:

• The internal height of the pool hall may varywith the size of the pool and the proposed use

• Where the ceiling or roof is flat, for a 25 x 8.5 m(4-lane) pool a minimum clear height of 3.5 mmay be considered

• For a profiled ceiling or roof, the minimumheight for a similarly sized pool, may bebetween 4.5 and 6.0 m at the highest point,dropping to 3.5 m at the lowest point.

The volume of the swimming pool hall will have aninfluence upon the acoustic environment and theextent of acoustic absorption material that isrequired to limit the reverberation time to anacceptable level. See Appendix 3 Acousticssection for more details.

Exposed structural elements or rooflights running

parallel to the length of the pool assist backstrokeswimmers by providing a visual reference.

Glazing

Natural lighting can give life and sparkle to thepool hall interior, but it needs to be carefullycontrolled and considered with the generalorientation of the building. Roof glazing over thelength of the pool hall can provide good naturallight allowing sunlight to be reflected off internalside walls while keeping glare, solar gain andheat loss to acceptable levels.




Guidance Note


Configuration

The various ASA classifications for swimmingpools and standard dimensions are indicated inthe section on ‘levels of competition’ in Section 3on page 9. Many projects will have a 25 m mainpool and, depending on need, may have a separatelearner pool/training pool. These can be in thesame pool hall area or in separate spaces.

Diving from springboards and platforms shouldonly take place in a dedicated water area that isnot being used by other swimmers. Ideally thisshould be provided as a separate ‘diving’ pool,although such pools can also be programmed fora range of other aquatic activities, particularly if

provided with a movable floor. If, because of spaceor financial limitations, diving facilities have to beintegrated into a 25 m or 50 m pool, a movablebulkhead can also give the necessary physicalseparation.

There are general planning principles that apply:

• Access to the pool hall should be at theshallow end of the pool and must not belocated near water deeper than 1.2 m. Asuitable safety barrier leading to shallow watershould be provided if this is not possible

• Access to the pool from the changing room

should be through the toilet area and then thepre-swim shower area to promote hygiene

• Access is normally required around thecomplete pool tank perimeter, and poolsurrounds should conform to the minimumsizes in the tables on page 29 as appropriate

• Any wall buttresses or pillars on the poolsurround should have rounded corners andnot restrict the required width

• There should be no changes in floor level. Ifthis is unavoidable, ramps with a maximumgradient in accordance with current standards

and regulations should be provided, withhandrails on both sides 28

• If provided, ‘fixed’ staff control points shouldhave good overall views of the entire pool halland be subject to a risk assessment at thedesign stage

• A first aid room must be directly accessible

from the pool surround with direct access toan external hard standing area for emergencyvehicles

• Pool equipment and cleaners’ stores shouldbe directly accessible from the pool surround

• Appropriate viewing is required for spectators(refer to page 48 for section on Spectator &competitor provision ).

28 British Standard BS 8300. Building Regulations ApprovedDocument M: 2004.

See Appendix 3 secton onPool and pool surround drainage principles regarding slip resistance to the pool surround.

For pool floor refer to BS EN 15288 Part 1 which requires slipresisting tiles to the pool floor to a depth of at least 1.35 m.

See Appendix 1 ‘Pool types

and technical design issues’ for more detailedconsiderations for a rangeof different pool tankoptions.

50 m pool divided with two movable bulkheads




Guidance Note


Privacy for some user groups

Many users will be quite relaxed to swim in apublic area, but equally there may be personal,religious or cultural reasons that make people/ groups uncomfortable about being visible in theirswimming costumes. To engage with the wholecommunity, consideration should be given toproviding a greater degree of privacy for someusers groups.

Combining two pool tanks in one hall

Combining two water areas in the same hall maybe economical in capital terms but the followingshould be considered:

• It will not necessarily reduce the number oflifeguards required

• It limits the possibility of closing off one poolto reduce supervision requirements

• It will require a significant width of poolsurround separating the pools and anassessment of whether there is a need forphysical separation i.e. a barrier or screen, toreduce the possibility of a child straying from

one pool to another. A full-height screen canalso give privacy and limit sound transmission

• It compromises the privacy that some usergroups require e.g. people with disabilities,cultural or faith groups or single sex sessions

• It could restrict control of environmentalconditions for the different areas.

Some of these issues could be addressed by theuse of a glazed screen with built-in blinds or asliding opening section. Screening with planting,or simply by increasing the acoustic attenuation ofthe pool hall, could also be considered.

Where two pool types are provided separately, forexample, a learner and main pool, circulation tothe main pool should not be via the learner poolsurround as this may disturb users. Similarly, thechanging room design should achieve anappropriate degree of separation to create privacyand direct access to a learner pool.

If a separate diving pool is planned in the samepool hall as the main pool, it should be positionedat the deep end of the main pool.

D

S

P P

i i

i i

i

i

i

i i i

i i l

C

C

C

Primary Unisex Access Route

Sensitive Group Access Route

(e.g. women / ethnic use)

C - Changing

S - Sauna Suite

- Dedicated Fitness Suite

P - Swimming Pool

Figure 12 A layout designed with a dedicated suite ofchanging, fitness and sauna for sensitive groups

It may be appropriate to provide separatechanging rooms with direct access to ascreened-off pool. The alternative, to programmethe use of the whole swimming pool(s) fordedicated sessions at certain times, may be costprohibitive (refer to section on Changing facilities starting on page 34).




