Surge tanks are a design feature commonly absent from private pools but necessary in certain public in-ground pools. If there is a gutter around the pool’s edge, you can determine if it has a surge tank. The purpose of a surge tank is highly specialized and involves pool maintenance costs and swimmer safety.
Surge Tanks For Swimming Pools
A surge tank is the name for a concrete or metal drainage tank located under a public swimming pool or on the pool deck. A public swimming pool’s water displacement relates to the number of swimmers using it.
They construct a gutter around the perimeter to channel the displaced water into the surge tank instead of spilling out onto the pool deck. After the swimmers exit the pool, the staff pumps the water back into it to restore its volume.
Swimming Pool Surge Tanks Located
A surge tank must be near wherever you see a pool. Surge tanks typically collect the water flowing through pipes connected to them when they displace it, usually positioning themselves a few feet away from the pool or other water features. Pipes bury underground.
Some surge tanks—such as concrete ones—are constructed above ground when attached to a specific water feature. Although concealed from view within the water feature’s structure, these serve the same purpose as beneath surge tanks.
Surge Tank: Types
Concrete and manufactured surge tanks, such as those made of fiberglass or plastic, are the two main kinds currently used by homeowners. When it comes to their overall appearance, upkeep, and functionality, each has benefits and drawbacks. However, to ensure that concrete and constructed surge tanks work correctly, you need to consider the pool size, water amount, and the hydraulic design plan. Your pool technician has supplied all of this information. However, paying attention to these could result in your surge tank being either too large or too tiny.
- Manufactured Surge Tanks
Typically constructed separately from the pool, these tanks are usually made of fiberglass or acrylic. Fiberglass or plastic surge tanks cost less than concrete ones. They do not need waterproofing, and we can make them thicker without losing strength. The drawback of manufactured surge tanks is their limited capacity due to their need for more customization. Thus, pool remodeling services in Dubai advise homeowners with smaller pool projects to purchase these surge tanks.
- Concrete Surge Tanks
Homeowners and pool designers prefer concrete surge tanks because they can install them together with the pool instead of separately erecting them. If appropriately fitted, construction of concrete surge tanks can make them appear as though they are a part of the pool or other water features. For the homeowner, this makes them more aesthetically pleasant.
They do not require the displaced water to travel far because they are also constructed with a pool. As a result, the piping system is not under stress. For pool designers, this is a big bonus.
Because workers construct them instead of installing them, concrete surge tanks can hold a variable volume of water. Concrete surge tanks are more expensive because of their customized design. Using concrete requires additional waterproofing to decrease the likelihood of wear and tear.
Check Out Your Tank
Similar to installation, inspecting your tank on your own is never a good idea. Every tank, no matter what kind you purchase, has a hatch that, when opened, allows you to access maintenance or servicing. During the installation, our pool maintenance contractors will indicate where this hatch is. You may watch out for a few clear indicators to determine when it’s time to get your surge tank serviced.
- The first sign of a problem with your surge tank or even a broken pipe is a drop in your water level.
- Water seeping from pipes or the surge tank will cause sporadic wet patches on the lawn.
- If dirt from your yard is being drawn into the surge tank or pipes, it will cycle and blow dirt into your pool’s water.
Conclusion
It would help if you better-understood surge tanks, including their functions and types, and how to determine when maintenance is necessary. With this knowledge, you can determine if your pool project requires a surge tank.
At Khawar Hanif Contracting LLC, we educate our clients about integrating various systems into their ideal swimming pool. Our swimming pool consulting services are critical for homeowners to understand how their pool functions. If they encounter a problem, they will be ready to identify it, collaborate with their contractor, and implement preventive measures.