AIRFLOW AT LPB

We have always believed that providing our LPB Swim Families with a safe, sterile, and comfortable environment is an essential part of the learn-to-swim experience. Our current operating guidelines allow for us to continue our mission of water safety for children and families while addressing the health and safety concerns presented by COVID-19.

WHY YOU SHOULD RESUME SWIM LESSONS RIGHT NOW:

Drowning continues to be the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4, and one of the leading causes of death for teenagers. Year-round swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88%. The CDC has stated that “There is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread to people through the water in pools, hot tubs, or water playgrounds. Additionally, proper operation of these aquatic venues and disinfection of the water (with chlorine or bromine) should inactivate the virus.”

AIRFLOW & INDOOR SWIMMING POOLS:

Indoor swimming pools need a higher level of circulation to protect the buildings they exist in. Pools that are dedicated solely to swim instruction, like LPB, have superb ventilation systems by necessity. If they didn’t, then the pool building would be eaten up by the humidity. Most pools turn over the air in a few hours, minimally, and a lot of pools can introduce up to 100% fresh air into the pool room by adjusting HVAC set points, drastically cutting down on the air turnover time. The air quality in an indoor pool can be significantly better than the air quality of a supermarket.

AIRFLOW AT LA PETITE BALEEN SWIM SCHOOLS:

At LPB, our airflow turnover rate is an indicator of how quickly our HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system exchanges 100% of the air our the pool room.

• HMB = 3.7 times per hour
• SB = 3.5 times per hour
• RWC = 3.8 times per hour
• SF = 4.1 times per hour

So, as an example, this means that in San Bruno, 100% of our air in the pool room is replaced with brand new fresh air approximately every 20 minutes.  Another important factor is that we do not recirculate any of our pool room air.  100% is fresh air introduced into the pool room, and 100% of it is exhausted outside.

To learn more about how La Petite Baleen is taking extra care and precaution against COVID-19, click here.

Whale Wisdom Blog, February 2021