Guidance Note


Table 1 Pool surround widths preferred by the AmateurSwimming Association (ASA)

Table 2 Minimum requirements for widths of poolsurrounds from BS EN 15288: Part 1: 2008 (See Figure 13)

Main Pool Start End Turn End Sides

20 mCommunity/Learner pool

2 m 2 m 1.5 m

25 m

Community3 m 2 m 2 m

25 m

Competition4 m 3 m 2 - 3 m

50 m

International7 m 5 m 4 - 6 m

Learner pool Access side

2 m

Other side

1.5 - 2 m

Diving pool Board endOpposite

endSides

Generally 4 - 6 m 2 - 4 m 3 - 4 m

International 6 - 7 m 3 - 5 m 4 - 6 m

Dim

ref

Location Clearance

(minimum)

A Entrance wall to pool 3.0 m

B Pool to wall at exit points(ladders/steps)

2.5 m

C Pool to wall in areas of

diving boards / platforms

3.0 m

D Diving pool to wall 4.5 m

E Minimum circulation spacearound installations/features

1.25 m

F1 Distance between a diving/ swimmers pool and anon-swimmers pool area, inthe absence of separation

4.0 m

F2 Main pool to diving pool, inthe absence of separation

3.0 m

G1 Pool to wall for pools under300 m2

1.25 m

G2 Pool to wall for pools over300 m2 1.5 m

Notes:

1. Subject to overall pool design, the ASA’s preferred generaldimensions for the pool surrounds may need to be increasedto meet the minimum requirements for certain prescribedareas around the pool as set out in BS EN 15288 Part 1

2008. See Table 2 below.

2. For international, world or Olympic competitive events thepool surround widths would also need to meet therequirements of the Federation International de Natation(FINA).

3. Where the main pool is to be used to stage even low keyevents with competitors sitting on the pool surrounds, thepool to wall dimension G2 should be a minimum of 2 m.

Pool surround requirements

Figure 13 Minimum requirements for widths of poolsurrounds from BS EN 15288: Part 1: 2008 (see Table 2)

Main Pool

Learner Pool

Diving Pool

E N T R A N C E

A

E

G2 G2

B

F1

F2

E

C

D

G1

G1

Width ‘A’ maintained formin 2 m on either sideof the access point

Width ‘B’ maintainedfor min 1 m on eitherside of the ladder




Guidance Note


Easy access to the water

An appropriate combination of recessed ‘easygoing’ steps, recessed ladders, ramp, submersibleplatform and/or hoist should be provided to alloweasy access to and from the water for all users. Inthis respect deck level pool surrounds arepreferred.

See separate Sport England Design GuidanceNote Accessible Sports Facilities for further details.

Pool transfer aids should be provided for all pools.The type of aid will depend on the needs of theuser. However, all pools should provide ademountable hoist and a metal socket fixingmounted into the pool surround.

Built-in ramps or walk-in steps are the preferredoptions to assist wheelchair users and people withwalking difficulties. However, portable steps/stairscan be used to enhance existing pools and thepart of the equipment available to help people withparticular disabilities.

Built-in recessed ‘easy going’ steps allow safe access to and from the water for ambulant users.

Ramp access and projecting platform adjacent to ateaching area in a specialist pool




Guidance Note


Table 3 Mobile pool equipment taken from Sport EnglandDesign Guidance Note Accessible Sports Facilities

A submersible pool surround lift integrated into the poolas part of the pool surround can provide a dignifiedaccess to the pool for wheelchair users

Movable floors and bulkheads

Movable floors are being used more extensively tochange the water depth over part or all of the pooltank area in order to achieve greater programmingflexibility. They allow more activities to beaccommodated within a single pool area orimprove activities that may be compromised by afixed depth of water. There is evidence of greaterthrough-put and reduced net operating cost wherethey are used, particularly for 50 m pools.

Movable floors provide increased flexibility of use andaccess to all

The use of this technique to create a ‘dry’ activitiesspace is usually limited by the wet humidconditions within the pool hall. However, learnerpool floors which can be raised to the level of thepool deck surround, are sometimes used as aholding area for competitors when an event istaking place in the main pool.

Movable floors can be adjusted from a depth ofa few centimetres for carer and baby classes toa safe depth of 5 m for a person diving from a 10m diving board.

With a main pool and learner pool configuration as

recommended by the ASA (see Figure 13 on page29), there are a number of locations in which amovable floor can provide benefits.

Self-propelling waterproof 1 2 3 * *

chairs (min)

Poolside hoist l l m (single position)

Poolside hoist m m l l l (multiple position)

surround liftm m m m m

Mobile hoist m m m m m

Portable easy going steps m l l l

Minimum number of 4 4 8 * *

full-height lockers

chair accessible lockers4 4 8 * *

Changing mats l l l * *

Key: lRequired m Recommended

* As main pool provis ion

2 0 m s

w i m m i n g p o o l

2 5 m s


5 0 m s


L e a r n e r p o o l

D i v i n g t a n k

Submersible pool

Minimum number of wheel-




Guidance Note


Where a movable floor is provided as part of alearner pool, automatically folding steps (as shownin the illustration on page 34) can be integratedwith the movable floor to allow mother and child,or those with ambulant disabilities, to access thepool with greater ease, regardless of its set depth.

There are two types of bulkheads: those whichtraverse laterally (and when not in use, arestationed at one end of the pool); and those whichmove vertically (and when in their lowered position,are housed in a recess in the pool floor).

Bulkheads can be used to:

• Divide the water area so it can be used for

different activities simultaneously. This is oftendesirable for safety reasons

• Reduce the length of an existing pool to 25 m,the length recognised by the ASA for trainingand competition

The movable bulkhead divides the main pool into two water areas that can be used simultaneously

Submersible wheelchair lift and ‘easy going’ retractablesteps integrated into a movable floor




Guidance Note


• Provide measurable distances where accuracyis important

• Provide a safety barrier to the edge of amovable floor.

See page 6 of Appendix 1 for construction issuesin relation to timing pads for competition use.

Figure 14 Self-depositing steps can be integrated intoa movable floor providing easy access whilst maintaininga fully flexible pool

Figure 15 Examples of flexible pool use where abulkhead and movable floor are provided

Depending on the movable floor selected, it may be possibleto adjust the floor from level to an inclined gradient. However,any gradient must be limited to 1 in 15 to meet BS EN 15288:Part 1 and be provided with a slip-resistant surface.

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3i l l i i l

l l i l i i

i li i i i i li

i

V a r i e s

16.66m 1.0m

25m

Fitness swimmingClub training Advanced lessons

Casual lengthsOver 50's

Parent/toddler lessonsUnder 5's quiet swim

Casual lengthsImprover lessons

Aqua FitSub-Aqua/Diving

Casual lengths Adult quiet swim

Parent/toddler lessonsJunior lessons

Wheelchair entryDry land exercise

Mode 1

Mode 2

Mode 3

Mode 4

Mode 5

Pool Plan

B u l k h e a d

Self-depositing steps




Guidance Note


Changing facilities

Key design issues

Swimming pool changing can be designed witheither open-plan single-sex areas or as a ‘villagechanging’ unisex area with individual cubicles.

