Pool Dehumidifiers vs. Air Conditioners: Why AC units FAIL in indoor swimming pool natatoriums

[@jdga375]

Thanks for the education. This will really help me out on a 1948 indoor pool project.

[@natatoriumknowledge9392]

Great to hear. 1948?? It's rare to see natatoriums that old...very cool. Let us know if you need further help with the project. I'm sure we can learn a lot too. [e-mail].

[@nopizzanow]

It was really wonderfull conversation..More conversation similar to this are needed. Thanks

[@jordanhenshaw]

The real difference between an HVAC system and a standard dehumidifier is there is no difference. It’s literally the exact same machine. These names are just different roles for the exact same type of machine to fill. Your AC at your house is a dehumidifier and we spec them for moisture removal almost as much as we do for BTU’s. Any $100 dehumidifier you get at Hone Depot is an AC too. The pool ones seem like they just have a ton more bells and whistles.

[@meesacreef]

Thank you for this excellent and highly informative content!

[@natatoriumknowledge9392]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kecoursin]

It does depend on the age and manufacture of the dehumidifier. Since 2010 most systems are allowing a 4 inch MERV 13 filter to be installed. The filter racks are adjustable. If it is older than that, then you may not be able to put anything greater than a MERV 8 filter (2 inch).

[@MrJwinne]

Thank you for the knowledge ! Much appreciated

[@lg3187]

wouldn't having an April Aire 130 dehumidifier and a simple ac good enough?

[@kamranghaffari8930]

Thanks for highly educational content . Since pool room should be always under negative pressure ,please give us some information about exhaust fan and make up air .

[@natatoriumknowledge9392]

You're correct. The pool room (natatorium) should be ~10% negative relative to adjacent spaces (bathrooms/lockerrooms, lobby, hallways, etc.). This requires selecting the right type of doors and windows to seal air properly, and having a pool dehumidifier that controls the pressure in the space. The pool dehumidifier (PDU) controls the negative pressure in the space by regulating how much exhaust air and outside air move through the space. I hope this helps! If not, email us at [e-mail].

[@nazraism]

Best explanation ever. Thank you

[@natatoriumknowledge9392]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@theresascott2422]

Very informative - thanks

[@natatoriumknowledge9392]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@johnthomas8061]

I'm a maintenance supervisor of a 400+ resident property. New to the natatorium. I'm used to horror for the last 5 yrs. Can someone please tell me the recommended MERV rating on air filters for the dehu system. Is it 13?? Or higher? Thanks in advance

[@waverider9501]

And what if your indoor pool in on the Mendocino north coast where is is cool temps and you use a drinkable pool system where I'm not using any chemicals?

[@downonafarm177]

Great info. Thanks.

[@jordanhenshaw]

8:27 - of course it can, if specced right. A dectron uses the exact sane refrigeration cycle as any AC. It’s the exact same thing. There is no magical refrigeration cycle for dehumidifiers that works better for moisture removal. You’re using the exact same physics and techniques.

[@jellytae6851]

I have Seresco dehumidifier need to replace High Side pressure transducer and crank case heater for compressor does i have to Pull vacuum down on refrigerant line I get quote from tech guy for $5k

[@stormtrooper9404]

What the expert think about dehumidifier vs recuperators? I am heavily leaning for the air recuperator coz of constant delivery of fresh air and removing the chlor(amines). But so far I cannot find suitably small quality recuperator, while the dehumidifiers comes in all shapes and sizes.

[@natatoriumknowledge9392]

From Keith: "An air recuperator is also known as a push-pull air handler with energy recovery. This system will only solve the humidity issue when the outside air conditions are lower than the design conditions and therefore is rarely used. There are only a few year round climates in the USA that this will work. Many hours the humidity and temperature outside is higher than inside the pool room and cannot provide conditioning. The other issue is that even with energy recovery, this system will actually have higher energy costs because dehumidifiers have two internal energy recovery elements (for the air and the pool water) that are significantly more efficient than an air to air recuperator. The use of low exhaust on larger active pool rooms has been very successful in mitigating the off gassing of the chemicals. In residential or small hotel pools, insuring the system is introducing code ventilation is sufficient." Hope this helps!

[@rorypenstock1763]

dehumidification is a very expensive process. i can imagine an alternative system that, instead of using a huge dehumidifier, exhausts the pool air outside and replaces it with low-humidity air from outside. the incoming air would have to be heated in the winter, but maybe you could get some of that heat by recovering it from the outgoing air with a big heat exchanger or something. why is dehumidification used instead of a system like this?

[@natatoriumknowledge9392]

Indeed dehumidification can be expensive; it uses a lot of energy. What you're imagining is frequently done in low humidity areas, but it does not work in most climates because the humidity differential is too much to manage a consistent RH level. Everything needs to be maintained in equilibrium, and outside air varies too much for that to be the only solution. The good news is, good pool dehumidifiers can sense the humidity of the outside air and they adjust accordingly, so when the humidity outside is low, these systems take that into account and energy is saved.

[@waverider9501]

Why not just have operable skylights.