The project exploring energy-efficient swimming facilities – without compromising air quality.

Swimming facilities require large amounts of energy to heat water, operate water treatment systems, and ventilate the premises. At the same time, there is growing pressure to reduce energy use and climate impact. The question is: How can we achieve this without negatively affecting air quality and the working environment?

This research project, led by NCC in collaboration with Lund University, RISE, Sweco, Filipstad Municipality, and several experts in ventilation and water treatment, explores energy efficiency in a new swimming facility. The project is supported by SBUF, AFA Försäkring, and the participating partners and forms part of a broader effort to develop more sustainable public buildings.

Focus areas of the project:

✅ How pool covers can reduce heat loss and evaporation.

✅ The impact of adjusted ventilation on energy use and air quality.

✅ How trichloramine — a gas that can affect health and comfort — is managed in energy-efficient systems.

The goal is to identify solutions that both save energy and create a safe, comfortable indoor environment.

Who is involved in the project?

The project brings together broad collaboration across academia, industry and municipalities:

👨‍🔬 Stephen Burke, NCC & LTH – Project Manager, specialist in moisture transport and energy use in buildings

🏗 Henrik Olsson (NCC) – Assistant Project Manager, Energy Specialist

The working group includes experts from several different fields:

👷‍♂️ Jesper Appelquist, NCC – Specialist in swimming facilities

🏗 Henrik Lindström (NCC) – Moisture specialist

🏛 Ronny Greus (Filipstads kommun) – Swimming facility owner and energy engineer

⚡ Jörgen Rogstam (EKA) – CEO, energy consultant

💧 Mats Jaller (Poolwater AB) – Water treatment specialist

🌬 Patrik Löfberg (Menerga AB) – Ventilation specialist

🏊 Erik Good (Sweco) – Swimming pool facility specialist

🏠 Eva Emanuelsson (RISE) – Indoor environment specialist

🔧 Martin Ahlström (Stainless Design Sweden AB) – CEO

🏗 Petter Wallentén (LTH) – Building physics specialist

⚕ Jessica Westerlund (Region Örebro) – Specialist in occupational and environmental medicine

The project also has a reference group with representatives from Andersson & Hultmark, COBAB, Lidköping Municipality, Karlskoga Municipality, PEAB and NCC.

Through practical testing and measurements in a real swimming facility environment, the project will generate knowledge that can guide future energy efficiency improvements. The results will be shared through reports, articles and workshops, providing the industry with concrete insights into how we can build and operate more sustainable swimming facilities.

Would you like to know more or contribute to the work? Get in touch!