EP4124704A1 - Ground structure for a swimming pool - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a floor structure for a swimming pool, the floor structure comprising at least a) a lowermost fleece layer; b) a water-impermeable barrier layer made of one or more layers of a polymeric plastic material arranged on the fleece layer; c) a water-permeable treatment and drainage layer arranged on the barrier layer, comprising a water-permeable and elastic, 3-dimensional support structure having a plurality of adjoining compartments extending over the soil structure, and a water-permeable granulate bed within each of the individual compartments of the support structure; d) an at least partially water-permeable upper inner swimming pool layer made of at least partially bonded particles arranged on the support structure and the granulate bed. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for producing a floor structure for a swimming pool.

Description

The present invention relates to a floor structure for a swimming pool, the floor structure comprising at least a) a lowermost fleece layer; b) a water-impermeable barrier layer arranged on the fleece layer and made of one or more layers of a polymeric plastic; c) a water-permeable treatment and drainage layer arranged on the barrier layer, comprising a water-permeable and elastic, 3-dimensional support structure having a plurality of adjoining compartments extending over the soil structure, and a water-permeable granulate bed within each of the individual compartments of the support structure; d) an at least partially water-permeable upper inner swimming pool layer made of particles at least partially bonded to one another and arranged on the supporting structure and the granulate bed. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for producing a floor structure for a swimming pool.

The creation of specially designed bathing or swimming opportunities or pond shapes that are specially adapted to the given environmental situation can look back on a long tradition. While in the past "simple" constructions made of natural materials such as stone with an inlet and a water outlet represented the basic structure, in the course of improved and faster material development, significantly more complex structures made of concrete, glass fibers or plastic have gained the upper hand. The latter is due to the fact that this group of materials can be combined with less manual effort, within shorter assembly times, to form significantly more flexible shapes and ultimately to pools that are just as durable or have ponds relocated. In accordance with the improved design, the entire supply and disposal technology had to be adapted to the new conditions, which all in all only enables long-term and safe use. A central component in this context is the water treatment, which is usually located on or outside the actual pool area and has external filters and chemical process technology. The filters remove the mostly organic load from the water, while the chemical components generally ensure a suitable environment either in terms of microbiological safety and/or optimal living conditions for aquatic organisms such as fish. Modern water treatment is highly complex and can be responsible for the majority of the operating costs incurred and, in particular, for the fun of using the pond or pool.

The most diverse configurations for the construction of garden ponds or swimming pools can also be found in the patent literature.

• eine Schicht zum Schutz der Innenfläche des Betts;
• eine erste, wasserabdichtende Schicht über der Schutzschicht;
• eine innen hohle Struktur, die auf der ersten, wasserabdichtenden Schicht aufgesetzt ist und deren zum Inneren des Beckens gerichtete Innenseite geformt oder senkrecht ist, um eine entsprechend geformte oder im Wesentlichen senkrechte Wand des zentralen Behälters des Beckens zu bilden;
• eine Schutzschicht und eine wasserabdichtende Schicht für die Außenseite der besagten, hohlen Struktur;
• eine zweite, wasserabdichtende Schicht für die besagte Innenseite der besagten, hohlen Struktur.

For example, describes the WO 2013 124 284 A1 a basin for swimming pools, artificial ponds and the like, characterized in that it comprises, within the bed excavated in the ground for its construction:

• a layer to protect the inner surface of the bed;
• a first waterproofing layer over the protective layer;
• an internally hollow structure, superimposed on the first waterproofing layer, the inside of which facing towards the interior of the pool is shaped or perpendicular to form a correspondingly shaped or substantially perpendicular wall of the central tank of the pool;
• a protective layer and a waterproofing layer for the outside of said hollow structure;
• a second waterproofing layer for said inside of said hollow structure.

In the WO 2017 134 503 A1 is a modular element for making a structure of tanks, swimming pools and pools in general, suitable for different arrangements and limited to other modular elements, such as to form at least part of the structure of the pool, characterized in that it is a three-dimensional body with lateral faces or Sides where one or more openings or holes are provided and one or more channels or compartments located within the three-dimensional body and to the outside through the openings or holes, the openings or holes and the channels or compartments being appropriate , to allow the insertion of cables, ducts, anchoring means, tie rods, bars or other elements necessary to build at least part of the structure of the pool.

In another patent document, the U.S. 3,811,137 A , a swimming pool for installation in an excavation is described, the swimming pool being a combination of: a verge around the excavation; a flexible liner covering the surface of the excavation; a rigid shell generally conforming to the excavation contour and spaced inwardly from the liner to define a cavity therewith; and means for directing water from within the shell into the cavity.

Such solutions known from the prior art can still offer further potential for improvement. This relates in particular to the provision of an efficient and space-saving floor area for swimming pools or ponds, which, in addition to improved mechanical dissipation of mechanical forces acting on the pool floor, can also provide a particularly high filter performance for the circulating water at the same time.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to at least partially overcome the disadvantages known from the prior art. In particular, the object of the present invention is to specify a structure which can reliably and evenly dissipate mechanical forces acting on the pool floor and at the same time provide efficient filter performance for the pool or swimming pool water. Furthermore, it is the object of the present invention to provide a method for constructing a swimming pool with a floor area according to the invention.

The object is achieved by the features of the independent claims, aimed at the floor construction according to the invention and the method according to the invention for constructing a swimming pool floor. Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims, in the description or in the figures, with further features described or shown in the subclaims, in the description or in the figures, individually or in any combination, being an object of the invention as long as the context does not clearly indicate the opposite.

1. a) eine unterste Vliesschicht;
2. b) eine auf der Vliesschicht angeordnete, wasserundurchlässige Barriereschicht aus einer oder mehreren Lagen eines polymeren Kunststoffes ausgesucht aus der Gruppe bestehend aus Ethylen-Propylen-Dien-Kautschuk (EPDM), Polyvinylchlorid (PVC) oder Kombinationen daraus;
3. c) eine auf der Barriereschicht angeordnete wasserdurchlässige Aufbereitungs- und Drainageschicht umfassend eine wasserdurchlässige und elastische, 3-dimensionale Stützstruktur aufweisend eine Mehrzahl sich über den Bodenaufbau erstreckender, aneinander angrenzender Kompartimente, sowie innerhalb der einzelnen Kompartimente der Stützstruktur jeweils eine wasserdurchlässige Granulatschüttung;
4. d) eine auf der Stützstruktur und der Granulatschüttung angeordnete, zumindest partiell wasserdurchlässige obere Schwimmbecken-Innenlage aus zumindest teilweise miteinander verklebten Partikeln ausgesucht aus der Gruppe bestehend aus Sand, Steinen, Kies oder Mischungen mindestens zweier Komponenten aus dieser Gruppe.

According to the invention is a floor structure for a swimming pool, wherein the floor structure comprises at least:

1. a) a bottom nonwoven layer;
2. b) a water-impermeable barrier layer arranged on the fleece layer and made of one or more layers of a polymeric plastic selected from the group consisting of ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or combinations thereof;
3. c) a water-permeable treatment and drainage layer arranged on the barrier layer, comprising a water-permeable and elastic, 3-dimensional support structure having a plurality of adjoining compartments extending over the soil structure, and a water-permeable granulate bed within each of the individual compartments of the support structure;
4. d) an at least partially water-permeable upper inner layer of the swimming pool arranged on the support structure and the granulate bed and made of at least partially bonded particles selected from the group consisting of sand, stones, gravel or mixtures of at least two components from this group.

Surprisingly, it was found that the above-mentioned floor structure can be used to obtain swimming pools that are particularly mechanically resilient and adaptable to a wide variety of shapes, which, in addition to the flexibility of the floor structure that can be produced, also have improved properties in the area of water treatment. This construction allows the technical expenditure for the treatment of the water to be reduced, for example, since all or at least a part of the water treatment can be carried out by the floor structure itself. Without being bound by theory, these two advantageous aspects result in particular from the design of the water-permeable treatment and drainage layer. This area, which is in hydrostatic exchange with the swimming pool, can contribute to improved load absorption of the forces acting on the inner layer of the swimming pool via the elastic support structures, which are filled with granules. The design of the mechanical load bearing in the form of a water-permeable granulate can also contribute to the fact that this water-permeable treatment and drainage layer on the surface of the granulate can absorb and bind unwanted water components, such as particles and/or microorganisms, and thus eliminate them from the water cycle. By choosing a water-permeable support structure with a water-permeable granulate bed, a particularly large exchange surface is provided in this case, which cannot be achieved in this way using the structures known from the prior art. The structure using granulate-filled compartments and an elastic support structure also means that mechanical forces that occur can be passed on between the individual compartments. However, a large-scale shifting of individual granulate areas over excessive distances within the soil is prevented by the elastically shaped compartment walls. In this respect, there is a close range elastic flexibility between the compartments, whereas macroscopic displacements of entire granule regions are efficiently prevented. The design as water-permeable compartments and water-permeable bed also ensures that the entire floor area and/or the entire volume of the water treatment and drainage layer can be used as an efficient filter. In this respect, this structure can be suitable for otherwise unused space in the floor structure to make an additional contribution to the treatment of the circulating water. Overall, this configuration can achieve that the external filter technology, for example in the form of further mechanical filters, which is arranged on or outside the pool area, can be smaller. An extremely flexible and cost-effective structure is achieved, which reduces both the running and the investment costs.

The structure according to the invention is a floor structure for a swimming pool. The construction according to the invention is suitable for all types of water storage tanks. In this respect, the term swimming pool can be understood to mean any type of artificial water-bearing structure. These include, for example, indoor or outdoor pools, ponds, paddling pools, fish ponds or the like. The floor structure includes the structure of the pool floor and possibly also the side walls. For example, the construction according to the invention can be used to form a natural-looking pond, for example a bathing pond, with the pond embankment and the pond bottom being realized via the construction according to the invention. However, it is also possible that only a special area of the swimming pool is provided with the structure according to the invention.

The first component a) of the structure is a bottom fleece layer. The bottom fleece layer is therefore directly on the ground area or the ground and is primarily intended to mechanically protect the other components of the structure from ground components such as sharp-edged stones. It is of course also possible that a further compensation or protective layer is applied to the actual floor area.

This compensation or protective layer can be applied in the form of a sand layer and/or other defined protective layer. These layers can usually be used to create a defined base for the structure. However, these further layers are not essential for achieving the effect according to the invention. A fleece is understood to mean substances that represent a structure made of fibers of limited length, continuous fibers (filaments) or cut yarns of any type and any origin. The fibers can be combined in a variety of ways to form a fleece (a fiber layer, a fiber web) or generally connected to one another. The latter can be done, for example, by crossing or intertwining yarns, as occurs in weaving, knitting, knitting, lace making, braiding and the manufacture of tufted goods. Nonwovens are mostly flexible, slightly pliable textile fabrics. Compared to their length and width, the webs have a comparatively small thickness. The nonwovens known in pond construction, for example, are suitable as nonwovens. The fleece can advantageously have a thickness greater than or equal to 0.5 cm and less than or equal to 5 cm. The nonwoven can be used as a single layer or as a layering of several layers of individual nonwoven webs or layers. The fleece can advantageously have a weight of greater than or equal to 300 g/m ² and less than or equal to 1000 g/m ² .

Above component a) is component b) consisting of a water-impermeable barrier layer made of one or more layers of a polymeric plastic selected from the group consisting of ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or combinations thereof. A barrier layer in the form of a water-impermeable film is applied to the fleece in the order from bottom to top. Particularly durable and weather-resistant films can be selected from the group of polymers specified above. The waterproof barrier layer is protected from direct contact with the ground by the fleece and essentially serves to prevent the water from seeping into the ground. The water-impermeable barrier can also be realized, for example, by applying a plurality of layers or webs of these polymer carriers become. The layer thickness of a layer can be greater than or equal to 0.5 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm, for example. The individual webs or layers can also be laid partially overlapping, so that the webs or layers can change their position over a certain area without mechanical traction. However, only one track is preferably laid. One layer can, for example, have an extensibility determined according to EN 12311-2 of greater than or equal to 200% and less than or equal to 400%. Furthermore, the tear propagation resistance of the layer according to DIN EN 12310-2 can advantageously be greater than or equal to 20 kN and less than or equal to 50 kN.

Above the barrier layer b) there is a water-permeable treatment and drainage layer c), which comprises a water-permeable and elastic, 3-dimensional support structure having a plurality of adjoining compartments extending over the soil structure, as well as a water-permeable granulate bed within the individual compartments of the support structure . In this respect, layer c) has two different structural elements. The basis is a 3-dimensional support structure that provides the basic framework for a large number of macroscopic cavities that are open at the top. The support structure can have a bottom surface and on this bottom surface a multiplicity of compartment walls which extend upwards and form the individual compartments. This support structure divides the bottom area of the swimming pool into individual areas, which each share walls of the support structure with one another. The division into the individual compartments ensures that there is no exchange of macroscopic particles between the individual compartments. The compartments therefore hold the particles that are filled into a compartment at this point in the structure of the soil. The latter enables mechanical stabilization of the floor structure. What is essential, however, is that the walls of the compartments are water-permeable. In this respect, compartment configurations in which the walls of compartments do not allow any liquid exchange between the individual compartments are not according to the invention. The compartment walls or the entire compartments as such are also designed to be elastic.

This means that the compartment walls are not rigidly arranged, but that the walls of the compartments can move back and forth over a certain range without being filled. A wall of the compartment can preferably be regarded as elastic if the elongation of the material determined according to DIN EN ISO 10319 is greater than or equal to 40%. The height of the support structure can be selected variably, with the walls of the support structure preferably having a height of greater than or equal to 3.5 cm, further preferably greater than or equal to 4.5 cm and further preferably greater than or equal to 5 cm. The compartments formed by the walls of the support structure can be designed symmetrically or irregularly. The individual compartments preferably have an axis of symmetry. The individual compartments can have an approximately cylindrical or also hexagonal or octagonal basic shape. The individual compartments form the basic structure into which the second element of the structure of the cleaning and drainage layer is filled. The individual cavities are filled with granulate, which is preferably filled up to the height of the support structure. The granulate bed is present as a particle bed, with the particles coming into physical contact with one another within the compartment area. The granules can, for example, have a more or less round or oval shape. However, it is also possible that the individual granulate particles are irregularly shaped and have sharp edges on the surface. Surprisingly, the angular shape of the particles leads to improved mechanical properties. Due to the fact that the individual granules are not connected to each other, water can diffuse along the surface of the individual granules. In this respect, the granulate layer is water-permeable. Due to the selected structure of support structure and granules, the water can diffuse unhindered both horizontally and vertically within the cleaning and drainage layer. For example, more than 10, more preferably more than 40 and more preferably more than 75 individual granulate particles can be introduced within a single compartment area.

The last layer is a layer d) arranged on the support structure and the granulate fill, which forms the at least partially water-permeable upper inner layer of the swimming pool and at least partially bonded particles selected from the group consisting of sand, stones, gravel or mixtures of at least two components from this group includes. The completion of the structure is the swimming pool inner layer, which is arranged on the treatment and drainage layer. This layer can usually be in direct contact with the water inside the pool. This layer can consist of or include a single material such as sand or mixtures of several of the components specified above. The sand is not in the form of individual grains, but the sand is firmly bonded to the other components of this layer via a binder. This results in a coherent, mechanically resilient layer. It is also possible that this layer has a non-homogeneous structure. For example, the base layer can consist of grains of sand glued together, on which another layer of stones is applied towards the interior of the swimming pool. The amount of adhesive required to produce a coherent layer is designed in such a way that continuous channels are still obtained in the area of the inner layer, through which water can get into or out of the swimming pool area. It is also possible for these particles to be glued to one another over their entire surface, with the individual channels then being produced by mechanically breaking through the layer. However, this embodiment is less preferred. An embodiment in which this area of the structure is watertight is not in accordance with the invention. This final inner layer or liner may be applied directly to the granule-filled support structure. However, it is also possible for another water-permeable fleece or other polymer layer to be applied at this point, which prevents the particles bonded to one another from diffusing into the granulate structure. In principle, however, it is also possible to design the viscosity of this partially water-permeable layer during application in such a way that significant inward diffusion can be efficiently prevented even without an additional layer.

In a preferred embodiment of the floor structure, the 3-dimensional support structure of the treatment and drainage layer can be made of a water-permeable fleece material. In order to provide the treatment and drainage layer with a structure that is as flexible and highly water-permeable as possible, it has proven advantageous for the walls and possibly also the floor of the three-dimensional support structure to be made of a fleece material. The fleece material can provide sufficient strength for filling the granulate into the individual compartments formed by the walls of the support structure. Furthermore, this structure is so flexible that the individual compartment volume elements can still be shifted sufficiently in relation to one another. The overall result is a highly elastic structure. This structure is unusual in that the majority of the mechanical loads that occur are not absorbed by the walls of the support structure, but rather by the granulate fill as such. The walls of the supporting structure and insofar as the compartments as such serve, in a first approximation, to prevent a sudden or constant shifting of individual granulate volume elements. The actual mechanical support function is taken over by the granulate filling after assembly. The fleece material as such only marginally impedes the horizontal water diffusion between the individual compartments, so that in addition to the mechanically safe structure, there is a particularly good exchange of water over the entire floor area of the swimming pool. Dead areas in particular are avoided with this structure.

Within a further preferred embodiment of the floor construction, the fleece material of the 3-dimensional support structure of the treatment and drainage layer can have a tensile strength according to DIN EN ISO 10319:2015-09 of greater than or equal to 5 kN/m and less than or equal to 35 kN/m. To ensure a sufficiently mechanically stable but nevertheless highly elastic structure, the above-mentioned tensile strengths have proven to be particularly suitable. This range of tensile strengths enables the compartments to be filled easily and evenly with granulate and, in addition, sufficient displaceability is also possible individual areas are ensured. Smaller tensile strengths can be disadvantageous, since failure of the support structure is to be expected over time due to the mechanical loads that occur. On the other hand, higher tensile strengths can be disadvantageous, since these walls are usually too rigid for a highly flexible structure. More preferably, the tensile strength can be greater than or equal to 7.5 kN/m and less than or equal to 30 kN/m, furthermore greater than or equal to 10 kN/m and less than or equal to 25 kN/m.

Within a further preferred aspect of the floor construction, the fleece material of the 3-dimensional support structure of the treatment and drainage layer can have a water permeability according to DIN EN ISO 11058:2019-09 of greater than or equal to 10 mm/s and less than or equal to 50 mm/s. In order to obtain the greatest possible cleaning and treatment performance using the entire floor area of the swimming pool, the range of _{VI H50} water permeabilities specified above has proven to be particularly suitable. A very good horizontal as well as vertical water exchange is made possible and the risk of the formation of unused dead zones in the soil structure is reduced. In this respect, a durable and efficient filter area can be provided. In particular, the walls of the support structure can be formed from this fleece. It is possible that the bottom area of the fleece that does not contribute to diffusion has a different water permeability. The water permeability can more preferably be greater than or equal to 12.5 mm/s and less than or equal to 45 mm/s, further preferably greater than or equal to 15 mm/s and less than or equal to 35 mm/s.

According to a preferred characteristic of the soil structure, at least 70% of the compartments can have a compartment volume of greater than or equal to 100 cm ³ and less than or equal to 1000 cm ³ . In order to obtain particularly flexible and elastic floor areas, it has been found to be particularly advantageous for the volume of individual compartments to be in the range specified above. For the usual size ranges of ponds or swimming pools, these compartments can carry sufficient loads, even for those that are mechanically heavily loaded Guarantee floor areas. In addition, there is a sufficient size for the elastic absorption of mechanical forces. Smaller compartment volumes can be disadvantageous since this unnecessarily complicates the construction and filling of the compartments. Larger areas, on the other hand, can be disadvantageous, since the individual granulate volume elements can be displaced too much from their positions in the soil structure under mechanical stress.

In a further preferred embodiment of the floor structure according to one of the preceding claims, at least 80% by weight of the granulate particles of the water-permeable granulate bed can have a size, determined by sieving, of greater than or equal to 0.5 mm and smaller than or equal to 18 mm. In order to ensure the highest possible mechanical load-bearing capacity of the floor structure and to provide a sufficiently large surface area of the granulate bed for filter purposes, the above-mentioned size distribution of the granulate particles has proven to be particularly suitable. The floor structures that can be achieved in this way are characterized by a high mechanical load-bearing capacity and, in particular, can also elastically absorb mechanical loads via the displacement of individual granulate particles. The surface of the granulate particles defined over these size ranges is also suitable for cleaning water flowing through the granulate over a longer period of time by absorbing organic or inorganic components on the surface of the granulate particles. In this respect, further technical devices for filtering or cleaning the water can be reduced or, in the best case, omitted entirely. In a further preferred embodiment, the size of the granulate particles can be greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 15 mm, further preferably greater than or equal to 1.5 mm and less than or equal to 10 mm.

