r

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

OF

SWIMMING POOLS

A SAHU CEMENT SERVICE PUBLICATION

 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
OF
SWIMMING POOLS

General

Swimming is one of the most enjoyable forms of exercise,

but as it is not always possible to get nearby a lake or a river
suitable for swimming, one has to rely on artificial pools.
A few decades back such pools were the luxury of a few,
but the situation has since changed. Many swimming pools
have been constructed in cities and towns and there is an in-
creasing demand for them. in every important club and insti-
tutions. Consequently great attention has been given to the
subject by architects and engineers each from their own points
of view and a considerable volume of material is now available
on all the aspects of design and construction of swimming pools.
All who contemplate constructing pools should, therefore,
make themselves familiar with the fundamentals of these aspects
and ensure that the proposed constructions satisfy their essential
requirements as also those of the Amateur Swimming Associa-
tion of the country-which incidentally controls all aquatic sports
and contests.
The most important aspects of these requirements and
regulations, to the extent these affect planning and construction
have been dealt with in this pamphlet.

Site
The site should be reasonably extensive to allow for tennis
courts, lawns and pavilion being planned properly in conjunction
with the proposed swimming pool.

1
 The site for public pools should normally be accessible by
public transport and there must be adequate parking space.
The site should be open to the South and West and the pool
must obtain unrestricted sunlight. Freedom from soot and
dust, smoke and falling leaves, which foul the water must be
ensured as completely as possible. Trees should form part of
the landscape but should not be too near to cast undesirable
shadows (Figure I)

Function and Orientation

Swimming pools may be purely for bathing and swimming,

as also for aquatic sports allowing spectators to watch the
games and events. The spectators must not face the afternoon
sun and the orientation should therefore normally be east and
north. (Figure I )
North and east winds should as far as possible be sheltered
by dressing boxes and other structures connected with the pool-
a precaution which is very advantageous.
Public pools are to be entirely enclosed and separated from
adjoining areas. Enclosing is optional for semi private and
private ones, but for safety and sanitation some form of enclosure
is necessary,

Shape

The swimming pool is usually rectangular but may be circular,

oval or of any irregular shape to suit the site. If, however,
the pool is also meant for aquatic sports and competitions it
must be rectangular.

Rectangular pools usually have lengths equal to two or two

and half times the width-this proportion being the most conveni-
ent for use and economic in many respects.
Oval, circular or irregular shapes may be adopted for private
pools only; but even these .must contain a rectangular portion of
adequate size conforming to sports standards, if aquatic events
are desired to be held therein.

2
 N”l< :-
Pool to hc rheltcrcd from North
wind, and should have unrrstrictrd
sunshine.

f%rifi*n ofra of 4 P.M. (Delhi).

h4id June
Mid March
Mid December

J t
SEATING ARRANGEMENT

FIG. 2
z
CircuWon
L E L
B
“it”-
T Toilets. S s

L Lavatory.

D DLing

S
s.p. :;c,n*pmr 4

SPECI-ATORS.
PIG. 3

For lntcnsivc USC 15’.0” radiw.

Layout

The general layout must spontaneously guide the bathers to

follow a circulation, scientifically arranged to ensure the
freshness of water to be retained.

The entry should be directly through the entrance hall

(in which the pay box is inserted in public pools), where
after meeting the attendant in charge, men and women will
move to their respective sides, pick up their towels and
costumes, change their clothes and pass through the showers and
cleansing rooms before they enter the precincts of the pool.
(Figure 2)

Under no cricumstances ordinary clothes and shoes be carried

near to the bath. The design of the structures attached to the
swimming pool is thus solely governed by the circulation system.
Direct exit may be provided preferably through the entrance
hall, but to return bathers have as a matter of course, to repass
through the cleansing rooms. In big pools and establishments
it is absolutely necessary to arrange dry and wet dressing rooms,
so as to cause least inconvenience to the incoming and outgoing
bathers.

Control of bathers and spectators are very necessary indeed,

in all types of pools, not only for the cleanliness of the water
but also as a safety measure. Apart from the cost of water,
filling and unfilling are costly operations. Continuous puri-
fication system is still only possible for few establishments for
its initial cost and recurring expenses.

To bathe and swim in dirty or polluted water cannot only

set at naught all the possible advantages of a fine form of exercise
but also give rise to undesirable risks to health. The factor
which generally decides when to change the water, in ordinary
pools, is its appearance, but long before this stage is reached
water becomes contaminated. There is also the risk of accidents
due to lack of transparrency and many drowning fatalities have
actually occurred, which might have been avoided had it been
possible to see a bather in difficulties under the water.

4
Capacity

A swimmer requires about 36 sft. of water space, but all

the swimmers do not use the pool at the same time. The capacity
for peak load is therefore usually computed at 24 to 25 sft. per
bather. In actual practice this allowance has been seen to allow
maximum use without over crowding.

A diver requires about the same area but the minimum area
to be kept free of swimmers is a radius of IO ft. from the end of the
diving board. This will enable 12 persons to use the diving
board including those waiting and resting. The area will
necessarily have to be increased to I j ft. radius for more intensive
use. (Figure 3)
Si%G

The size of a pool will generally be governed by the number

of persons expected to use the bath, at any time, when meant
purely for bathing and swimming. From sports point of view
the dimensions must conform to the standards laid down by
the Amateur Swimming Association (A.S.A.), as regards depth
of water for diving, length of races, and for water polo matches.
It is expected that all swimming pools will like to have diving
boards and hold some swimming contests also.
The A.S.A. requires a minimum width of 5 feet of pool,
free from steps and other obstructions, for each competitor in
aquatic races. The recommended width of a pool for different
number of contestants are as follows :

No. of competitors Width of pool.

4 I j ‘-24’
25'--29'
ii 3o’-31’
7 36’-41’
8 ~$2'~~$8'

The recommended water space for water polo games of

ordinary standard is 3 7’ x 60’ with a minimum of 4 ft. depth of
water and go’xbo’ with 6’ depth of water for games of Interna-

5
 165’-0” (l/4 Furlong) Recommended for outdoor pools.
132’~0” (l/5 Furlong) Suitable for
100’~0” M.M. Recommended by
75’-0” Average for second class pools.
50’-0” For children.

