The rate of air exchange in the gym: rules and regulations for the arrangement of ventilation in the gym

Modern gym or fitness the center is not just a place where competitions and training are held. This is a complete complex, divided into many segments. And for normal operation, it is necessary to take into account a huge number of factors, including competent air recirculation in the premises.

Agree, for a full-fledged workout, it is important that the air in the hall is regularly updated. And who wants to play sports in a room that smells unpleasant?

In this article, we will analyze in detail what should be the rate of air exchange in the gym and what joint venture everything should correspond to. We will also offer several options for solving this issue, depending on the size of the gym and the types of premises in it.

Gym Equipment Regulatory Requirements

Acting SP 118.13330.2012 - the main document according to which all norms are calculated.

The main points look like this:

• For each athlete or trainee, the ventilation system must provide a minimum of 80 cc. meters of air per hour. For each viewer - at least 20. In large halls with large stands, it is recommended to equip separate air circulation systems in the stands.
• The exhaust air must be removed immediately. This applies not only to the direct training site or sports events, but also to the rest of the premises.
• When creating a project, additional factors must be considered, such as increased sweat and heat production.

Another point that must be taken into account is the heterogeneity of the premises. Even halls similar in purpose have different requirements. For example, the minimum allowable temperature in the gym should not fall below 15 degrees.

But, if we are talking about a room where visitors receive a small load, for example, yoga rooms, then the minimum temperature in them should be at least 18 degrees.

But the gym also includes more specific places: changing rooms, showers, saunas, utility rooms, administrative premises. And for each of them its own norm is provided separately.

What do you need to consider when designing?

When designing, first of all, it is necessary to make calculations. We have already said above that for each athlete or exercising there should be at least 80 cubic meters of air per hour, and for each viewer another 20.

But one more category should be added here - personnel. For each gym worker, 40 cubic meters of air must be circulated.

Thus, the formula will look like this:

V = N1 * L1 + N2 * L2 + N3 * L3, where

N1 - the number of trainees, L1 - the rate of air exchange for them. N2 is the number of spectators, L2 is the rate of air exchange for them. N3 is the number of employees, L3 is the air exchange rate for them.

Mobility standards air mass

When developing a project and choosing equipment, one more important factor must be taken into account - movement air mass. In simple terms, there should be no drafts in the gym.

The above-mentioned joint venture provides for this moment, the ventilation of gyms has the following standards:

• pools - no more than 0.2 m / sec;
• halls for intensive training - no more than 0.3 m / sec;
• halls for preparatory and recreational activities - no more than 0.5 m / sec.

The situation is inversely proportional to the temperature regime. Directly for training grounds, air movement should be no more than 0.3 m / s. But, if we are talking about premises for yoga classes, then the norms are softer.

Other important factors

Calculate the required power of the ventilation unit and movement air mass - far from everything that needs to be considered when designing a gym. There are several important points.

First, the place to install the equipment. It should not be located next to sports equipment or any other equipment. It is desirable that the ventilation system has a remote control - this will save you from many inconveniences.

Secondly, showers and changing rooms. Despite its small size in terms of area, one should not neglect the arrangement of ventilation in these rooms. With insufficient ventilation, they form condensateand after it moldthat can spread to other rooms and halls.

Third, filters. As a rule, air is taken from the street. Equip filter ventilation systemto ensure maximum comfort. This is especially true for large cities and halls close to the industrial zone.

Another recommendation that all specialists give is to calculate the project with a margin. An abnormal situation can always occur and some of the equipment will fail, or the calculations for visitors will turn out to be incorrect, and more people will visit the hall. The recommended stock is 15-20% of the original calculations.

Ventilation types used in gyms

There are three different types of ventilation systems that are recommended for use in gyms.

Channel. The air duct system circulates fresh air throughout the room, and hoods of various capacities are used for the intake of fresh air and removal of the old. Ideal for small rooms.

Central air conditioner. The system is responsible for maintaining the desired air temperature. Most often it is he who is used in fitness-centers.

Monoblock rooftop installation. This is the big brother of central air conditioners. Most often used in indoor stadiums and large sports facilities.

Ventilation system options

There are a huge number of recommendations that should be based on when installing ventilation in gyms and regulating air exchange. We will consider two options - for small gyms and large fitness-centers.

Option # 1 - a solution for a small gym

For small rooms, the installation of duct ventilation would be an ideal option. It allows you to assemble the installation of the required power without spending extra money. The ducted ventilation system consists of three main elements: duct fan, air heater and filter.

One of the advantages is the relatively simple installation. You can hide duct ventilation under a false ceiling or in a utility room.

Various types of air conditioners and radiators can be used to maintain the temperature. As practice shows, there are no questions with the temperature regime in such rooms.

Ducted air exchange system provides fresh air supply and old air removal. At the same time, you do not need to bother with the arrangement of showers and saunas, as a rule, they simply do not exist.

Option number 2 - ventilation in fitness center

Even rough calculations show that for a large sports center, powerful ventilation and air exchange systems must be used. The ideal solution would be to install the equipment on the roof.

This will significantly save space, provide easy access if necessary, while the entrance to the roof will be closed for outsiders.

The system turns out to be complex and consists of several elements. Air conditioners and fans to maintain the desired air temperature. Air heaters, radiators and other heating systems for space heating in the cold season. Filters for cleaning incoming air and air duct network.

It is recommended to install recuperators to save energy for heating the air.

Changing rooms showers and saunas

Now let's talk in more detail about showers and changing rooms. Install air circulation systems for them separately. The air in the changing rooms should be supplied in a volume of twice the volume of the room and 5 times the volume of the showers.

The air from the changing rooms is discharged twice through the showers. However, if the difference in air volume in showers is 10 times greater, then it is discharged through the changing rooms.

Showers and changing rooms can be combined with a common air exchange system. But, if the temperature is below 25 degrees, then you need to install heaters.

Basic mistakes and how to avoid them

The development of an air exchange system project and the installation of equipment is a complex and complex process. Naturally, errors can occur in this case. Let's take a look at the most common mistakes and see how you can avoid them.

Errors in load calculations. The first thing that can be encountered is that there were much more visitors than had been calculated. On the one hand, this is good, but the air exchange system may not be able to cope with it. We have already said above that it is worth adding 15-20% of the power from the peak load of the gym.

If this is not enough, then the only way to fix the problem is to replace the equipment with a more powerful one. Remember that a miser pays twice, and in this case, the amount of equipment replacement can be several times more.

Lack of ventilation system. This most often happens when the premises are transferred from residential to non-residential. On paper, there is often an air exchange system, but in practice it may not work or be designed incorrectly.

Calculation for natural ventilation. Large open windows can provide fresh air and remove old air. And this will be enough if few people are engaged in the hall. But with an increase in visitors, natural air exchange will not be enough. Stuffiness and persistent smell of sweat will instantly reign in the room.

Ignoring small spaces. First of all, we are talking about showers, saunas and changing rooms. They take up a small area, but require significantly more power than space for exercise and workout.

If you take into account all these factors and put them into the project, then there should be no problems with ventilation.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Arrangement of supply and exhaust ventilation with recuperation:

Another option for arranging a ventilation system in the gym:

We analyzed in detail all the norms provided for by the joint venture, and also considered how it is necessary to equip the ventilation system in the gym. For small gyms, you can develop a project yourself.

But when it comes to large halls, stadiums and fitness-centers, then we recommend that such a voluminous and complex work should be entrusted to professionals. This will not only save a lot of time, but also provide maximum comfort for your clients while exercising in the gym.

If you have any questions on the topic of the article or want to supplement the material with valuable information, please leave your comments in the contact block located under the article.