Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Aquatic Floors - Movable Hydraulic Pool Floors

Movable aquatic pool floors are becoming all the rage, namely because it increases the flexibility and value of the given space.  You can have a diving pool one moment, a lap pool the next, then an exercise pool or a children's wading pool.  The exact pool depth is yours for the choosing!

Designs

There are a number of different mechanical systems on the market.  However, there is only one system that if it ever fails, will fail in the safe position.

Once installed most systems do not allow access tot he underside of the floor.  The hydraulic piston, ram or lift will be totally inaccessible.  In order to service any below floor components, major demolition or cutting of the floor will be required.

Simplicity

Keep it simple.

The more complex any system is, the more prone to mechanical failure it will be.  Screws, plungers and scissors lifts all have pivot points and load bearing points that will wear.  Friction is unavoidable in these systems, as is eventual failure.

Pinch or Entrapment Points

Many systems have recessed cables, guide rails or screw jacks recessed into the pool's side walls.  These require open channels or slots for the system to move properly.  And these open gaps pose a hazard as pinch point hazards where people can lose a finger or toe.  

A safer system will not have any gaps wider than 1/2 and inch, and no open tracks or cable slots.

Manufacturer Experience

There are actually a couple of manufacturers of movable pool floors that have never built or installed a system.  Sure, their websites show moving pool floors, but those ARE NOT ACTUAL INSTALLATIONS - those are fancy computerized graphical representations, just fancy computer animation !

Ask for verifiable references or to visit an actual installation.  If the manufacturer gives you a "fishy story" about the number of installations or cannot provide actual client references, then you are smelling a rotten fish.

Ask for the location of their manufacturing facility, the address and to see pictures.  They should be proud of their computerized manufacturing and quality control facility.  

Most manufacturer's fabricate their systems in a trailer park or in someone's garage.  How much confidence will you have in a $200,000+ system made in such a manner and assembled with parts off of EBay? 

Who's system do we recommend?  

www.Hydrofloors.com 


Paolo Benedetti, SWD 
Aquatic Artist, Watershape Consultant, Expert Witness, International Construction Management Contact the author at: info@aquatictechnology.com or 408-776-8220 
"Creating water as art."™ 
Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa© 
©www.aquatictechnology.com All rights reserved.

hydrofloors, aquatic floors, movable pool floors, hydraulic pool floors, moving pool floors

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If you want to ask a question of Paolo Benedetti, you may email him at: info@aquatictechnology.com