Swimming Pool Insulation – Part L
New Part L Building Regulations.
Part L of the Building Regulations (Conservation of Fuel & Power, Approved Document L1B) came into force on 1st October 2010. It stipulates that all new indoor pools constructed after that date have to be insulated to a U-value no worse than 0.25W/m2.K. ‘U-value’ is a measure of the rate that heat is transferred through the pool wall or floor and lost to surrounding ground. In order to calculate this value we use formulae provided by the British Standard Institute for basements (BS EN ISO 13370). In conjunction with Compass Pools Europe we have developed a highly effective system to insulate a Compass Pool to meet and exceed the figure required by the regulations, giving a U Value of 0.22W/m2.K.
What does this actually mean for me?
In short, lower running costs and a lower carbon footprint. Energy lost through the pool shell can be reduced by up to 80% (depending on soil type and pool location). The good news is this technology is not just restricted to indoor pools, and our outdoor pool clients can also benefit from the same insulation properties. For those outdoor Compass Pool customers looking to make further savings on their running costs and reduce their carbon footprint, this is a highly attractive and recommended option.
How is it installed?
High density polyurethane insulation is sprayed directly onto the pool shell prior to the shell delivery. Because the insulation is bonded directly to the pool shell, that means that there is a maximum of 2cm between the water and the insulation. This is important because it maximises its effect as you are not paying to heat a concrete wall as you are in a conventional pool building. Concrete takes roughly twice as much energy to heat than a ceramic composite at a similar thickness. Not only that, but because the insulation is outside of pool shell it is not integral to the pool’s structure and the water tightness of the pool will not be affected should there be any ground movement, unlike with a conventional pool; so there is no risk of tiles chipping off or damage to the structure.