SURROUND
=jl 1

RECOMMENDED DIMENSIONS OF
SWIMMING POOLS FOR
VARIOUS USE.
tional standard. No polo matches are allowed in pools of less
than 30’ width.
The recommended dimensions of swimming pools which
conform to the regulations of swimming and sports, are given
below :
(I) 163 ’ x 60’ Conforms to international regulations as
standard for races, for deep diving and for
full size polo field. Long distance swimming
races of 440 yds. and over are permitted.
(2) I 3 2' x 48’ Conforms to A.S.A. regulations generally and
permits all swimming races upto 440 yards-
Allows all diving board
(3) IOO'X 40’ Minimum size recommended by A.S.A. for
all purpose use. This is the minimum conveni-
ent racing length that provides a polo field for
tournaments and allows upto 5 metres diving
boards. This is also the usual economic
dimensions for indoor pools.
(4) 7j ’ x 30’ Average size for a second class pool and suits
all general purposes for schools, colleges and
clubs. No championships of any type are
allowed to be held in a pool of lesser dimen-
sions This is also the minimum length for races
upto 440 yards and allows one metre diving
board. (Figure-4)

Depth of Pool

The depth of a pool varies and is intimately associated with

the various functions which incidentally govern the length as
a safe slope of the floor has to be maintained.

The depth of water at the shallow end of a pool, for children

is ~‘-6” and 3’-on to 3’-3” at the deep end. The depth at the
shallow end, for adults varies from 3’ to 4’ and is generally kept
at 3’-3”. From this point the floor slopes down usually at
the rate’ of about I in 20 but never exceeding I in I 5 (a steep
slope is unsafe for bathers), till a depth of 6’-6” is reached. The
 11' (slope I in 4) but seldom
exceeding 30’ (about I in z) with the horizontal. The floor,
there after slopes upwards to the deep end very gently just
sufficient for draining the floor, while maintaining practically the
depth required for diving purposes. The difference between the
length at the deepest point and the deep end should never
be more than one foot, which will give a slope of I in
20 to I in 40. (Figure-l)

Depth in Relation to Diving

Diving forms a part of the equipment of most swimming
pools. Diving equipments consist of one and three metre
Spring Boards and the five and ten metre Firm Boards. The
heights of diving boards and the depths of pools are interrelated.

The depths needed for diving are controlled by the Interna-

tional Amateur Swimming Federation, to which almost all
countries are affiliated. It may not, however, be possible to adhere
strictly to the regulations of the Federation, in ordinary swimming
pools, but where organised contests are to be held in which col-
leges and universities participate, it will always be wise to follow
the minimum dimensions recommended by the body. These
depths have actually been decided after years of experience and
scientific analysis.

When a diver uses a one or three metre spring board his

head generally rises at an angle of about I 3’ from the vertical to
a height of 12' or more above the board and the diver may enter
the water anywhere upto II' forward from the edge of the
board.
The head of one diving from a firm board of five or ten metres
may rise I o’ above the end of the board at an angle of 2 3 ’ from the
vertical and the entry into the water may be upto 25' forward
in case of 3 metre and 21' for IO metre boards. The entry can
also be almost vertically below the edge of the diving board.
Consequently it is essential to have optimum depths from the
end of the board to the furthest points of entry into the water.

8
FIG. 5 TYPICAL SECTIONS.
1 75’ x 30

LONGITUDINAL SECTION

SUITABLE FOR 1 M.
STANDARD SPRING
BOARD UNOFFICIAL 3M. BOARDS
MAY ALSO BE USED

PLAN

J-l= I I lOO’x40”

LONGITUDINAL SECTION CROSS SECTION

1M. A N D 3 M .
SPRING BOARDS.
5M. FERM BOARD

III 132’ x48’

JE
1 ‘35’4” 65’-0”
r LOUTLETS ’
LONGITUDINAL SECTION

r-
I
SU &ABLE FOR
IM. ’ 3 M . SItKING
HOARD.
5 M . 1OM. F I R M
BO AIR D.
Various depths slightly different have been used without dis-
advantage but the ones recommended by the Federation are as
follows:

Depth in feet at Position of deepest

Type of Board deepest point point from edge of
pool I

x Mctrc Spring Board, 8’-0’ to V-6’ 1s’ - 18’

3 Merre Spring Board g’-6” to II’-6’ 2 0 ’- 2s’
J Metrc Firm Board IO’4 to 12’4 20' - 25"

IO Mctre Firm Board 1f-0" to rb’-o’ 30’ - 40’

The types of diving boards not always of International

standards, which could, however, be equipped to different
sizes of swimming pools are given below :

Maximum depth of water

Types of Diving Board
Standard Absolute
minimum

8’-0 ~‘-6” x metre Spring Board

9’4 V-6” xm. and 3m-Spring Board
IO’& 9’4 rm. & 3m-S.B. & jrn Firm Board
IJ’-o’ x4’-0” Im. & 3m-S.B. and sm. & rom
Firm Board,

Section of Pool

The greatest depth as shown above should be at the point

of entry centrally to the diving board. This is to be continued
transversely with slight upward slope from the centre for drainage,
in case of pools less than 40” wide. In wider pools, the deep
area should continue as such, transversely for at least IO feet on
either side of the centre after which the sides will slowly slope
up to help draining the water to the outlets, (Figure 11
10
Diving Boards and Platforms (Figures 6A and 6B)
(a) Spring Boards
(i) One Metre Spring Board:
One metre diving boards of international standard are
I 6’ long x 20" wide x 3” thick tapering to 11" from about
the middle of the board to the diving end. Unofficial lengths
are I 2' and 14’. The standard boards are mounted at a height
of 3’-3” above water line-while unofficial ones at 3’-0”. The
minimum projection for either, from the edge of the pool is
3’-3”. It is advisible to have the fulcrum adjusted over a range
of ~‘-3” on either side of the normal position.
These spring boards are made of flexible hard board and
are covered with coconut matting held down by meta cJamps,
so as not to iniure the feet af divers.
(ii) Three Metre Spring Board
The specification is the same as for one metre ones, but
the board is held down at the back only and rest on intermediate
support which is placed about 8’-9” from the diving end of the
board. The projection is 3’-3” minimum and usually more.
The anchorage must be firm to avoid any vibration or
deflection. It is most common, therefore, to arrange one metre
and three metre boards on pipe work frame support which
are fixed rigidly, preferably in cement concrete reinforced as
needed.

