Having a pool on the roof or attic of a building is an excellent way to enjoy the sun and the fresh air, taking advantage of the m2 available in the house in an area that is usually useless. However, one aspect that is often overlooked is the noise that a swimming pool can generate, especially when there are houses directly below it.
This is where soundproofing the pool becomes essential. In this post we will analyze why it is important to soundproof a swimming pool, the main advantages it offers and how you can do it effectively so that the result of your project does not lead to problems and more costs afterwards.
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Why soundproof a pool: Is it really necessary?
Nowadays, the construction of rooftop pools has become more and more popular, but the dream of having a pool in a rooftop can turn into a nightmare for others, if not done correctly.
Reducing the noise generated by a swimming pool plays a vital role in this type of construction, since there are a series of acoustic challenges that should be taken into account.
Unlike air, water is an incompressible medium that allows faster propagation and less energy loss for sound. This means that sound waves are transmitted efficiently through the water, and since swimming pools are made up of the bottom and the walls, they act as noise amplifiers, transmitting it quickly to the building structure and being especially noticeable in homes. located just below.
Noise transmission in a swimming pool can have a significant impact on the quality of life of the residents. Furthermore, the noise generated by splashing water, swimming and accessories such as hydromassage jets can disturb the peace and tranquility of the building’s inhabitants. Also, the propagation of noise through the building structure can cause the sound to be amplified even more, affecting more adjacent homes than you might imagine.
Therefore, implementing effective soundproofing techniques in the pool becomes essential to minimize these nuisances and create a calm and pleasant bathing experience for both residents and bathers.
Main advantages of soundproofing a pool
Noise reduction
The main advantage of installing acoustic insulation in a pool located on a rooftop or in a house with a living area on a lower level is the significant reduction in noise levels. Pool-related activities can generate a considerable amount of sound, which can disturb the peace and quiet of everyone in the building.
By applying anti-vibration solutions in your pool, bathers will be able to make full use of the pool without fear of causing noise and the neighbors of the adjoining houses will be able to relax without perceiving noise.
Privacy Enhancement
In addition to noise reduction, soundproofing your pool will improve privacy.
Soundproofing materials not only absorb sound, but also act as a barrier, preventing sound from escaping. This means that users will be able to enjoy the pool more freely, without feeling heard and without disturbing their neighbors.
At this point, it must be taken into account that proper soundproofing of the pool supposes a noise and vibration attenuation of around 85%.
Increase in property value
Investing in anti-vibration measures in the pool will significantly increase the value of the property.
Potential buyers are often attracted to high-quality homes that guarantee peace and quiet. By having a soundproof pool with approved materials and with proven results, you will make your property more attractive to potential buyers and increase its market value.
Environmental Protection
Soundproofing materials not only absorb sound, but also act as insulators. This means that the energy used to heat or cool the pool is better maintained, which improves energy efficiency. By reducing heat loss, you can minimize your carbon footprint and contribute to a greener environment.
How to soundproof a pool: The Method
Now that we understand the importance and benefits of soundproofing your pool, let’s explore the best method to ensure that your pool does not transmit noise and vibration throughout the building.
Currently, the soundproofing of the pool is achieved by means of a sheet of microcellular foam of thickness and density to be determined according to the study of the project that is applied in the pool basin. This approach offers a simple to install solution that does not disrupt the traditional pool construction process.
The acoustic insulation process involves several phases:
- First you have to carry out a personalized acoustic study for the project.
- Secondly, it is necessary to determine the loads that the pool can support to later establish what thickness and density that sheet will require for the specific project.
- Once the study has been carried out and the previous factors have been analysed, this elastic sheet will be placed on the structure, covering the entire surface where the pool container will be subsequently erected. It is crucial to apply the microcellular sheet both on the floor and on the walls of the container vessel to achieve total uncoupling and avoid the formation of acoustic bridges.
This sheet of microcellular foam makes it possible to acoustically insulate the container vessel, preventing sound waves from being transmitted to the surrounding environment. In addition, by using approved materials with proven results, efficient vibration absorption is achieved, further contributing to noise reduction.
In fact, this method of soundproofing guarantees that the vibrations and noise generated in the pool are reduced by up to 85%.
Although a priori it may seem that the installation of the elastic suspension can add complexity to the construction of the pool, in reality it does not affect the structure or the design of the pool. This integrates discreetly and adapts perfectly to the traditional construction process, both in concrete pools and in other types of pools, such as polyester ones.
In addition, this way of soundproofing a pool stands out, not only for its simplicity and effectiveness, but also for the results obtained and analyzed in countless projects, both nationally and internationally, over the last decade.
In summary, the installation of the elastic suspension is easy and does not interfere with the standard construction process of the swimming pool, which makes it an effective and practical solution for soundproofing the swimming pool.
Soundproofing a swimming pool once built, is it possible?
One of the most frequently asked questions is: “Can I reduce the noise of my rooftop pool if it is already built?”.
The answer is yes. Also, the good news is that you wouldn’t need to demolish it.
In the case of a concrete pool, the entire lining would have to be chopped, the sheet applied to the concrete and then finished with high-density EPS, on which the waterproofing and the new lining would be applied.
As you can see, it is a relatively simple process that would solve noise problems in pools that have already been built and are located on rooftops and attics.
Conclusion
The soundproofing of a swimming pool is essential to mitigate noise and vibration problems that can affect the entire structure of a building, adjacent houses and lower floors.
The application of this sheet of microcellular foam with the appropriate thickness and density, in the pool shell, prior to concrete, offers an acoustic improvement with guaranteed results in the very long term, also avoiding possible complaints and claims from neighbors or the public. community and higher costs afterwards.
Therefore, we recommend that you always take this item into account when requesting a quote from a pool builder, especially if it is located in an attic or if there are rooms for common use on the lower floor, such as a spa or gym.
Do you have a project for a pool in an attic or rooftop in your hands and would you like us to carry out an acoustic study of the pool? Contact us
Frequently asked questions about soundproofing swimming pools
No, soundproofing a pool does not have to be an expensive project. In fact, it is much cheaper to soundproof a pool when it is under construction than afterwards.
Yes, you can soundproof an existing pool, even if it is built in concrete. Consult an expert in swimming pool construction who can carry out an acoustic study and advise you on what loads the pool supports and what thickness and density you can apply to the foam sheet that will soundproof the project.
No, the elastic suspension that soundproofs your pool is located in the pool shell, next to the slab, so if the pool is well built, you should never have a problem with it again.
The time required to soundproof a swimming pool can vary depending on the size and complexity of the project, but it usually takes little more than typical construction. It is advisable to consult with professionals to obtain an accurate estimate for your pool.
The most effective method is through the microcellular foam sheet inserted into the pool glass. This material absorbs vibrations, contributing to greater noise reduction, is easy to install and integrates seamlessly into the pool construction process.
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