Designing a pool is an exciting task, but it requires attention to many details. Despite the excitement of creating a pool, it is worthwhile to devote ample time to planning and considering all details to have the perfect pool. Undoubtedly, one of the most significant aspects to not neglect is the pool pump room design. A well-designed plant room, also called an equipment room, will ensure that the pool is aesthetically pleasing and that the necessary components are not visible. The plant room houses all the equipment needed to operate your pool, such as the filtration system, pump, heater, and water treatment system.
We will walk you through the critical steps of designing the perfect pool pump room in this article.
The importance of a pool plant room
Understanding the purpose of your pool pump room is the key to designing it correctly, ensuring it meets all of your needs. This space is a dedicated area which houses all the equipment necessary to keep a swimming pool clean and safe.
This includes pumps, filters, chlorinators, and other equipment needed to keep the water clear, heated, and balanced. The pool plant room should be designed to provide easy access to these pieces of equipment for service and maintenance. To ensure the efficient and continuous operation of the pool, it should be properly organized, clean, and well-lit, with adequate ventilation and space to move around.
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Hiring a pool designer
The design of a pump room for your swimming pool should not be taken lightly. Having an expert on your side can make all the difference. As a result, they can assist you in optimizing space, choosing the most suitable materials for the wet environment, as well as ensuring that all technical installations comply with safety and energy efficiency regulations.
Strategic choice of plant room location
As important as the design of your pool pump room is its location. Selecting the appropriate location can, among other things, reduce piping and wiring lengths, resulting in more efficient system operation.
If you need help designing your pool pump room, we’re here to help
4 Main Types Of Swimming Pool Pump Rooms
To determine which type of equipment room is most appropriate for a specific environment, it is necessary to understand the differences between the four types.
Above-ground pool pump room
An above-ground pool pump room is a separate structure that houses the pump, filter, and other related equipment to maintain the pool. It provides protection from the elements and helps to keep the pool equipment clean and safe. However, being placed above the pool water level, it can sometimes lead to priming difficulties for the pump. To avoid these potential priming issues, it is important to make sure the pump is properly sealed and insulated, and that the pump is correctly sized for the pool.
Underground pool pump room
In contrast to the above-ground system, an underground or semi-underground pool pump room is located below the pool water level. This placement is essential, as it allows the necessary equipment to be hidden while still ensuring the pump is always well primed. However, this type of plant room requires additional safety measures to prevent water leaks and flooding. Furthermore, adding valves allows for quick and easy maintenance or repair without draining the pool, enhancing the overall safety of the plant room.
Integrated pump room
In contrast to the above-ground system, an underground or semi-underground pool pump room is located below the pool water level. This placement is essential, as it allows the necessary equipment to be hidden while still ensuring the pump is always well primed. However, this type of plant room requires additional safety measures to prevent water leaks and flooding. Furthermore, adding valves allows for quick and easy maintenance or repair without draining the pool, enhancing the overall safety of the plant room
A pool house as plant room
A pool house is a small building dedicated to providing a place to store pool supplies and equipment, as well as a space to change in and out of swimwear. It can also serve as a comfortable area to relax and entertain guests. For those without the space for a pool house, however, a great option is to convert an unused room in their home into a pool house, making sure it’s close to the pool for easy access.
Where Should The Pool plant Room Be?
The decision on where to locate the pool pump room should be based on considerations of both land and available space. Additionally, you should consider the potential environmental impact when deciding on its location. To ensure a successful location, the equipment room must be located in a manner that balances all factors: the amount of land and space available, as well as the environmental impact, while remaining discreet and as near to the pool as possible.
The nearest location
For the best performance, staying within 5 meters of the pool is highly recommended by pool professionals. This is to ensure that the pump works optimally and to minimize the risk of malfunctioning.
However, this may represent a significant additional expense, as you will need to purchase a more efficient and therefore more expensive pump and more pipes.
An in-ground plant room
While the integrated system and the in-ground room near the pool are certainly aesthetic because they are discreet, they also have some drawbacks. For each intervention, you will have to kneel. Every so often, the room space is very limited and allows only the necessary items to be stored. Lastly, it is essential to adhere to safety regulations when handling electrical equipment near the pool. Low voltage cable standards reduce electric shock and injury. Finally, the placement near the pool reduces load losses and facilitates all interventions. Moreover, it is the least expensive of all.