(b) Firm Boards

(a) Running Platforms.
(i) Five Metre Firm Boards
The standard dimension for such platforms is j m x 2 m
(16’ x 6’-63. These are made of teak or oak and are covered
with coconut matting 20” wide fixed centrally. They project
3’-3” from the edge of the pool and are mounted at a height of
j metre from the water line. The boards should be stiff and
there should be absolutely no springing action.

11
 FIG 6 A

1
1
PART LO N GI TUDINAL SECTION
TROUGH SWIMMING POOL

IM. SPRING BOARD.

0A 7’-6” TO 8’-0’

0B 8’-0” TO &-6’

3M. SPRING BOARD.

0C I5’-0’ T O 18’-O*
. I

0A 8’-6” TO IO’-6”

0B Y-6’ TO 1 l.‘-6’

0C 20’-0” T O 25’-O”
SM. F-ERM BOARD
9’4)” T O ll’-0”

0B lo’-0’ T O 1.2’-0’

1OM. FERM BOARD

0C 20’-@* T O 25’-0’

0A 14’-O” T o 15’-0”

0B 15’-01 T O 16’-0’:

0C 30’-0’ T O 40’-0”

12
 REAR
‘SIDE ELEVATION

SET IN CONCRETE
TO BE OF BRASS l t”- B -R A-S S - P- L A
- T E
. - - - - -
Sl EPS TO BE MADE
NON SLIP PLAN
1 M E T R E B O A R D (3’-3”).

3 M E T R E B 0 A R D (IO’-0’)

FRONT
-9-m
I- , 16’-0’ I
‘9 7’-3’ I. 8’-9’ I
h i- I -I

REAR
FIG. 7

~10 METER LEVEL

4
Li t7.5 METER LEVEL

+ 5 METER LEVEL

_1_---
-----1 lx- ,T 3 METER LEVEL
r

14
 (ii) Ten Metre Firm Boards
Ten Metre Firm Boards have the same specification as
above and are fixed at a height of IO metre and project, two
metre (or 6’-6”) from the edge i.e. 3’-3* from the board below.
(b) Standing Platforms
Standing Platforms have the same specifications except
for length which could be much less but never less than 4’-6”.
Standing Platforms are not to be arranged under running
boards.

Diving Board Stages (Figure 7)

Diving stages are constructed in large open air baths only
and are made of metal timber or R.C.C.-the latter having
the greatest mobility and life for the expenditure involved.
The maximum height of diving stages could be 36’ but
usually the International standard of five and IO metres are
maintained with a 24’ stage (maximum for women divers)
and 12’ stage added. One and three metre boards are usually
incorporated. For safety these stages are staggered and each
stage above projects 3’-3” beyond the one below. Adequate
railings are provided on the platforms on three sides finishing
at least three feet from the diving end of the boards. Diving
stages are to be so placed as to avoid one person diving over
the head of another.
Diving stages should be so constructed that the supports
do not interfere with the free use of the end of the swimming
pool for races and other events. Some form of cantilever
construction in R.C.C. is the most convenient solution.
There should be suitable access to the different stages by
steps. Reinforced concrete steps are incorporated in the
main members being placed at an angle of about 60” with the
horizontal. Ladders are not suitable for these heights.

Pool Surrounds
Pool surrounds should be of masonry; grass verges
beyond the surround paving are attractive in appearance but

15
are not recommended if the pool be used heavily. These
should preferably have a width of 8’ at the sides and IO' at the
ends, the absolute minimum being 4’ and 8’. It should gently
slope away from the pool coping-say about r in 40 to I in 60,
so that water falling from the bathers’ costumes and from
washing will drain outwards. A shallow surface channel is
provided for the purpose at the outer edge. Surrounds sloping
towards the pool and drained through the outlets of the scum-
trough are also constructed.

The surround should be thoroughly slip proof and there

are several methods to achieve this result. Ribbed floor
tiles, mosaic, cement and terrazzo specially made non-slip
by addition of abrasive aggregates and asphalt paving could be
used ; but whatever is used it must be sympathetic to bare feet
as also safe for shoes where shoes are permitted.

Pool Coping (Figure 8)

Pool copings should provide a completely secure foothold

at the pool edge and an excellent take off. It will be preferable
to have this in a colour contrasting with the surrounds and
with the pool so as to decarcate the edge. It is essential that
the coping is absolutely non-slip. Terrazzo, in which appro-
priate quantity of fine abrasive aggregate is added, makes an
excellent non-slip finish and can be used with great advantages.

Scum Trough

A scum trough is an extremely important feature of a

swimming pool. Although, as the name implies, its principal
function is to remove floating impurities, it serves the very
necessary purpose of a spitoon and constitutes a handrail,
thereby eliminating an obstruction.

In the fill and empty type of pool, floating impurities are

cleared by scum trough generally, and the bath is cleared
thoroughly by the bottom outlet at intervals. In the circulating
water system, emptying is done in rare occasions and as such
there may be more accumulation of organic matter. This
16
makes the scum trough more important in pool with filtration
plants.

Scum troughs are generally of two types-surround troughs

and wall troughs. Some wall troughs project from the pool
wall, some are set back while some may be absolutely flush-
the last one being the most convenient. The troughs should
continue all round the walls of the pool. In the surround
troughs platform water drips into the gutter and may splash
into the pool which is not at all desirable.

A well formed scum trough will be deep enough to prevent

water splashing and will not injure the hands of the bathers.
The channel edges which form the hand rail must be absolutely
non-slip. Different types of channel edges are available in
many places, but the most economical proposition, where
one is left to one’s own arrangement, is coloured terrazzo.
This will look pleasing, could be precast or cast in situ as
desired and will wear well. The channels could also be made
of cement concrete, rendered suitably, which will serve the
purpose but will not look so pleasant.

Steps and Ladders (Figure y)

Swimming pool ladders may project into the pool or
may be formed without projection in the wall. The latter
are to be preferred as these are permanent and cause no obstruc-
tion. Those that project should be removable to prevent
injury to the’ swimmers.

Recessed ladders may be rung type or step type and

can be made of wood, cement concrete, mosaic or floor
tiles. The wood ones are made slip-proof by fixing
canvas or fibre, while terrazzo is made non-slip easily as
mentioned before.

A recessed built-up step ladder is very convenient and

is not widely used. It is very pleasing in appearance and easy
in ascent. The treads are such that there is no possibility
of one’s foot being injured or ankle sprained.

18
cl
REC
 Separate hand rails are needed for recessed steps and these
are required to be taken down below water level as the swimmer
grips these when coming out of the water.
Hand rails above water level may be of wrought iron,
\ copper or brass but the portion submerged should preferably
be of stainless steel. These hand rails are usually of a inches
I
diameter held in place by proper fixing arrangement.
Markinga
A series of lines about 3” wide and not less than 5’ centre
to centre are marked longitudinally at the bottom of the pool
to denote the lanes over which the competitors swim at the
time of races. The outside lines should be 2'4" to 38’-0”
from the side walls. These lines are continued upto about
4’9” from the end walls; in some pools these are stopped at
1’4, from the ends.
The varying depths of water and relative distances are
also marked on the sides of the pool quite prominently so as
to be easily seen from a distance.
The lines may be of the same material as the internal finish
of the pool-but of some contrasting colour.
Dressing Rooms and Boxes
These may be Communal dressing rooms or dressing
boxes.

(a) Communal Dressing Rooms

These are convenient for schools, colleges and clubs and
usually consist of a large room with seats placed conveniently
with clothes hooks about 12" to 18” apart and 5’ to 6’ above the
floor. Seats are about 8” wide and placed 18” above the floor.
All valuables are left with the attendant. Lockers II” deep
may be provided in place of exposed clothes hooks.

(b) Dressirtg Boxes

These are provided for ladies in every swimming pool
and for men also in better type of pools. There are several
possible layouts of which one is shown in Figure IO.

20
F I G . 10

LA-- -7 [DL”L”[

._ ENTRY
+
ENTRANCE L LEGEND
LOBBY la
- D DRESSING BOX
TO U URINAL
SHOWER W.B. WASH BASIN.
L LOCKER.
MASSAGE A ATTENDANT
T TOWEL.

, DRESSING BOXES AND

LAVATORIES.
 Dressing boxes should be 3 ft. centre to centre and 4’ to
5’ in length the latter allowing doors to open inside which
is safer.

Partitions are made 6’-6” high, 6” clear at the bottom.

These may be of teak, metal, terrazzo slab, tiles or asbestos
cement or any other suitable material. Ply boards and masonites
are not suitable. Asbestos cement is, however, the cheapest,
Doors will also be of the same height as partitions and have
the same clearance. Seats will be to the full width of the box,
12~ deep, 18” above but completely clear of the floor. A small
shelf, mirror and coat hooks form the usual equipment.

The total number of boxes needed for a pool, will depend

on the method and type of use. Mixed bathing will require
dressing boxes and lavatories to be duplicated to some extent.
It would, however, be possible to stagger the days for men
and women in clubs and other institutions-which will reduce
dressing accommodation. But diving competitions and some
sports events may be held on the same day and it may not
always be possible to segregate men and women by staggering
the dates.
It will therefore be better to have arrangements both for
men and women in growing institutions and clubs, which will
increase the cost but will enable greater flexibility of use.

The boxes may be arranged on two principles. In the

first arrangement each bather has a separate box in which he
leaves his clothes after undressing and keeps the key with him.
In the other arrangement a bather hands over his clothes after
changing in a cubicle, to the attendant leaving his box free
for others. Clothes could be kept in a paper bag and the
handing over can be done through a small service door. The
clothes are kept in a locker if in a packet or are hung if loose.
One box may serve about IO to 15 bathers during peak period,
as these boxes are engaged for comparatively short periods for
dressing and undressing.

Usually 8 boxes per IOO men and IO to IZ boxes per IOO

women bathers computed on the peak load, are sufficient,

22
 a

Lockers
These are arranged to accommodate clothings, the usual
sizes being I 3” x z” x 48” high for juniors and 3 ” x I z” x 3 4”
I I

for seniors. Three lockers per dressings box is the usual

provision.

Showers
Showers are very important and no one should be permitted
to step inside a swimming pool unless he has used a shower
immediately before. The position and design of the shower
should therefore be such as to encourage use without compul-
sion. There should be one shower per 40 men bathers and
one per 30 women at peak load. These are usually 3’ wide
for men and 4’ for women.
Footbaths
Some form of footbath is essential for ‘cleanliness and a
simple arrangement is a sunk portion in the floor through
which water should flow continuously and which should be
placed such that one has to pass over it to reach the pool.
Lavatories
Lavatories should be attached to dressing boxes and
preferably available also for use without going through these
boxes, particularly as these would be used bysun bathers when
this passive exercise comes into vogue.
The provision of lavatory fittings may generally be as
below.

No. required for men IN o, required for women

Fittings
Rate Minimum Rate Minimum

Wash Hand
Basin X/Z0 3 I/Z0 3
W.C. IhO. 2 430 3
Urinal l/P a - -

23
Water-Quality and Quantity

The question of water supply will have to be’ examined

in detail and when this is dependent on supply from the mains,
the appropriate authorities must be consulted.
In swimming pools, water-safe for bathing-must
always be maintained. The value of swimming is being
progressively appreciated and many institutions in our country
are building their own pools. But unless water is perfectly
satisfactory from public health point of view, it will form a
medium to spread various diseases to which the young and
adolescent are particularly susceptible. Impure water gives no
attraction to bathing. Water in a pool, has therefore to be
changed very often in the “fill and empty” types and filtered
properly in a pool equipped with continuous filtration plant.

