An HVAC technology that addresses chronic condensation, corrosion, and disinfectant odor problems in indoor swimming pools has proven effective in field applications.
According to the Busan Creative Economy Innovation Center on the 5th, incubated company Fabric Duct applied its fabric HVAC system to a university swimming pool in Incheon, successfully blocking condensation and significantly reducing odors caused by residual chlorine. The technology was recently introduced in a project to improve the HVAC system at Incheon National University's swimming pool. After installation, the facility maintained an indoor temperature of approximately 30°C even when outdoor temperatures dropped to 7°C, with no condensation occurring on vulnerable areas such as windows and walls. The distinctive irritating disinfectant smell typical of swimming pools was also markedly reduced.
Swimming pools are high-humidity environments where wall and ceiling condensation occurs frequently. Residual chlorine (chloramine) generated during chlorine disinfection stagnates at the water surface, causing discomfort for users. The newly applied "FlowSox Fabric Duct" was designed considering that residual chlorine is heavier than air, concentrating airflow distribution toward the lower section to guide contaminated air above the water surface toward upper exhaust vents. Simultaneously, dry air flows along walls and ceilings to suppress condensation.
The system also employs computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-based design to precisely control wind speed reaching the water surface at 0.1-0.2 m/s, improving air quality without excessive moisture evaporation.
Cost efficiency was also achieved. The company explained that installation costs can be reduced by approximately 70% compared to stainless steel (SUS) ducts commonly used in chlorine environments. The fiber material eliminates corrosion concerns, and the lightweight structure is expected to shorten construction periods.
"Swimming pool HVAC is a specialized field that must simultaneously consider chemical components and airflow control," said Kim Se-won, CEO of Fabric Duct. "We will expand customized HVAC solutions focusing on large-space athletic facilities."