Swimming Pool Basins
Overview
Swimming pool basins are almost always insulated around the outside of their structure. This helps with the detailing of the pool construction, including the specification and installation of waterproofing, and ensuring continuity of the thermal envelope with the surrounding floor.
Like its suitability for basement applications, extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation comes into its own. Its robustness when installed in contact with the ground, combined with its ability to bear the weight of concrete and water, makes it an excellent solution.
What Polyfoam XPS products are suitable for swimming pool basins?
Extruded polystyrene (XPS) is tolerant of damp or wet environments, meaning it can be installed externally of the pool structure and tanking/waterproofing, while still delivering its expected thermal performance.
For the majority of projects, Polyfoam Floorboard Extra should be perfectly adequate to bear the weight of the pool structure and water, while offering a thermally efficient solution. Very occasionally, a pool design might require the use of Polyfoam Floorboard Super, with its higher compressive strength, subject to a structural engineer’s calculations.
Product Benefits
The Polyfoam range is lightweight, strong, moisture resistant and easy to cut and shape, providing thermal performance and strength for the lifetime of the building.
- High compressive strength and protects the swimming pool tanking from damage.
- Highly resistant to water absorption.
- Robust and long term dimensional stability.
- Environmental Product Declaration.
- BES 6001: Responsible Sourcing of Construction Products.
Why do swimming pool basins require thermal insulation?
Although only a formal requirement in some parts of UK building regulations, thermally insulating swimming pool basins to reduce the energy required to maintain a certain water temperature makes a lot of sense.
Any U-value requirement specific to a swimming pool basin applies to the pool structure containing the water, and the thermal performance of the building in which the swimming pool is located is subject to national building regulations as normal – whichever country of the UK it is in.
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If swimming pool basins are not given a specific thermal performance target, they are subject to the provisions of the regulations as they apply to the rest of the building. If in doubt, consult with your Building Control Body or Building Standards Department.
Recommended products for below floor slab applications:
