New energy-efficient technology

Chehalem Aquatic & Fitness Center is estimated to provide 40 percent energy savings over code requirements. Here are energy-saving features at our new facility.

Solar Panels – A large array of more than 200 photovoltaic panels (18 sq. ft. each) supplement energy usage. Any electricity which is not needed can then be sold back to the grid when applicable. 

LED lights – Long-lasting LED lightbulbs provide plenty of light in the natatorium while reducing the electricity consumption of traditional bulbs.

Pool water filters – Allow better water flow, require less electricity, and have better filtering and backwash cycles than traditional filtering systems. This reduces reliance on chemical-based water treatments, which drain into the water table during cleaning processes.

Building Automation System (BAS) – Controls various systems including lighting, heating, pool water temperature regulators, air conditioning, and more, enabling these systems to adjust their power level or turn off completely, based on scheduling and usage.

Integrated electric pressure washer system – Allows for cleaning of the facility without the use of traditional machines powered by fossil fuels.

HVAC System – Reclaims heat from the interior space of the building and transfers it to a storage tank, which is then used to reheat the pool water.

Parking Lot Bioswales – These collect run off water from the parking lot and direct it into the ground, instead of the run off going directly into the water table through stormdrains.

VFD-controlled Pumps – Every pump in the building is controlled by a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD). These allow only  the amount of energy to reach a pump motor that it can use at any given time. Traditionally, pumps have only been operated in the ON or OFF mode, with full power. A VFD can vary the electrical signal that a motor receives, thus reducing energy costs.

Condensing Boiler – Used to heat water in the HVAC water loop as a secondary heat source to the reclaimed heat captured by the energy-saving HVAC System. In the original facility, the boiler was the primary heat source.

Low-flush urinals and toilets – Reduce the amount of water used.