Best Practices for a Successful Natatorium Enclosure

10:15am – 11:15am

Jonathan Smegal, MASc, PEng

Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Credits: This session has been approved for 1.0 IIBEC CEH. | This session has been approved for 1.0 AIA LU/Elective. | 1 hour (60 min) of Education is eligible for 1 BSS Credit | 1 OAA Core Learning Hour | Session may qualify for PEEK CPD.
Session Topics(s): Exterior Wall: EW, Case Studies: CST

Learning Objectives
At the end of this session, the attendee will be able to:

• Identify high-risk enclosure details for air leakage and best practice air barrier system strategies.
• Identify key high-level HVAC design requirements.
• Verify building operation pressures by measurement and calculation.
• Explain the main causes of natatorium building failures in cold climates.

Description
The indoor environment of natatoriums, or indoor pools, is typically characterized by elevated air temperatures and relative humidity levels. In climates with cool-to-cold winters, outdoor temperatures frequently drop below the dewpoint of the indoor environment. Where air leakage occurs, condensation can form within the enclosure leading to premature failure of the building fabric. Failures can manifest as rot/decay of the building and include structural elements, damage to finishes, dripping on the interior, corrosion of exposed metal, excessive condensation on glazing surfaces, etc. This session considers existing natatorium design guidance and identifies several areas where further clarification and additional guidance is warranted. A series of forensic investigation case studies is presented and patterns are identified: moisture issues in natatoriums are typically related to some combination of inadequate air control at the enclosure and/or interior partition walls, poorly controlled or improper building pressure fields, mechanical system inadequacies, or thermal bridging. This session will present a summary of the science- and experience-based best practice recommendations for the successful design and construction of natatorium enclosures for both commercial and residential use. It is intended for architects doing the design and general contractors responsible for the construction.

Presenter/Author

Jonathan Smegal, MASc, PEng

Associate, Senior Building Science Consultant
RDH Building Science Inc.

Based in Waterloo, Ontario, for nearly 20 years, Jonathan Smegal is an associate and senior building science consultant at RDH. He leads projects related to laboratory research, forensic analysis of building failures, litigation, hygrothermal modeling, and field monitoring of building enclosure performance. As a researcher, he is an author on multiple peer-reviewed papers and has frequently shared his work through industry publications, webinars, and speaking events.