Renovation of natatorium at WHS nears finish
The second of the two-phase renovation of the Ellen Shapiro Natatorium at Wooster High School included mounting and installation of new HVAC units.
The multiphase project to renovate the swimming pool at Wooster High School’s Ellen Shapiro Natatorium began in early June and is expected to be complete by early August.
The first phase of the pool renovation project was to drain the pool to allow for new paint and to replace the aged valves in the filter system. The second phase included mounting and installation of new HVAC units. To install the latest equipment, a large crane was used to remove the old units and mount the new ones.
The HVAC replacement was the top priority, as the system regulates and moves air to provide thermal comfort and maintain indoor air quality. With large surface areas in natatorium pools, evaporation rates are generally high. Air and water temperatures coupled with humidity are difficult to balance, leading to uncomfortable environments and potential structural damage.
Natatoriums also require a large, high-capacity dehumidification system. Before the swim season started this winter, the pool HVAC/dehumidification system experienced a significant failure that required the district to install a temporary heating unit as a secondary heating source with the understanding that the HVAC units would need to be replaced over the summer.
In addition to the HVAC/dehumidification system, other areas required updates. The pool paint was at the end of its life cycle, as were several valves in the filter system. The pool shutdown this summer was maximized to address all needs simultaneously.
“This was a necessary project that will improve the quality of our facilities for years to come,” said Brian Madigan, Wooster City Schools assistant superintendent.
The new HVAC system will create optimum space and water conditions while maintaining low operating costs. The WCSD pool renovation project was budgeted and reflected in the May forecast. It was funded by permanent improvement funds, remaining ESSER funds and general funds.