In the fill and empty system, the water is naturally fresh

and sparkling when filled and a few groups of bathers who
are first served get an advantage. But with each successive
bather contamination increases and the water rapidly deteriorates
both in purity and appearance after some time, depending on
the use. A lot of time is also always wasted in emptying and
filling.

The following table shows the quantity of water which has

to be handled in different pools.

Size Area Volume Quantity

(ft.> (Sft.) (Cft) (Gallons)

16j’X60’ 9,o-J 100,oaJ 6,w35~

10&x42 4,200 32,000 2,00,000

7s’ x30’ %2JO Is.- 931710

To throw away about one lac gallons of water for a small

pool of 73’ x 30’ every week or so is a tremendous strain,
except when this is available cheaply and the waste could be
used for irrigation with advantage.

24
 Continuous filtration system, by which the water is sterilised
and circulated again is definitely advantageous and economical
in the long run. The water is maintained in a condition as
near to perfection as possible at all times even under the heaviest
load. All new swimming pools under construction or
contemplation should therefore make arrangement to provide
such plants in advance as it will be costly and will involve
unnecessary cutting and making good.

The process consists of pumping water from a screened

outlet through a strainer where large solids like buttons fibres
etc. are arrested. The water is then passed to a filter and on
its way is treated with a small doze of coagulant, about I. 5 lb.
of sulphate of alumina per 10,000 gallons, which reacts with
the alkaline salts in the water and from a fluffy jelly coagulating
all finely suspended matter like hair, and removing a part of
bacteria present in the contaminated water.

The filter, which may be gravity or pressure type, consists

of a filter bed containing graded gravel and fine quartz sand,
and is worked in a way which enables the entire quantity of a
swimming bath water to be circulated and properly sterilised
in about eight hours time. For pools used intensively and
when the atmosphere itself is polluted to some extent, the turn
over period may vary from 4 hours to 6 hours. The normal
capacity of a pressure fdter is 200 gallons per hour per square
foot of filter. A small pool of 73’~ 30’ will require about
8 ft. diameter filter bed.

The more efficient the filter medium the more dirty will
it become. It will therefore be necessary to have the bed
violently agitated by compressed air to dislodge the collected
impurities and wash these away, by reversing the flow of water,
directly to the waste channel.

The water is then treated with chlorine in some form

which is added very accurately so that there be no excess to
avoid smarting eyes and unpleasant taste. Free chlorine should
not be less than o. 2 and should not be more than o. I parts
per million parts of water.

25
 Water is finally aerated to remove gases formed in the
process and to restore its natural sparkle and purity by oxygena-
tion. A perforated pipe with spreaders, is normally used and
water flows over a cascade which in different forms could be
made very pleasing in appearance. The same water could be
used over and over again and there are pools in existence where
the water has not been changed even after a year of continuous
use without any complaint or disadvantage.

Construction
Excavation
A considerable .quantity of soil is involved in the excavation.
The,top soil could be removed carefully and preserved for use
elsewhere in the general scheme.
The disposal of rain water, while the excavation is proceed-
ing and of the subsoil water which may be struck in the course
of digging should be very carefully arranged. Suitable drainage
channels could be constructed to dispose the water by gravity
where suitable grades are available. In other cases the accumu-
lation will require to be dealt with by pumping. Any natural
drainage channel found underneath the proposed swimming
pool bed, must be filled up and the trenches diverted.

Foundation
Swimming pools should preferably be constructed such
that the foundation of the deepest point is below the subsoil
water level in order that no upward thrust of the water is
countered. To prevent water rising up suitable subsoil
drainage will have to be provided. Porous concrete pipe
lines laid at the back of the pool walls and under the floors
as required on site and soil conditions, will solve the problem.

It is essential to prevent drying up or softening of the

excavated area and as such some suitable covering material
will be needed below the actual pool floor material, Lime
concrete 2” to 3” thick will help in this direction and also provide
a neat surface for placing of reinforcement and a base for
concrete work where reinforced concrete is adopted.

26
 Swimming pools should possess sufficient elasticity to
withstand the consequences of earth movement and still retain
water-tightness without any special reinforcing process. In
places where earth tremors occur, layer of 6” sand placed below
the entire bed will prove very useful.

Construction Material
Swimming pool could be constructed of traditional
masonry or reinforced concrete. The former will always
require suitable material for lining and specific arrangement
to make a pool leak-proof. The walls of a swimming pool
should be designed to withstand the hydrostatic pressure of
water when full and earth pressure when empty. It is possible
to have hydrostatic pressure at the outside when due to per-
colation of water, by chance, there may be a layer of water
between the pool walls and the earth filling. Further when
the pool is empty, there is likelihood of upward thrust of
subsoil water, if drainage is faulty and cracks will develop.
In such circumstances reinforced concrete constitutes the
ideal material, economical in the long run in spite of the
comparatively heavier initial cost involved.
Concrete must be perfectly watertight as it would not be
possible or feasible to depend on the lining material where this
may be provided. Different proportions have been used with
success in different pools, but the ones recommended in the
Code of Practice for the Design and Construction of Reinforced
CoBcrete structures for the storage of liquids should be followed.
In brief the recommendations are as follows:-
Concrete Proportion . . I: I .6 : 3 .2
Modular Radio . . 12
Minimum Cover *. I I
Maximum Compressive stress
of concrete . . 88 psi.
Maximum tensile stress of steel I 2,000 psi.
Minimum thickness of slab . . 4”
Swimming Pools have, however, been actually construct-
e d u s i n g x:2:4 concrete. This proportion with properly

27

/
graded material and with controlled water, has yielded perfectly
watertight concrete. An addition of hydrated lime to the
mixing water, amounting to 1 to 74% by weight of cement
will help very much in rendering the resulting concrete water-
tight. Patent water-proofing ingredients may also be used
with greater advantage. Concrete should be stiff but workable
and use of vibrator is always recommended.

Design

The walls of the swimming pools are to be designed as

a cantilever retaining wall to retain the various depths of water
inside and the earth pressure outside. Stresses as indicated be-
fore will have to be followed.

