Case Study
Swimming Pool Air Handling Unit Replacement for a Leading Health and Wellness Operator
Overview
Client: Leading Health and Wellness Operator in South East England
Industry: Leisure and Health Clubs - Swimming Pool Environmental Control
Presence: Turnkey Air Handling Unit Replacement
Project Overview: Newsome delivered a turnkey swimming pool air handling unit replacement for a leading health and wellness operator in South East England. The project improved pool hall environmental control, reliability and heat recovery performance while keeping disruption to club operations to a minimum.
Newsome was appointed by a leading international health and wellness operator to deliver a complete turnkey replacement of a critical swimming pool air handling unit serving one of its leisure clubs. The project involved the removal of an ageing heat recovery air handling unit and the installation of a modern replacement designed to provide like-for-like performance whilst improving reliability and maintaining the demanding environmental conditions required within the pool hall.
By combining mechanical, electrical and lifting expertise with careful project planning, Newsome delivered a solution that ensured long-term environmental control for the facility whilst minimising disruption to members and day-to-day operations.
The Challenge
Swimming pool environments present unique challenges for HVAC systems. High humidity levels, elevated temperatures and aggressive atmospheric conditions place considerable demands on air handling equipment. Effective environmental control is essential to maintain user comfort, protect the building fabric and prevent condensation-related issues.
The existing heat recovery air handling unit had reached the point where replacement represented the most practical long-term solution. Located on the roof plant deck, the unit served the swimming pool area and was responsible for ventilation, heat recovery, humidity management and temperature control.
The replacement project presented a number of logistical challenges. The original unit weighed more than five tonnes and occupied a rooftop location requiring specialist lifting operations. Existing ductwork, heating connections and electrical supplies also had to be integrated with the new equipment whilst maintaining the programme timescale and minimising disruption to the operation of the club.
Understanding the Requirements
The brief called for a like-for-like replacement capable of delivering approximately 25,000 m³/h of air volume, together with high levels of heat recovery and humidity control suitable for a swimming pool environment. The system also needed to maintain the performance characteristics of the existing installation whilst providing the reliability and efficiency expected from modern air handling technology.
Following a detailed assessment, Newsome developed a turnkey solution covering equipment supply, removal of the existing plant, lifting operations, mechanical and electrical installation, ductwork modifications and final commissioning.
The Solution
Newsome supplied a new heat recovery air handling unit specifically configured for swimming pool operation. The system incorporated high-efficiency plate heat recovery technology, advanced filtration and twin plug fans on both supply and extract air streams to provide the required airflow and static pressure characteristics.
The unit was designed to deliver more than 25,000 m³/h of air whilst incorporating low pressure drop filtration, high-performance heating coils and sophisticated airflow management.
Heat recovery plays a particularly important role within swimming pool applications, allowing energy contained within the exhaust air stream to be transferred back into the incoming fresh air supply. This helps reduce operating costs whilst maintaining comfortable conditions for users. The heating coil arrangement was designed to deliver almost 200 kW of heating capacity, ensuring the pool environment could maintain stable temperatures throughout the year.
Managing the Installation
The project was undertaken on a fully turnkey basis.
Newsome first isolated and disconnected the existing Menerga air handling unit before arranging specialist crane operations to remove the old equipment from the roof. The original unit was transported from site for responsible disposal, with all waste documentation provided. The new air handling unit was then lifted into position using a mobile crane operating from the club car park. Bespoke ductwork taper sections were manufactured and installed to connect the new equipment to the existing ventilation system. These sections were subsequently insulated and clad to match the existing installation.
Existing electrical supplies and the remote control panel were retained and reconnected, whilst the low temperature hot water heating system was integrated with the new unit. Following completion of the mechanical and electrical works, the system was commissioned by the equipment manufacturer with all operational data recorded and provided as part of the handover process.
The entire programme was completed over a period of approximately three weeks.
Why Swimming Pool Ventilation Matters
Swimming pools are among the most demanding environments for air handling systems. Inadequate ventilation or humidity control can lead to condensation, corrosion and deterioration of the building fabric. Excess moisture can also impact occupant comfort and increase maintenance costs. Modern heat recovery air handling units play a vital role in maintaining air quality, controlling humidity and reducing energy consumption. Reliable environmental control helps extend the life of the facility whilst providing a more comfortable experience for members.
A Complete Turnkey Service
One of the reasons clients choose Newsome is our ability to manage every stage of complex HVAC projects. Rather than dealing with multiple contractors, clients benefit from a single point of responsibility covering design support, equipment supply, lifting operations, mechanical installation, electrical integration, commissioning and ongoing maintenance. Our engineers have extensive experience working within the leisure sector and understand the particular challenges associated with swimming pool environments, including corrosion resistance, humidity management and maintaining operational continuity.
The Outcome
The completed installation has provided the facility with a modern and reliable air handling system capable of maintaining the environmental conditions required within the pool hall. The new unit delivers high levels of heat recovery and ventilation performance whilst supporting the long-term operation of the building.
Through careful planning and a fully coordinated approach, Newsome successfully delivered the replacement project with minimal disruption, ensuring the client can continue providing a comfortable and welcoming environment for members for many years to come.
Looking for Specialist Swimming Pool HVAC Solutions?
Newsome provides complete design, installation, maintenance and refurbishment services for swimming pool air handling systems, dehumidification equipment and HVAC infrastructure throughout the UK. Whether replacing ageing plant, upgrading existing systems or supporting emergency requirements, our experienced engineering teams deliver turnkey solutions tailored to the specific demands of leisure and wellness facilities.