The village changing arrangement is usuallypreferred for the various modes of use (see Table4 on page 39). Village changing can provide:

• Greater flexibility to accommodate varyingmixes of male and female users, includingfamily changing and changing for people withdisabilities

• Flexibility to allow staff of either sex tosupervise, clean and maintain the area 29

• Minimise any perceived sense of insecurityfor sensitive users

30 by well-designedchanging rooms that offer privacy throughadequately-sized, good-quality cubicles.

There is scope for variations in both systems withthe addition of group single-sex changing rooms,

buffer rooms and additional cubicles that arediscussed later. This can give a degree of choicefor user groups. It is recommended that earlyconsultation takes place with stakeholder groupswith a view to understanding the full requirementsof all user groups.

29 Some European facilities use a variation in which the wetand dry circulation routes are separated. This needs more spaceand the layout can be confusing but has advantages in reducingthe migration of dirt into wet areas, selection of appropriateflooring and the cleaning of the floor.

It is recommendedthat early consultationtakes place with

stakeholder groupswith a view tounderstanding the full

requirements of allusers.

Village changing with views from the poolside

30 See Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation

http://www.wsff.org.uk/




Guidance Note


Changing areas often attract criticism in otherwisewell-designed facilities. The key issues are:

• Adequate spatial allowance for users tomaintain a sense of personal space

• Capacity to cope with peak times, withoutpinch points, particularly between cubiclesand lockers

• A flexible layout for varying ratios of male andfemale users

• Areas that can be closed off for privacy forsensitive groups with separate access totoilets/pre-cleanse/pool water

• A suitable environment avoiding extremes ofhumidity, air movement (draughts) andtemperature

• Simple and clear circulation routes betweenpoint of entry and the pool hall

• Well-designed cubicles and lockers withsuitable materials and robust fittings which,together with good supervision, help to resistvandalism

• A number of hose points to limit the length ofhoses and adequate falls to drain, to aidefficient cleaning and maintenance of the

changing, toilet and shower areas.

Design features that can help to achieve bright,crisp and airy surroundings for users include:

• The use of natural top-lighting e.g. rooflightscan improve the appearance of the changingarea and may minimise the use of artificiallighting

• Bright and warm artificial lighting andmaximising the ceiling height

• Use of bright contrasting colours to walls,

cubicles, lockers, signage and graphics.

General planning principles

• The route from reception to the pool should beorganised in a logical sequence for easywayfinding, operation and supervision

• Vanity areas should be spacious enough toprevent congestion close to the entrance andinclude provision for wheelchairs. Accountshould be taken of bathers entering and leavingin addition to those using the vanity area

• Space should be provided close to the entrypoint, and within sight of the reception, forstorage and parking of baby buggies, prams

and wheelchairs. Also make adequate spaceallowance for their storage within thechanging area

• Single-sex changing areas and toilet provisionshould be well-screened from common areas,for privacy

• The layout should allow effective surveillanceby staff

• Through routes should be clearly defined andlockers should be positioned in close proximityto changing benches or cubicles

• Toilets should be located on the access routeto the pool and pre-swim showers locatedimmediately prior to the entry into the pool hall.

Pool changing should not be combined with drychanging. Pool changing areas generally havehigher temperatures and humidity, lack individualshowers, and are more difficult and expensive tokeep clean.

To avoid cleaning problems, minimise repetitivecirculation where users from the wet side use thesame routes as those from the dry side.

Signs must give clear information using lettering whichcontrasts clearly with it’s background to improvevisibility and reassurance to users. Braille should beincorporated and imagery is also beneficial

Circulation areas associated with changing facilitiesshould not be restricted




Guidance Note


1.5m

1.5m

2m

2.5m

1.5m

1.5mMinimum

2m1.5m

2.6m minimum

3.1m preferred

2m

1.5m

2.5m

1.5m

1.25m

2m

2.2m1m1m

2m

300mm

preferably

500mm

1m wide

door set

3.1m

0.6m

0.6m

0.5m

Buffer locker

Buffer change

Lockers

Lockers

Seating

Seating

Seating

1m wide

door set

VanityVanity

0.9m

Buggy

storage

area

Buggy

storage

area

Single person

cubicles 1.0 x 1.1m

Family/Accessible sized

cubicles 2 x 2.2m,

preferably 2 x 2.6m

Shower heads at

750mm centres

1.5m

1.5m

Lockers

Two person cubicle

1.1m x 1.5m

Disabledshower cubicle

Lockers

2.4m min

2.5m

Figure 16 Preferred minimum dimensions for changing/locker room layouts




Guidance Note


Changing layouts

The following diagrams show typical arrangementsfor single-sex changing and mixed-sex villagechanging with cubicles for a 25 m x 6-lane poolwith secondary pool. They assume‘un-programmed swimming’ and the maximumsafe occupancy that is possible as in the samplecalculation shown on page 44.

Single-sex open-plan changing accommodationshould allow flexibility to manage variations inmale/female-mix ratios. This can be achieved withgroup changing rooms located between the mainchanging rooms, with interlinking lockable doors,to become ‘buffer’ changing that can be quickly

allocated to either male or female use.

Village changing is the preferred option for mostnew pools and a number of existing pools haveconverted from single-sex changing to villagechanging. For most community swimming pools,village changing with at least two lockable group

changing rooms (for school classes, competitionand club team use) offers the most cost-effectiveand easily managed arrangement. Village changingcan also be divided into dedicated zones for maleor female use, for particular programme sessions.

Lockable ‘buffer’ changing rooms can be used asan overflow facility during busy periods. At off-peaktimes, they will remain locked unless needed forschool or group use. At peak times, they can beopened up to provide overspill male or femalechanging.

Some user groups will have specific requirements.For example, a school pool will require more groupchanging rooms, and a specialist pool for people

with disabilities will require mainly large accessiblechanging cubicles with minimal group changing.

Specific requirements should be determined byappropriate consultation prior to preparation of thebrief.

Village changing with generous circulation zone to pool entry with shower zone en route




Guidance Note


Analysis of types of changing room layouts

Table 4

Function Mixed-sex village changing Single-sex, open plan changing areas

Usability Advantages

Simple, direct circulation routes with views to andfrom the pool and other areas.Individual privacy.Cubicles popular with women (if designed toallowing sufficient personal space and feelingsecure and well supervised).Layout can be designed to ensure users passtoilets and showers.