The right size for the pump room
The size of the plant room should be carefully considered, ensuring that it is sufficient to meet the needs of the pool. It should be large enough to house all the necessary equipment, such as pumps, filters, and heating systems, as well as provide enough workspace for maintenance and repairs. The plant room should also be well-ventilated to ensure that the equipment runs efficiently and safely.
Regulations for the construction of a pool plant room
The plant room must be constructed in accordance with all applicable local and national regulations. In France, the regulations are the following:
- If the size of your plant room is less than 21 sq ft (ca. 2 m²), you do not need to do anything.
In the case of a plant room with a surface area between 21 sq ft (ca. 2 m²) and 215 sq ft (ca. 20 m²), you will be required to file a prior declaration of works.
- Building a plant room larger than 215 sq ft (ca. 20 m²) requires a building permit.
Building Materials For Pool pump Rooms
Pool plant rooms require well-suited building materials that can withstand the environment and frequent wear and tear.
You can opt for a filtration box made of an injection-molded reinforced polymer body and lid. This makes the box an ideal choice for durability and strength in all-weather conditions. The filtration box is lightweight and easy to install and maintain. It could be placed in-ground or above ground.
- The concrete plant room is often built at the same time as the pool, it is resistant and protects well the equipment it contains. Concrete is a strong and durable material that can withstand the harsh environment that a pool and its equipment are frequently exposed to, making it an ideal material for the plant room. Additionally, since the plant room and pool are typically built simultaneously, it makes the most sense to use the same material for both.
- The wooden plant room or pool house kit is easy to install and can be mounted at a distance from the pool. The kit also comes with all the necessary tools and instructions, making the installation process quick and straightforward. The kit is also designed to provide shade and shelter from the elements, making it an ideal choice for any outdoor area. It is also lightweight and durable, making it easy to move if needed. It has to be placed above ground.
The imitation rock pool equipment room is designed to look like a rock from the outside, making it difficult to detect. Inside, the room provides storage for pool equipment and all the necessary features for pool maintenance. The design is such that it can fit in any environment, providing an aesthetically pleasing and functional solution for pool owners.
Organize The Pool Equipment Logically
To ensure the pool remains clean and well-functioning, it is essential to correctly organize pool equipment. Special attention should be paid to the positioning of the pump and other pool equipment to ensure their optimal performance. In addition, it is critical to provide sufficient space around each equipment to allow for easy maintenance.
The piping is crucial
It is imperative to provide the necessary connections for each equipment. Without proper connections, the equipment won’t function properly and may even be a safety hazard. Additionally, it is important to plan the connections in advance to avoid confusion and to make sure all the connections are in place before the equipment is installed.
Keep The Pool Plant Room Ventilated
Ventilation is often neglected when designing a swimming pool pump room. Without proper ventilation, the pump room may become prone to moisture and humidity-related issues. This could lead to mold growth, corrosion of the equipment, and musty odors. To prevent this, it’s important to install a ventilation system that can reduce moisture levels and protect the equipment. A good ventilation system should be able to bring in fresh air, remove warm and moist air, and keep the temperature and humidity levels regulated.
What About The Lighting?
Pool equipment room lighting is another important point to consider. Good lighting allows users to easily locate equipment, identify any potential issues, and make repairs quickly and safely. Keep in mind that moisture-resistant lighting should be installed in the plant room, and that all areas should be well illuminated. In addition, it is a safety feature, which allows you to check that your equipment is functioning properly at night.
Make The Pump Room Part Of The Environment
Finally, please keep in mind that the plant room is part of your overall pool project. Making the pool project complete means not overlooking the importance of the pool equipment room. A well-designed pool equipment room is an essential part of the pool project, as it can make all the difference in terms of efficiency and cost savings; neglecting it can jeopardize the entire pool project. The aesthetics of the plant room should not be overlooked, regardless of whether it is a discreet or visible structure. There are ways to camouflage your plant room, like using decorative panels, building a coordinated shed or even integrating it into your pool house.
Conclusion
Designing a plant room for your pool may seem complex, but it is a crucial step in ensuring its proper functioning and durability. The design of the pool pump room should therefore be a priority for any pool owner, as it can have a significant impact on the pool’s longevity and performance.
To ensure you design a successful and efficient equipment room, consider the size and layout of the room. Moreover, consider the equipment needed, and the right conditions to house them. And don’t hesitate to call a professional to help you design the ideal pump room layout drawing for your pool.