Expansion joints are needed at every 30’ to 40’ in the floors

and walls. Concreting has to be done between expansion joints
in a series of horizontal layers about 3 feet deep allowing su&
cient time to elapse between placings. Horizontal construction
joints should also be provided say- by using dowels of z ft. long
bars of which I ft. is inserted in the previous layer- the other
portion being embedded in the upper one. Other usual pre-
cautions like removing flakes, washing, brushing and applying
rich cement mortar will have to be followed with precision.

A section of the R.C.C. wall at the deep and designed on

the Code of Practice for liquid retaining structures is given in
Figure I I.

The floors and walls should be slip proof and smooth so

as to prevent accumulation of dirt.

A variety of finishes are possible for the swimming pool

surface. The cement concrete face itself has been utilised in
some cases with some treatment. Certain patent products
like Redalon are available which when applied to the inner
surface of the shuttering before concreting retards the settling
of the immediate surface in contact approximately to a depth
of 1/4” and allows sufficient time for brushing and finishing in
any desired manner.

28
 Coloured terrazzo either in situ or precast, made non-slip
by the addition of suitable abrasive aggregates could be used
with great advantage and is very pleasing in appearance. Tiles
and mosaics of different varieties are used with great effect
These are to be laid on a screed with close joints. All angles
and corners are to be coved and rounded.
Curing

Curing has to be done very carefully. The surface should

not be allowed to dry up quickly and crack. Covering with
wet canvas or coconut matting will always be preferable. Sand
will not prove successful on a sloping floor.

Lighting
As open air baths are likely to be used often in the evenings
and nights, some provision for artificial lightings will have to
be made. Specially designed floodlights are manufactured.
It is usual to have a general diffusion as also concentrated flood
over salient features. The edges of swimming pool, the diving
boards and the depth markings should always be very adequately
lighted.
Under water lighting is a very attractive feature in swim-
ming pools, but it is a costly operation both in installation and
maintenance. Once a pool is constructed it will be a costlier
process to break and install later. It is, however, admitted that
with the growing demands of swimming pools underwater
lighting will be soon a necessity. It will therefore be better to
arrange watertight tighting frames while the construction is
proceeding and glaze these with armoured glass fixtures (lenses
and reflectors) for use when needed.
The lighting units are placed 2’-6” below water level so
as to be below the level at which swimmers push off, and are
spaced at about IO ft. centres. The deep end, where more
depth of penetration is needed will have about 5 ft. spacing.
The overhead lighting must have to be arranged very sc-
ientifically for bad surface reflectors may destroy the advanta-
ges of underwater illumination

29
Accommodation

The spectators should have separate entrances and should

be separated from the bathers and should not have any access
to the pool surround. Seating could be provided sheltered by
the administration buildings, but in that case the buildings should
be slightly set back from the pool surround and reasonable
barriers, provided. The general seating should be on the op-
posite side. The lowest tier of seat should be raised well above
the walking space surrounding the pool.

Refreehmentr

Catering facilities are usual in big open air baths, but even
in small ones there must be arrangement for supply of tea,
co&e, soft drinks and confectionery available both to bathers
and spectators.
We shall now illustrate the above principle and methods
by working out a typical numerical example of a design.
Pressure At Any Depth

The walls of the swimming pool are designed as cantilevers

as mentioned before.
When the pool is full, the walls will be subject to water
pressure equjvalent to 62.4 x h Ibs. per square foot at a depth
of ‘h’ feet from the water surface. The resistance offered by
the back filling is not taken into account.
When the pool is empty, the side walls will act as re-
taining walls, the retained material being earth, sand or gravel
which exert pressure on the walls not much different from or-
dinary fluid. The intensity of this pressure @ in lbs. per sq. ft.)
at any height from top of the fill depends on the weight of ma-
terials retained (w per cft.), the angle of repose (@ in degrees),
the height (‘F in feet) and is given by the equation-
P = w x h x -( ‘-‘in ‘) pounds per sq - ft *
(IfSin $9
Taking gS = 30’ and w = IIO lbs. per cft., the equa-
tion reduces to : P = 36.6 h. pounds per sq. ft.

30
 In the case of cantilevers, it would be necessary
(a) to provide adequate reinforcement for bending mo-
ment and shear to retain earth and water independently,
@) to ensure that the overturning moment is less than the
stabilizing moment,
(c) to keep the pressure on foundation within safe limits,
(d) to ensure stability against sliding.

Thickness Of Section And Reinforcement

(I) When Pool is full

(a) Deep end. 8)-o” depth of water (see Fig. xra)

Maximum water pressure at this depth is

8 x 62.4 = 499 Ibs. per sq. ft.

B . M. at this section 4??.__-.---

x *’ x I2 =64,000 in lbs.
6

-6q,obo
Effective depth = = 6”
152 x 12

add I# cover on each face: overall depth = 8”

Note: Earlier compression strength was given as 880

psi which is the maximum allowed by the code
for “Water Retaining Structures” for I: I .6: 3.2
concrete. The relative value for ‘c is 188.
But unless everything is controlled scientifically
(which may not always be possible), it would
be better to keep the value of compression
strength at 7~0 psi for which the resistance factor
is 152.

64,000
Tension Steel = ____ = I. 06 sq. inches.
12000 x 6 x .84
use 314” dia. rods @ 5” centres.

These ho-Never need not be carried to full height due to

obvious reasons.

31
320 LBSIPSF

co
w

-
1-L

1690 PSF
 Horizontal steel should be .3% of concrete section for
water retaining structures - or .216 sq. inches for 5” x 72”
strip.

Use 4” dia. at IO ” centres.

(b) Middle of Pool

Depth of water = 6’-6” (see figure I 2 b)
By =b.jx 62.4~6.~~6.~~12
. . = 34320 in lbs.
6

Effective depth of section I tGs2- = 4. j ’

Add 2” for cover or 6.5” say 7”

_ 34320 o. 86 sq. riches
A
’ = 12oooxj x .84 =
Use 3/4” rods @ 74” centres.
Horizontal rods: 4” dia @ 12” centres.

(c) Shallow End-

Depth of water 3’-3” (see figure I IC)

B.M. - 4250 in lbs.
Effective depth= I .6”
But minimum Section as per code is 4” and
with 2” cover the section provided is 6”
4250 - = . sq. inches.
At = II
12000x4x .84

Use )” rods @ IO” centres.

Horizontal rods: 7116” dia @ 12” centres.

In actual practice the spacing of bars will be gradually

adjusted at definite stages.

(II) When Pool is empty. (Earth pressure considered).

(a) Deep End of Pool-(see Figure. r2a)
Pressure at a section just above the footing is
36.6 x 9 = 329.4 lbs. per square foot.

33
 DEEP END MID&E OF POOL

-TILE FINISH

+‘@ RODS @ lO’C/C (VERTICAL) -

,t”c$ RODS @ lO’C/C. (VERTICAL)

COVER 1”.
i”Q, RODS @, lO”C/C
WATER EARTH / +“c# RODS @ lO”C/C
A”# RODS @ 12%/C. SECTION Tl
WATER. EARTH

COVER 1” ,%” @ RODS @ 12”C/C

3 c
B

f”$ RODS 6-j 71°C

(F
A”4 RODS ‘Q lO”C/C.(HORIZONTAL)

&4 RODS @ 5’C/C (VERTICAL a”$ RODS @ 74%/C. (VERTICAL) /$ q5 R O D S @ 1O”CC

/
$” $ RODS @ 10X/C

RODS @ 15”C/c.
l4F s @ 15”Cpz

FIG. 12(a). FIG. 12(b).

 The bending momement at this section is
329.4 x 9 x 9 x I2
.= 13,363 in lbs.
6

Effective depth = 53, 363 = 3.8 inches.

134X12

Effective section provided is 6”

At = 13,363 = .63 sq. inches

16000x6x .86
Use 314” dia. @ 71” centres.
Horizontal bars at 21 yO or o. 17 sq. inches. Use 7/16” dia.
rods at IO” centres.

(b) Middle of Pool-

BM _ 36.6 x 7,.y x 7.1 x 7.1 x 12

. .-
6
= 30,900 in Ibs.

30,900 ‘
Effective depth = ___
134 X I2

= 4”.4.
Section provided is 3I

At = 30,900 = -45 sq. inches.

16ooox~x.86
Use 314’ dia. @ IO” centres
Horizontal rods - 318” dia. at IOO”

(c)., Shallow End _ I

36.6 x4.25 x4.21 x.4.25 x 12,,j6jo

-B;M. =
6 .:’
jbjo’
At = . I I sq. inches.
16000 x 4 x .86=
-Usi 4” . dia; ‘@ IO” de&es

Horizontals 318” dia. @ 1.2” centres.,

Note: The section provided at the top is 3” in-
‘. elusive--of cover in ‘all Cases.

35
Preeeure On Foundation And Design of Footings

(a) Deep End - Depth of fill - IO'-o" (see Figure I xa)

(i) Horizontal forces due to pressure of earth, per,
foot run of wall:-
36.6
-1-x IO x IO = 1830 lbs.

and this acts at a point 3.3 3 ft. above the bottom.

The moment of this horizontal force at the point
A will be = 1830 x 3.33 = 6100 ft. Ibs.
(ii) Vertical forces per ft run of wall Moment about

(ftk)
Base: 5 x o. 5 x 144 = 360 lbs. 540x2.96=1490
180 lbs.
j x 0.21 x I+$ = -
540 lbs.
2 x 0.5 x 14 = 14 lbs. 216x6.55=1415
72 Ibs.
2 x 0.25 x 14.4 3 - - - -
216 lbs.

Stem:. 1+‘3 x IO x x44=780 lbs.

2 x I2
780 x 5.33 =4160
Total I 5 36 lbs. 7065
The moment of the vertical forces is more than that due
to the horizontal one, and as such there will be no overturning.
The point of the base through which the resulting vertical
7065 or 4.60’ from the point A
force passes is at a distance of -
1536
The resultant of the vertical and horizontal forces cuts the base
at a point. 63 feet to the right of (A) and 3.20 ft. to the left of
the centre line. (see Figure I ~a)
The eccentricity being 3.20’ the pressure on the foundation
at point A applying the formula given in Hook’s Reinforced
Concrete - (Part II - page 43), will be :-
4 x 1830
= 1920 lbs. per sft.
j(7.67 - 2 x 3.20)
36
 This is less than the bearing power of the ordinary soil
which is taken at I ton per sft.

The resultant does not cut the middle third and as such
only a portion of the base will be under pressure as shown in
figure I x(a).

(b) Middle of Pool

(i) Depth of earth fU= .8’. 6” (see Figure 2 xb)
(a) Horizontal force per ft. run of walh-

=18.3 x 8 . 3 = 1322 lbs. Moment 1322 x -

8.5
3
=3746 ft. lb.

(b) Vertical forces per Moment about (A)

ft. run of wall. ft. pounds.

Base 414 Ibs. 414 x 2.13 - 882ft.lbs.
189 lbs. 189 x j . 1 8 = g7gft. ,,
stem 612 lbs. 612 X 4.12=2j24
-
1213 lbs. 4384 ft lb:.

The point of application of the resulting vertical force

is at a distance of % = 3.60 ft. from A. The resultant of
the vertical and horizontal forces cut the foundation base at a
point o. 5 2 ft. to the right of (A) and 2.16 ft. to the left of the
centre line of the base - (see figure I 1 b).

The eccentricity is thus 2.3 6 ft. and the pressure of founda-

tion at point A is
4 x 1322
3(6 x 17- 2 x 2.36) = 1690 lbs.

The pressure is not uniform due to this eccentricity and

reduces to zero at a point I .37 ft. from A-
6.17
X = 3 x 2.36----= 4.60 ft.
2

and(t--x)=6.17-4.60=x.~7ft.

37
 (c) Shallow End - (see Figure I la)
(i) Horizontal force per Moment about
ft. run of wall (4
104 lbs. 880 ft. Ibs.
(ii) Vertical forces.
720 Ibs. 1533 ft. Ibs.

The resulting vertical force passes through a point% =

2. I 3 ft. from A and the resultant of the vertical and horizontal
forces cut the base at a point I. 14 ft. to the right of (A) and
0.86 ft. to the left of the centre line of the foundation base.
The pressure on foundation at the point A will be:
4x IO4
~Xo.86) = joo lbs.
This is reduced gradually till it becomes zero at 3.42 ft.
from A-
x = 3 x 0.86 - -$ = 0.18 a n d
(t-X) = 4 - 0.18 = 3.42 ft.