Adjacent lockable group changing rooms can alsogive additional capacity at busy times.

At quiet times, users may use as much spaces asthey wish.

Vacant changing spaces can easily be identified.School groups can be more easily supervised.Layout can be designed to ensure users passtoilets and showers.Buffer rooms can be used for lockable groupschanging.Popular with club groups.

Disadvantages Can be difficult to find a vacant cubicle.Might be difficult for school groups to besupervised and there is the additionalcomplication of storing pupils clothes in the

lockers.More mingling of fully clothed and wet users.

Less open circulation routes to and from the pooland other areas.Lack of individual privacy.Cubicles may be required in addition.

Privacy barriers required at point of entry to thechanging room and at the pool hall and makesmore complex and restricted circulation pattern.

Flexibility Advantages

All changing spaces and lockers are available toall users giving flexibility to accommodate anyproportion of male and female users.Parents can share a cubicle with children ofopposite sex.Family groups can change together.

Individual bench changing spaces are not definedmaking it possible to accommodate more usersduring busy periods.

Disadvantages Location of toilets may cause repetitive/ cross-circulation where rows of cubicles andlockers open directly into the pool hall.

Unless buffer changing rooms are provided, thereis no flexibility to accommodate differentproportions of male and females.Family changing with parents and children ofopposite sex is impossible, except for youngchildren. Provision may need to be providedelsewhere.

Accessibility Advantages

Helpers can accompany people with disabilities ofopposite sex.Some cubicles can be sized to give privacy topeople with disabilities.

Sufficient free space can be provided so thatpeople with disabilities can move easily aroundthe changing area.

Disadvantages It can be difficult for people with disabilities tomove around in the cubicles and changing areas.

People with disabilities require an assistant oftheir own sex.More complex circulation caused by privacyscreens can restrict circulation.

Cleanability Advantages

Row of cubicles can be taken out of use duringcleaning (subject to the layout and the location offloor drainage gullies).

Large, relatively uncluttered floor areas should beeasier and quicker to clean.If buffer changing rooms are provided these canbe locked during off peak times.

Disadvantages Cleaning has to be confined to relatively smallareas at a time and may take longer because of

the need to work around cubicles and their supports.

Large open-plan areas may be more difficulty toclose off at times of low demand.

Manageability Advantages

Staff of either sex can supervise, clean andmanage the entire changing area.

The entire changing area is normally visible andcan be easily supervised.

Disadvantages There can be hidden areas that are difficult tosupervise.

Requires two members of staff of opposite sex tosupervise the two areas and to deal withproblems such as the opening of lockers.

Capital cost Advantages

Minimum number of lockers required. Additional lockers required for different peakdemands of a particular sex.

Disadvantages More space per person for a cubicle based layout.

Operating costs Advantages

Reduced staffing cost for supervision.

Disadvantages Cubicles require additional maintenance. Staff of both sexes required for supervision.Cannot be supervised from the pool side.




Guidance Note


Toilets

Toilets should generally be provided in accordancewith BS 6465: 2006 Part 1 Table 12 32. They shouldbe sited in a prominent position on the route from thechanging area to the pool hall, before any pre-swimshower provision. This can be difficult to achieve withmixed-sex ‘village’ changing layouts where thecirculation routes between rows of changing cubiclesmay lead directly onto the pool surround. Somerepetitive circulation is inevitable as the toilets arenormally located to one side of the changing area.

Separate-sex toilets are required and need to bedesigned to accommodate users with disabilities.In small pools it is more economical to provide a

separate accessible unisex WC compartment.This can be planned with access from the poolsurround. The toilet design/layout should ensure:

• The toilet and urinal area is screened for privacy

• There are no hidden areas to hinder staffsupervision

• There is sufficient circulation space to enableeasy access for wheelchair users

• Regular cleaning with a hose

• Robust water-resistant and vandal proof fittings.

33 Slip resistance should take into account the HSE Slips andTrips Information Sheet: ‘Assessing the slip resistance of flooring’and the UK Slip Resistance Group Guidelines.

32 This version of the standard creates some anomalies and somereductions may be appropriate subject to agreement with theLocal Authorities. See notes in Changing room calculationexample using the ‘Standard Method’ on pages 44-45.

Showers en route to the pool, with lockers close-by

Pre-swim showers along poolside with dividing barrier

use prior to pool entry. Therefore, they should bepositioned close to the pool surround.

In contrast, post-swim shower cubicles should bepositioned as close as possible to the lockers in amixed-sex village changing area or withinindividual male and female changing areas so thatswimmers can conveniently retrieve their soap andtowels.

Where cost is a factor, showers can cater for bothpre and post-swim needs in one area. They can beplanned close to the pool hall or in a recess off thepool surround to allow indirect staff supervision.

Showers

Shower provision should be in accordance with BS6465 Part 1 Table 12 and based on a 50% maleand 50% female use of the pool.

For reasons of swimming water hygiene, pre-swimshowers should be positioned to encourage their

Toilet area with urinals designed for people of varyingheigths

Attention should be given to adequate drainageand slip-resistance of the floors to shower areas,to prevent soap creating a hazard 33.

Footbaths are not considered an effectivemethod of cleaning feet and are an impedimentto disabled people – there these should not beused. Foot sprays are an alternative, although




Guidance Note


Calculating numbers

The standard methodology for assessing themaximum number of changing spaces required isbased on:

• Number of spaces required for a steady statecondition i.e. when there is a steady flow ofbathers into and out of the pool

• Additional spaces to accommodate call-outgroups – or more commonly referred to assession groups. During peak periods, the timespent in the pool may have to be limited andthis is normally achieved by giving bathers acoloured wrist or ankle band. Each sessionhas a set minimum time after which the usersare ‘called out’ of the pool depending on theirband colour, to make way for others

• An allowance of 10% for changing spacestemporarily out of use, for example for cleaningduring busy times

• Deciding upon the proportions of single,double, family/disabled changing cubicles andsingle-sex areas with buffer changing zones

• Additional group changing for schools andswimming clubs or as an additional buffer area.

Typical calculations are shown on pages 44-45.

