Manchester Aquatics Centre cuts the cost of dehumification
The refurbishment of three Munters desiccant dehumidifiers at Manchester Aquatics Centre has reduced running costs by about 20%, while preserving the building fabric and optimising comfort. The project involved replacing all major components, replacing the old reactivation ductwork with polypropylene and retrofitting the dehumidifers with Munters energy-recovery purge technology to reduce running costs.
Maintained by Serco Leisure, Manchester Aquatics Centre comprises a 50 m swimming pool, 25 m diving pool and a leisure pool with two water flumes. It is home to the City of Manchester Swim team and the GB water-polo team. Another 50 m swimming pool is used by the GB disability team.
The need to refurbish and upgrade the dehumidifiers arose during discussions around routine maintenance. Andy Dove, Munters service area manager says ‘Ensuring humidity is maintained to 55% RH helps to protect the building from costly damage and ensures a comfortable environment for swimmers. Accurately controlling RH in and around the pool is essential to preventing condensation on walls, ceilings and windows, which can lead to mould growth and result in unnecessary building maintenance and repairs.’
Munters engineers worked with Manchester Aquatics Centre to adapt the proposed solution to use polypropylene instead of stainless steel for the reactivation exhaust ductwork at the customer’s request.’
