Due to the reflective surface of the pool and the tiling on all sides of the often large, echoing spaces, swimming pools are usually very difficult acoustic environments. Add to that the background noise caused by the swimming, talking and playing visitors and the challenge is complete. Outdoor pools, where the sound is not so much bothered by bouncing off of surfaces, come with other challenges, such as the weather and a strongly decreasing sound pressure level. Because of all the external circumstances and influences, music often has an enormous echo and speech communication in swimming pools can be downright bad. Also, water and electricity are generally not a very good mix. Yet there are perfect audio solutions for all types of swimming pools, thermal pools or other aquatic environments where normal loudspeakers cannot be used due to the presence of water.
A safe choice for bathing establishments and swimming facilities
Safety is important, that’s a no-brainer. Speech intelligibility is the most important priority when it comes to potential evacuation. In addition, the loudspeakers must also be certified, for example for use in an atmosphere with high humidity. For example, code IEC 60068-2-60 means that the loudspeakers are protected against chlorine, which is of course very useful in a swimming pool. Lastly, it is of course desirable to have high-quality background music. Audio installations in swimming pools are usually divided into a number of zones, this can of course differ per situation.
Solutions for indoor swimming facilities
- 25-meter pool zone: this pool has a very versatile use. People come here to relax, but also to exercise, take swimming lessons or to swim in competitions. To ensure that all swimmers and potential spectators can hear the foreground or background music, broadcasters and emergency messages well, powerful loudspeakers are required for this large zone. These loudspeakers must, of course, be well protected against water and chlorine.
- Recreational pool area: in general this is a very noisy area. To ensure that all swimmers in this cacophonous swimming pool can clearly hear the music and voice messages, powerful loudspeakers are required for this large zone. Of course, these loudspeakers must also be well protected against water and chlorine. In addition, it is wise to opt for robust loudspeakers here, so that they last a long time and can possibly withstand a few knocks.
- Saltwater pools & thermal pools: in these environments we recommend a loudspeaker that can withstand water and is also resistant to salt.
- Children’s swimming area: some swimming pools have an extra shallow area in the swimming pool, or in an enclosed area where the little ones can enjoy themselves. Since this space is often smaller, you can opt for somewhat smaller, less powerful, yet robust loudspeakers. These loudspeakers must of course also be able to withstand water and chlorine.
- Dressing room zone: smaller zones, such as changing rooms, require less powerful loudspeakers for the desired sound level, since there is less background noise here and the rooms are often smaller. The loudspeakers must of course be able to withstand humid air and chlorine vapours.
- Catering zone adjacent to the pool: is your swimming pool equipped with a catering facility right next to the pool for visitors while they are swimming? Install loudspeakers here that can withstand moisture and chlorine. If it concerns a small and/or enclosed space, smaller loudspeakers can be used.
- Other zones: the loudspeakers in moisture-free zones, such as catering areas separate from the pool, the offices and the reception area, do not have to be resistant to water and chlorine. Speech intelligibility is still important here and high-quality background music provides a pleasant (working) atmosphere. Tau offers a wide range of different loudspeakers, so there is always a solution that fits into the interior, perfectly.
Solutions for outdoor swimming pools
Outdoor areas are acoustically challenging environments, because it is often difficult to get equal and good sound coverage everywhere in the area. Firstly, uniform sound distribution is complicated because the audio has to travel a relatively large distance. Secondly, outdoor areas are not provided with walls and a roof and the noise could therefore be undesirably audible (too much) outside the intended area. High speech intelligibility is still very important, though, especially in outdoor swimming pools, as announcements, evacuations and warnings about extreme weather conditions must be clearly audible throughout the area. A high-quality reproduction of background music is also important to ensure a pleasant atmosphere everywhere. Loudspeakers that are used outside must naturally be able to withstand the effects of wind, sun, rain and other precipitation, even in the long term. This way both short-circuiting of the sound system and corrosion of the loudspeakers themselves can be prevented. These loudspeakers must have an IP rating, in the right degree for outdoor use and moisture resistance.
- Swimming pool zones: the same requirements as the above-mentioned indoor swimming pool zones, apply to these zones as well, except that in the outside air a decreasing sound pressure level over distance is the challenge, instead of echoing sound. It is of course also important that the loudspeakers are weatherproof.
- Sunbathing zone: a sunbathing lawn can be a relaxed environment, but more often these are rather noisy areas with children playing and adults talking. To achieve great coverage everywhere, you also need powerful loudspeakers here, which can also withstand a few knocks. What you don’t want to achieve, however, is that the audio causes nuisance in surrounding, adjacent outdoor areas and their users/residents. Therefore, choose loudspeakers whose sound beam can be directed accurately.
- Outdoor zones: in smaller zones, such as changing rooms and catering establishments, powerful loudspeakers are not really required due to the size of the rooms and since there is generally less background noise here. However, the loudspeakers must be resistant to chlorine vapours and water or humid air.
- Inside areas: loudspeakers in moisture-free areas, such as the offices, do not have to be weather, water and chlorine resistant. Speech intelligibility is still important in these spaces, though, and excellent music quality ensures a pleasant working atmosphere. Any desired loudspeaker can be placed here. Tau happily helps you choose the right loudspeaker.
Questions about loudspeakers for bathing establishments and swimming facilities?
Curious about what other audio equipment is needed in a swimming pool to create a suitable atmosphere and to make the environment safe? Tau has an enthusiastic team of audio specialists who are happy to help with questions. In addition, we have almost all loudspeakers and other products from our portfolio in stock, so that we can quickly provide anything needed for projects. We make sure your swimming pool or other project, is swiftly equipped with loudspeakers, amplifiers, call stations, music players and zone and volume controls, for instance. Need more information about a specific product, advice on purchasing or installing the right audio setup? Or do you, as an end user, want an installation carried out by one of our dealers? Then contact us through contact form or +31 50 549 9090.