The operator’s views should be sought on factorssuch as:

• Proposed programme of activities

• Maximum pool capacity

• Average swim-time

• Number of session call-out groups to beaccommodated.

For village changing, the general disposition ofspaces should allow for equal numbers of singleand double-sized cubicles and for changing roomsfor family groups and people with disabilities.

Table 6 Accessible changing and toilet provision

2 0 m C

o m m u n i t y

P o o l

2 5 m C

o m m u n i t y /

C o m p e t i t i o n P o o l

5 0 m C

o m p e t i t i o n

P o o l

Accessible changing provision for pool use

Unisex accessible changing room with wc l l 2*

In addition provide an accessible changingcubicle within the main changing area

m l l

In addition to provide a unisex ‘ChangingPlaces’ changing room that can beaccessed from the pool changing area

m l l

Disabled/family cubicles within the mainchanging area

2 4 - 6 6 - 8

Accessible toilet provision in pool changing areas

Dedicated unisex accessible WCcompartment on each floor (in addition toany provision within unisex accessiblechanging above)*

m l l

Provide a minimum of at least one cubicle eachwithin the general male and female toiletssuitable for an ambulant disabled person**

m l l

Accessible toilet provision serving public /non-changing areas

Unisex accessible WC compartment oneach floor (in addition to any provision withinunisex accessible changing above)*

l l l

Changing Places provision: accessiblefrom public spaces

m l l

Key: l Required m Recommended

Notes:

See ‘Accessible Sports Facilities’ Design Guidance Note fordetails of the layouts for the above facilities.

Village changing circulation areas should be adequatefor wheelchair access and peak programme sessions

** Additionally, where there are four or more WC cubicles (in addition

to the unisex facility), one larger WC cubicle 1200 mm wide, forpeople who need extra space, should be provided in both maleand female separate sex toilets (See BS 6465-1:2006 Section 7)

* The above figures are the minimum and should be increasedif necessary to reflect the anticipated amount of use and therelationship to the individual facilities. Unisex accessiblechanging facilites must be located wherever there is generalchanging provision.




Guidance Note


Changing room calculation example using the ‘Standard Method’ 34

Pool Water Area Notes

Pool 1 Main pool 25 x 13m 325.00 m2

Pool 2 Learner pool 13 x 7m 91.00 m2

416.00 m2 - Total water area to be served by thechanging rooms

Step 1 Steady state condition

a Any one time capacity = water area ÷ 3 138.66 3 HSE publication HSG179 Managing Health &Safety in Swimming Pools: para 203recommends 3 m2 /person as a start point forcalculating the maximum numbers forun-programmed swimming sessions. However,lower maximum occupancy numbers can be

calculated back from particular programmesessions such as ‘lane swimming’ or ‘aquaaerobics’. The ASA advise that 6 m2 /person isthe minimum for comfortable swimming in ageneral swimming session. Any use of a poolshould be subject to a full risk assessment.

b Assumed time in pool hall (hours) 0.75 3 To be discussed with operator. Longer times ofsay 1 hour are likely in leisure pools

c Number changing per hour = a ÷ b 184.88

d Number of places required = c ÷ 4.5 41.09 3 4.5 is calculated by assuming an average timefor changing of approx 13 minutes and dividingit into 1 hour

Step 2 Call-out groups

e Number of groups (Operators policy) 5f Number in call out groups = a ÷ e 27.73

g Discount call out group by 20% = f x 80% 22.18 Allowing for swimmers who do not stay in poolfor the full call out session

h Add 50% of d 20.54 Allowing for new people coming into changingrooms

i Number of spaces required = g + h 42.72

Step 3 Spaces out of use

j Add 10% for spaces out of use 4.27

k Total number of spaces required = 47

Step 4 Decide on the mix of changing space typesOption 1 See Example 1 - Village changing layout on

page 38Mixed sex area / Village changing

l Single cubicles required k ÷ 3 15.67 16 people

m Double cubicles required k ÷ 3 15.67 32 people

n Four person family / disabled 4 See Sport England Design Guidance Note‘ Accessible Sports Facilities’

o Equality provision: unisex changing room 1 See Sport England Design Guidance Note‘ Accessible Sports Facilities’

p Flexibility to give privacy for sensitive groups See typical plan page 28

34 From Handbook of Sport and Recreation Building Design. Volume 3: Swimming Pools and Ice Rinks.

Table 7




Guidance Note


Option 2

3 See Example 2 - Separate male and female layout on page 38

Separate sex changing with cubicles andintegrated group changing areas

Ensure that the arrangement has flexibility toaccommodate different proportions of maleand female. i.e. 1/3 male, female and buffer

Allowance for groups 40 Required in ADDITION to ‘k’ in order to cater forschool classes, use by a swimming club, or useas a separate ‘private’ changing area forparticular users [1]

[1] Cubicles are preferred by women

Additional group changing rooms

(minimum capacity 20 places x 2 = 40)

Step 5 Locker provision

s 75% of the any one time capacity = a x 75% 103.9 3 Allow lockers with coat hooks for additionalgroup changing rooms if they are accessed

directly from the communal changing and notlockable

t Plus number of people in changing room = k 47 3 To allow for peak times

u Plus 10 % = (s + t) x 110% 166 3 To allow for lockers out of use

Step 6 Sanitary appliances

v Male occupancy = a x 50% = 69 69 3

3

3

3

3

33

As BS 6465: Part 1: 2006, Table 12 (see tableon page 39 of this guidance note) based on50% male and 50% female of total number ofpeople using the facility.

HOWEVER, there seems to be generalagreement that this standard can give someanomalies. In this example these include:

• Accessible wider toilets in the femaletoilets but none in male toilets

• The female WC provision seems out ofbalance with the male wc+urinalprovision even taking into accountdifferences in use pattern between thegenders

• Large variation between calculations forfemale wc’s and hand basins for ‘timed‘and ‘untimed ‘ swimming sessions. 36

• Cleaners store should be provided.

The figures marked with an * (3rd column) aresuggested by Sport England as a reasonableadjustment to BS 6465-1 2006 recommendations(2nd column) in order to remove the anomalies.

These should be discussed with the operatorand agreed with the building control officers.

Accessible toilet In addition to unisex provision.Can count against normal WC provision.