Calculation of Footing Reinforcement

The toe cantilever is resisting the upward pressure of the
soil from below and the downward load of the toe itself.
Considering 12” width of toe the bending moments for
deep end, middle and shallow end are as follows: (see fig. ~xa,
rrb a n d IIC).
(a) Deep End
B.M. at section BC is-
6”+12”
-1536x4;37 x 12+-- xj x144x(1-2.76)x12
2 X.12
=-8ojjo+ 14515 =-66035inlbs.

‘Effective depth= 66035

16.j”
134 x I2
The section provided at this .point is 12” and allow-
ing liberally for cover, 9” is considered as effective
depth.

38
r - ------------

39
 At = 6603 I .70 sq. inches.
12000 x.86x9 =
Use 314” dia @ 7)” inches.
Cross bars - 4’ dia @ 12" centres.
Middle of Pool
B.M. at section BC =
- 1215 x 3.31 X 12 -l- 414 x 2.13 x Izinlbs.
= - 48260 + IO~SO
= - 37680 in Ibs.
37680
Tension Steel = 16000 x .86 x .28 sq. inches.
9 =
Use )” dia rods at 7)” centres
Cross bars:
Use 2 dia at 12' centres.

(c) Shallow End

Follow the same arrangement as (b)

Design Of Floor
Floors are to be designed to withstand the weight of water
pressing downwards and the reaction of the ground acting up-
wards. Further, there may be hydrostatic uplift when the pool
is empty.
This uplift is a very tricky problem. Water may find its
way to the bed of the foundation down the side of the wall or
by percolation through the soil. Even a thin film of such water
exerts a pressure as if the structure were submerged. To
allow this condition and to provide full reinforcement to take
all the stress due to uplift would be simply wasteful. The
bed and the surrounding may easily be drained properly by
subsoil drainage by a line of concrete drain pipe surrounding
the building. The pipe should be perforated or open jointed
and the excavation above these drain pipes should be filled to a
depth about a feet or more, depending upon the plasticity of the
soil, with gravel cinders or some other materials of a porous
nature through which water can seep easily to the drain below.
If the soil is clayed some precautions will be needed to pro-
vide for the gain and loss of water even at a considerable depth

40
below, with the change of weather. Any excavation made in
the vicinity will create a condition which may allow the clay
under pressure to escape from under the building if not properly
drained or otherwise protected. This protection is very im-
portant.
With all these precautions the floor slab of a swimming
pool will need only enough reinforcement to span over possible
weak patches on the ground. A 3” slab with 3/S” bars placed
at 6” centres both ways will be adequate for this purpose.
A mass concrete foundation layer of 4’ to 6” or a lime con-
crete layer of 6” or a layer of 6” of sand with 3” mass concrete
above may be laid first according to the nature of the soil, the
surrounding conditions and the disposition of the natural
drainage. The drainage of the sub-soil will have to be provided
before the floor is laid as any shower, after the concrete is laid,
may cause an uplift. Cases have been reported where a floor
has actually bulged and cracked after heavy rainfall.
Expansion joints are needed approximately at 30’ to 33’
centres.
Lining of the Pool
When swimming pools are constructed in brick or masony
the walls are needed to be of considerable thickness and lining
materials are chosen to perform structural functions also. With
reinforced concrete as the wall a relatively thin and effective
material is obtained requiring no structural fun$on out of the
lirimg. The engineer and the architect are now free to choose
this purely on merits of..lining alone. The question of lining
hiis. already been discussed before.
Improvemekof Exist&‘S+-qn~ Pools
Existing swimming -pools which are constructed of masonry
and are not functioning welLeither structurally or from surface
consideration can be easily made good by proper reinforced
concrete linings, the thickness depending on the nature of the
defects found at site. ’
General arrangement of a Swimming Pools
Fig. 14 shows a typical arrangement of a 7~‘x30’ swim-
ming pool, with all the necessary details.

41
 MIDDLE OF POOL SHAUAOW END.
EXPANSION JOINT (FLOOR).
MASTIC I;ILLING
I . ” I ,- TILES FINISH
1 :“$ RODS @ 6”CIC $“@ RODS @ S”C/C
!U 3 BOTH WAYS BOTH WAYS
T I L E FINISII
.
.
\ f
‘W I ,kL
1 O”C/C . (VERTICAL) BASE BASE
t-----4

BAS 1’
1 “QI RODS @, 1 O”C/C - I A” $I RODS @j 12”C/C.
B i; 1 I-
, $“# R O D S @ lO”C/C
@! 12%/C. SECTION THRO. FLOOR $“$RoDs 1” q5 RODS @ lO”C/C.
WATER. EARTH

$” @ R O D S @, 12”C/C

RODS @ 15”C/C.

f”$ RODS @ 7&“C/(

b.
; .@ IO”C/C.(HORIZONTAL)
FIG. 12(c).
IAM.
9 7&“C/C. (VERTICAL) ,g g5 R O D S @ 1O”CC

3” q5 RODS @ lO”C/C EXPANSION JOINT: - (VERTICAL JOINT)

EARTH-SIDE.
7 MASTER FILLER
I l
@ 15”C/C. A”@ RODS @ 12”C/(

TILE OR TERRAZZO
WATER SIDE.
SECTION THRO. WALL
FIG. 12(b).
 I’-ij” DI\‘ISG BOARD

II 1
cJ WATER LEVEL II il’
SCUM CHANNEL
3’-3?
S L O P E I: ~5.~

481-9”‘.

SECTION AA

-’
I MEN - > rnr r APSIRI F. CATF. I I
4

A-

LEGEND

D DRESSING BOXES

S SHOWERS

L LOCKERS

\\‘B WASH HAND BASIN

U URINAL

I- MENS’ SECTION 1 ENTRANCE 1

I I-
WO,MFNS’ SECTION
! \Jf

A
W.C.

ATTEKLX~NT

PROPOSED SWIMMING POOL-75 x 30’