October 12, 2012

Using Glass in Pools or Spa Areas

Written by Rebecca Clayton

"But what if the glass itself provided its own heat, stopping any condensation forming on your glass surfaces?"

High humid environments likes pools and spas, plus cold glass faces equal condensation… right?

Well yes, that is true. In any high humid atmosphere, like that you would find near a heated swimming pool, there is a high quantity of moisture in the air. When that moisture and water vapour comes into contact with a cool surface condensation will form.  Which is why condensation can and will form on cold glass surfaces obscuring views and leaving water stains on your glass surfaces.

But what if the glass wasn’t cold? That is the thought process behind things like blow heaters, blowing warm air onto the glass surface, warming up the glass to stop condensation forming. But they can be noisy, are an unflattering addition to your flooring and can prove difficult to install.

"the heat radiates through the glass, warming the surface and stopping any condensation formation"

But what if the glass itself provided its own heat, stopping any condensation forming on your glass surfaces?

IQ Heated Glass contains a specialist conductive coating on the inside of the glass unit. When you pass an electrical charge through this invisible coating it generates heat, the heat radiates through the glass, warming the surface and stopping any condensation formation.

In addition the simple formula to calculate the ‘Dew Point’ (the point at which condensation is likely to form) can be input into the heated glass sensors. All you need is the humidity in the air (picked up with humidity sensors) and the temperature difference from inside to outside (thermometers) and the system will calculate when condensation is likely to form and only turn on then – a very effective and efficient way to stop condensation formation.

Structural Items

Using glass as a structural element to your pool isn’t a new trend but it is certainly on the rise. This can be anything from using Glass a structural feature of one side of the pool to having a structural glass bottom to a swimming pool, above a living area.

These types of architectural additions to pools are certainly popular at the moment and contain many pitfalls if you don’t choose a knowledgeable company to provide them for you. Sealing, glass specification and support are all important and need expert care and attention. With in-house structural engineers IQ Glass are well equipped to deal with all aspects of these designs.

‘Pool Grade’ Finishes

"The added chemicals in the area will need to be taken into account when deciding on framing finishes"

When specifying glazing in a pool or spa, you need to consider what are referred to as the ‘Pool Environment’. The added chemicals in the area will need to be taken into account when deciding on framing finishes.

All render finishes in a pool area will need to be ‘Pool Grade’. In the UK Marine and Pool Grade finishes are generally specified as 60-65 microns thick of powder coated finish but we would always recommend pre-anodizing your frames in a coastal or pool environment to achieve a higher quality longevity.