WC’s 2 for up to 100 = 2 35 2

Urinals 1 per 20 = 4 3

Hand basins 1 per WC +1 per 5 urinals = 3 3

Showers 1 per 10 = 7 7

Vanity places 1 per 30 = 3 3

Wider ambulant accessible WC 1 for 4 ormore WC’s = 0

1

Female occupancy = a x 50% = 69 69

WCs 1 per 10 35 up to 50 + 1 per 100thereafter = 7 36

4

Hand basins 1 + 1 per 2 WC’s = 5 36 5

Showers 1 per 10 = 7 7

Vanity places 1 per 20 = 4 3

Wider ambulant accessible WC 1 for 4 ormore WC’s = 1 36

1

Nappy changing to be provided (in the unisexdisabled changing / WC and in wider ambulantWCs in male and female toilets)

3

Drinking water may be provided

Cleaners rooms 1 where over 100 m2 = 1 1

*

*

*

*

35 BS 6465 Part 1: 2006 requires one of which to be an ambulant accessible WC see page 43.36 Figures are calculated as BS 6465 Part 1: 2006 on the basis that females will not be changing in timed sessions. See table on page 42.




Guidance Note


Ancillary accommodation

Office accommodation

The extent of office accommodation will varyaccording to the size of the building, the level ofadministrative duties and whether other on-siteaccommodation can be used, for example, schooland college offices or the staff room.

A local neighbourhood/community centre housinga 20 m or 25 m pool and sports hall requires:

• Manager’s office large enough to accommodateup to six people

• Duty officer’s accommodation with work

stations for up to three people• General office, either separate or linked to the

reception desk, with a workstation for oneperson.

In a small pool building on a school or college sitea combined reception desk/office should besufficient. A space of 3.5 x 2.5 m can accommodatetwo or three people.

Larger facilities may need more extensive provisionand the pool operator should be consulted early inthe design process in order to tailor the design tosuit operational needs.

Staff room and changing

Staff accommodation should be independent frompublic facilities and located away from the mainactivity areas. It should be easily accessible andlocated so that staff can respond quickly if calledto an emergency.

A local neighbourhood pool should include a smallrestroom with tables, chairs, sink/drainer unit,cupboards and small cooker including amicrowave. Individual lockers should be providedfor staff. Other needs may be met by publicfacilities.

A larger centre will require individual male andfemale changing rooms and should include benchseating, lockers, a staff shower or shower cubicles,and toilets. Dedicated accessible changingprovision should also be included for staff withdisabilities.

Cleaners store

For storage of cleaning equipment, materials andprovision of a cleaner’s sink, see BS 6465 Part 1.

External service yard

A secure external service yard should be providedfor refuse storage. Refuse bins can be vandalisedby fire and should be located to prevent fire

spreading to the main building. The bins should bescreened and the area can be combined withaccess to the plant room to form a service delivery/ storage area.

First aid room

The first aid room should be directly accessiblefrom the poolside with separate external access toa parking area for emergency vehicles. Doorwaysshould provide a minimum clear width of 1.1 m, andbe positioned to allow stretcher access.

A minimum area of 9.0-10.0 m2 is recommended,excluding any toilet provision. Space for a couchor stretcher trolley, stretcher, chair, sink and

lockable wall cupboard should be provided.The couch should be located with access spaceon all sides, and not be located against a wall. Theprovision of an en-suite accessible toilet wouldalso be useful. In pools where major competitionstake place, this would allow the first aid room todouble as a doping control room.

Stretcher trolley / bed

Equipment cupboard

Direct access toemergency vehicles

1.1 m clear minimum

Sink, base unit andlockable wall unit.

Chair

600 mm clear access zonearound trolley / bed.

Accessible toilet

2.2 x 1.5 m min

Equipment cupboard tohold stretcher, spinal

board etc

First Aid Room

Wheelchair turning

zone minimum 1.5 m

1.0 m min

Direct access from

pool - preferably at

deep end 1.1 m

clear minimum

Figure 19 Preferred first aid room layout




Guidance Note


An alternative to storing lane ropes in a pool store – laneropes can be stored in hoppers in the pool undercroftand accessed through stainless steel covers set into thepool end surround

Pool equipment store

The pool equipment store should be directlyaccessible from the poolside and have sufficientspace for storage of swimming aids, float lines,starting blocks, backstroke warning flag lines, falsestart recall line and lane ropes, depending on thedepth of the pool and whether it is used forcompetition and training.

Swimming aids can be stored in movable trolleysinside the store. Lane ropes can be stored on reelson the pool surround as long as the minimum poolsurround widths are not compromised. Alternatively, lane ropes may be stored in a hopperlocated in an undercroft beneath the pool surround

(see photograph adjacent).

Storage space may be needed for water pologoals, pitch markings and timing panels. Additionalspace may also be required for stackable chairsand podia for competition events. It should beassumed that all equipment may get wet - thestore area should have a well-drained tiled floorand adequate ventilation to remove smells andprevent corrosion of the stored equipment. Thestore may also be used to accommodate poolcleaning equipment. A hose down point should belocated in the store or inside a cupboard in thepool hall.

Other items such as inflatable play equipment canrequire a lot of space. Canoes can be hung fromwall-mounted brackets in the pool store, or in theabsence of adequate space, wall-mounted nearthe pool. Transfer equipment and wheelchairs mayalso need to be accommodated.

Access doors should have a clear width of at least1.1 m and there should be sufficient space for easyaccess.

Pools with bulkheads will require additional storagefor lane ropes of differing lengths e.g. 50 m poolswith a bulkhead will require storage for 50 m and

25 m ropes. Additionally, 50 m pools will requireadequate storage for floating goals.

The overall size of the store will depend on therange of activities scheduled and a comprehensiveschedule of equipment required.

The pool equipment store area can be estimatedat an early stage of a project to be between 10%and 20% of the total area of the pool(s) water.




Guidance Note


Spectator seating should bedesigned to meet:

• Guide to Safety at SportsGrounds - (The Green Guide)

• BSEN 13200 Part 1

• BS 9999: 2008 Code of practice for fire safety in thedesign, management and use

of buildings.

37 See page 9 section on Levels of competition

Pool sizeSpectatorseating

Competitorseating *

50 m -10 lanes 500 / 600 300

50 m - 8 lanes 350 / 400 300

50 m - 6 lanes 200 200

25 m - 8 lanes 250 min 25025 m - 6 lanes 150 min 180

Where pools are designed to stage Regional or Nationalevents on a regular basis the number of seats for spectatorsand / or swimmers may need to be increased.

* Poolside seating

Spectator and competitor provision

Viewing provision in a swimming pool buildinggenerally falls into the following broad categories:

• Informal viewing:

Views from one area to another, for user’sunderstanding of the layout and visual interest.It can also help in the operation of the buildingand allow a degree of supervision. Viewingcan be from both external and internalcirculation routes or from supporting areassuch as the café or reception area.

• Formal viewing:

Viewing from fixed seating, often in steppedtiers along the long side of the main pool,usually provided where there will be asignificant element of competitive swimming.

• Pool surrounds:

Seating along the pool surround is usuallylimited to use for swimmers or for competitorsduring events. Subject to location, operationalissues and accessibility, the surrounds may beused as occasional temporary spectatorseating for small galas although carefulconsideration should be given to the control

of foot traffic on the pool surround.Spectator seating can add significantly to the costof a project. Advice from the ASA FacilitiesDepartment should be sought in establishing justification 37 and appropriate capacity.

Table 8 Guide to seating capacity if swimmingcompetitions are held on a regular basis

Cost increases are likely due to a range of issuesincluding additional floor area and volume, impactupon sanitary, heating and ventilation systems,additional access requirements, fire escapes,

parking and storage within the building.

Sight line geometry

It is important that spectators have a good view ofthe whole pool water, the pool ends and scoreboard(s). The design of the sight line geometryneeds to be carefully considered.

‘The Green Guide’ states the maximum angle ofseating rake should not exceed 34˚.

The ‘C value’ or distance of the sight line abovethe head of the person in the row in front and the‘focus point’ are indicated in Figure 20 on page 49.The minimum ‘C value’ should be 0.090 m, but0.120 m is preferred.

The ability to achieve an adequate ‘C value’ canbecome progressively more difficult with each tierof seating. The worst case location shouldtherefore be checked.

Generally, the higher the spectator seating, thefurther the seating will need to be from the focuspoint. The space below the seating might beuseable for changing rooms or pool storagedepending on the layout of a particular project andthe height the seating is installed at. The provisionof vomitories may be necessary to allow heightclearance at access points to the pool.

Ideally, sight lines should relate to a focus point atthe edge of the pool, particularly in 10-lane poolswhere all lanes may be used (See red lines on the

25 m pool with formal spectator viewing




Guidance Note


C

R

D

N

T

T = Seating Row depth

N = Riser height

R = Vertical distance from focus point to eye

D = Horizontal distance from focus point to eye

C = ‘C’ Value

Focus point at water level -

preferred at pool edge (Red)

or if impossible at centre of

first swimming lane (Blue)

following example). However, where this is notpossible the sight lines should be taken from afocus point located at the centre of the first lane at

water level (blue lines on the above example).

Riser heights and seating row depths will generallybe a function of multiples of 0.28 m minimumgoings and 0.19 m maximum risers in order tocomply with BS 9999:2008 and ‘The Green Guide’for radial gangways.

Accessibility

Accessibility for wheelchair users needs to beconsidered early in the design. In very large facilitieswheelchair accessibility should be distributedacross the seating levels 38. However for smallerfacilities, accessibility may only be practical at

poolside and/or the uppermost level of the seating.

The position and height of wheelchair spacesshould also take into account the likelihood ofspectators standing in the rows in front, as shownin the above diagram.

Seating types

The type of seating will depend on use and scaleof the seating provision as follows:

• Competitor poolside seating is commonly aceramic tiled ledge, possibly heated for bathercomfort

• Spectator seating for small pools may beformed from a simple continuous laminate slatusually without a back rest, fixed to each

concrete tier

• Intermediate spectator seating will generallybe as for small pools, but be provided with afixed backrest, or individual moulded plasticseat squabs with integral backrest, directlyfixed to each concrete tier

• Larger pools will generally include individualspectator seats consisting of a coated metalsupport frame, fixed plastic backrest andtilting seat squab, to allow easy accessbetween rows. All framing materials shouldresist a pool hall environment.

Conflict with the need for privacy

There is a potential conflict between open viewsinto the pool water areas and the need for privacyfor certain sensitive user groups. The addition ofeasily operated blinds or other screening devicesshould be considered for all the glazing to the poolhall and/or the learner pool.

Environmental conditions

See Appendix 2 Servicing the Building forenvironmental conditions that should be createdfor formal spectator seating when located within a

pool hall enclosure.

Figure 20 Example of spectator seating design

38 Refer to Accessible Sports Facilities Design Guidance Noteavailable from the Sport England web site.




Guidance Note


6.0 Use and Aftercare

Key operational/design issues

The following issues are often overlooked in newprojects and should be the subject of earlydiscussions with operators.

Reception asthe hub of bothnormal andemergencycommunications

• Pool alarms, security, fire etc(all with different sounds)

• Public address and radiosystem (audible in all areas)

• Background music must belinked to a fire alarm override

• All turnstiles need to be linkedto the fire alarm system to allowan unrestricted flow in anemergency or power failure

• Fire alarm indication panel

• Fireman’s switch

Zones ofsupervision forstaff

• Closing off areas not in use

• Staff alarm points

• Extent of visual supervision

Safedemarcation ofdeep water

BS EN 15288 Part 1 requires a 100 mmwide demarcation line in aconspicuous colour across the pooltank floor at the 1.35 m depth pointto aid lifeguard supervision (where aseparation barrier is also required itshould be 0.5 m before this point).

Maintenance oflights at highlevel

Scaffold towers or ‘cherry pickers’often require the use of stabilisingout riggers or anchorage points tocope with the gradient of the flooron pool surrounds

Delivery of bulkchemicals

The pool chemical supplier needs tobe contacted in the early stages ofthe design to ensure that the safedelivery of bulk chemicals isconsidered including:• Access width

• Pipe coupling details

• Wash down and hose points

• Additional safety features

Key maintenance issues

Swimming pools are generally subjected tocontinuous and prolonged heavy use having tocope with high levels of pollution and aggressiveenvironmental conditions that can significantlyincrease wear and tear and affect the life of thefacilities.

The ability to keep the building looking attractive,fresh and clean throughout its lifetime will dependupon:

• The standard of the design of the facility• The quality and suitability of materials selected

in the construction and finishes

• Attainment of high-quality workmanshipduring construction

• The occupancy of the facility within the rangeidentified at the design stage. If a pool attractsa higher number of users than expected ordesigned for, this can lead to accelerated wearand tear requiring more regular maintenanceand repair

• Regular servicing and correct operation of allenvironmental systems

• Regular and appropriate cleaning andmaintenance of the building necessary for thelevel of use and to include making gooddamage or faults at early stages so that theydo not contribute to long-term degradation offinishes

• Training of staff in cleaning and maintenanceduties and appropriate work schedules andsupervision.

All of the above points are important, but regardlessof the quality of the design or construction, if thebuilding is not maintained at levels appropriate toits use, the life of the building can be rapidlydegraded.

During the design stages, it is important that the

operator is consulted to ensure that the designdoes not require unreasonable levels ofmaintenance once in use. Equally, on completionof any project, clear cleaning and maintenancestrategies should be established to advise theoperator on how best to maintain the building andobtain the best use from it.

There are a number of important issues that shouldbe particularly considered by pool operators.These include:

Entrance control

Entry mats / floor surfaces at the main buildingentrances should be kept effective and regularlycleaned to minimise the influx of shoe borne debrisetc.

During periods of extended inclement weather, theoperator may need to initiate additional measures

to improve removal of debris from shoes prior toentry to the changing rooms. Increased cleaningmeasures may also be needed.

Table 9

Inappropriate levels of maintenance can rapidly shorten the life expectancyof the building.




Guidance Note


Ceramic tiling

Ceramic tile slip-resistance can be substantiallydegraded by the build-up of debris and pollutants(including dead skin, body fats, bacteria andlimescale).

The operator’s cleaning and maintenance regimemust take into account the recommendations ofthe Tiling Association literature The Cleaning ofCeramic Tiles 39 when maintaining the tiles.

Showers

The operator should effectively promote a pre-swimshower regime for bathers to minimise bodypollutants being carried into the pool hall and the

pool itself.

Use of shower gels and shampoos should belimited to enclosed shower cubicles and not beused in open showers, particularly those formingpart of a circulation route.

Washing down

Wet tiled floor areas may be washed down with ahose after the surface chemical cleaning iscomplete. Appropriate lockable hose points anddrainage channels or gullies should be provided.However jet or pressure washers must not be usedas these will have deleterious effects upon tilegrout and other surrounding materials.

Washing down should be used in conjunction witha regular cleaning regime using appropriatecleaning materials to remove surface pollutantsand limescale, as noted for ceramic tiling above.

Wash-down water should not be sprayedindiscriminately, as this can have detrimentaleffects upon fixtures and fittings including doors,door frames, lockers etc.

Drainage channels

Pool surrounds:

• Contamination of the pool water by waterflowing on to or from the pool surrounds, inparticular during cleaning, must be avoided 40

• Care must be taken to ensure slip-resistanceis maintained on the grilles over the drainagechannels.

See section on Pool and pool surround drainage principles in Appendix 1 and Finishes to wet areas in Appendix 3.

Changing rooms:

• Gratings should be lifted at the end of eachday and the channels should be hosed downto flush away hair / body fat build up. Use ofbactericide recommended for use within poolenvironments should be used regularly tofurther improve hygiene.

• Inadequate falls on floors and badly locateddrainage gullies can mean that water is left topond on the floor and increase the risk ofaccidents and clothing accidentally droppedinto standing water.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel will need to be regularly cleanedand the following should be taken into account:

• All bare stainless steel elements around thepool should be washed down on a daily basiswith clean water

• The stainless steel should be wiped over witha clean cloth on a monthly basis

• The recommendations of the British StainlessSteel Association (BSSA) and NickelDevelopment Institute (NiDI) should befollowed

• Carbon steel brushes of wire wool, or anyabrasives (including abrasive cleaningcompounds) should not be used as this willdamage the surface and increase surfacestaining

• Any chemical cleaning products must besuitable for use on stainless steel

• Designed environmental conditions within thepool hall must be maintained 41.

39 The Tile Association http://www.tiles.org.uk

41 See Appendix 3 section on Stainless steel in the pool hallenvironment.

40 BSEN 15288-1: 2008 requires the pool surround to bedesigned to avoid contamination of the pool water by waterflowing on to the floor.




Guidance Note

Alternative Languages and Formats:

This document can be provided in alternative languages, or alternative formatssuch as large print, Braille, tape and on disk upon request.Call the Sport England switchboard on 08458 508 508 for more details.

Information Prepared by:

Sport England, Robin Wilson Consulting & S&P Architects

Acknowledgements:

Sport England thank the following individuals and organisations for their contribution:

User Guide

Before using this guidance for any specific projects all users should refer to the User Guide to understandwhen and how to use the guidance as well as understanding the limitations of use.

Issue Tracker

004 – Updated guidance reformatted with separate appendices: May 2013003 – Updated guidance: February 2011002 – Minor text amendments: April 2008001 – Initial Publications: April 2008

Sport England3rd Floor Victoria House

Bloomsbury Square

London

Amateur Swimming Association LA Architects: Mike Lawless

Arcblue MSG Consult: Malcolm GrahamBarr + Wray Myrtha Pools

CIMSPA / PWTAG: Ralph Riley Powermaster Ltd.

David Bosher Roberts Limbrick: Philip Dryden

Carlos Dublanc Andrew Southall

Feilden Clegg Bradley: Andy Couling S&P Architects

Health & Safety Executive The Access Consultancy: Brian Towers

Hufton + Crow Tim Ronalds Architects

Kirby Swim Equip Pty Limited Charlotte Wood

Greenwich Leisure Ltd: Roy Clarke John Whitby

Click here for ‘User Guide’

Click here for current ‘Design and Cost Guidance’

www.sportengland.org/facilities__planning/design_and_cost_guidance/user_guide.aspx

http://www.sportengland.org/facilities__planning/design_and_cost_guidance.aspx

Swimming Pools Dgn 2013

Documents

Transcript of Swimming Pools Dgn 2013