Within a preferred aspect of the floor structure, at least 70% by weight of the granules of the water-permeable granulate bed can consist of calcium-magnesium carbonates. Due to the requirement that the water-permeable granulate bed absorb both a large part of the mechanical loads and a sufficient Must provide filter performance, the composition of the granulate particles given above has proven to be particularly suitable. In this respect, minerals can preferably be used which consist of or have a high proportion of calcium-magnesium carbonates. The calcium-magnesium carbonates can actively bind organic and inorganic substances on their surface to a particularly high degree and thus contribute to reducing the organic load in the swimming pool water. In addition, a suitable strength range of the granulate particles can be provided via the crystal arrangement of the calcium-magnesium carbonates, which contributes in particular to the suitable load absorption of this area of the floor structure. The granulate particles are not too "soft", so that the granulate particles are not to be expected to be rubbed off, even after long periods of standing under heavy mechanical stress. The granules are also not too hard, so that any mechanical forces that occur can be absorbed elastically by the individual granules. Granules made from natural minerals can preferably be used, which have the calcium-magnesium carbonate proportion by weight indicated above.

In a further preferred embodiment of the floor structure, at least 75% by weight of the granulate particles of the water-permeable granulate bed can consist of a dolomitic limestone. In order to obtain a particularly efficient filter performance and to ensure a long service life of the soil structure, even under heavy mechanical stress, the dolomitic limestone in particular can be used as granules. Limestone-grit mixtures from the Middle Devonian are also particularly suitable. Limestone is a term used to describe sedimentary rocks that consist mainly of the chemical substance calcium carbonate (CaCO ₃ ) in the form of the minerals calcite and aragonite. Dolomite stone, dolomite for short, is a carbonate rock that consists of at least 90 percent of the mineral dolomite, ie CaMg(CO ₃ ) ₂ or CaCO ₃ ·MgCO ₃ . The dolomitic limestone specified here has a lower dolomite content, but this must be above the limit specified above. In particular, granules made of this material can provide a high filter performance for provide the water in the drainage layer. In addition, these minerals show particularly suitable mechanical properties, which are reflected in extremely low abrasion and improved mechanical properties of the soil structure. The surface of these minerals is also partly porous, which provides a particularly large exchange surface for the absorption of foreign matter. The granules made of this material have also proven to be very suitable for keeping the phosphate concentration in the water below 0.035 mg/l for a very long period of use. This low phosphate content is achieved through an interaction of the granulate with the phosphate and this can very beneficially translate into a reduction in algae growth. In particular, the granules from the Middle Devonian age seem suitable. The latter probably due to the other admixtures that are specific to this period.

In a further configuration of the floor structure, the bulk density of the water-permeable granulate bed can be greater than or equal to 1250 kg/m ³ and less than or equal to 3000 kg/m ³ . For a particularly suitable filter performance of the treatment and drainage layer, it has been found to be particularly suitable if the granulate particles used meet the bulk density criterion specified above. Within this bulk density range, the base structure can have a long service life and the granulate particles can have a sufficiently large surface area. This results in a very efficient filter performance over a long service life. In addition, a suitable granulate packing density can be obtained via this bulk density, which both elastically transmits the mechanical forces acting on the pool floor and also results in sufficient overall strength. The bulk density of the granulate particles results from the quotient of the mass and the substance volume. The bulk density may further preferably be greater than or equal to 1500 kg/m ³ and less than or equal to 2750 kg/m ³ , further preferably greater than or equal to 1750 kg/m ³ and less than or equal to 2500 kg/m ³ .

In a further preferred embodiment of the floor structure, the phosphate content of the granulate particles of the water-permeable granulate bed, determined using X-ray fluorescence, can be less than or equal to 0.5% by weight. The phosphate content of the granulate particles has proven to be an important variable in order to provide a granulate surface that can be wetted as well as possible and to obtain the best possible filter performance for the absorption of organic material on the surface of the granulate particles. Granulate particles with a higher phosphate content can show a significantly reduced filter performance or a shorter service life of the cleaning and drainage layer. By using a granulate fill with this phosphate content, the other technical measures to reduce the organic load in the water can be significantly reduced and, in the best case, even be omitted entirely.

According to a preferred characteristic of the soil structure, the size distribution of the granules of the water-permeable granulate bed can have a polydispersity index (PI), obtained from the weight average divided by the number average, of greater than or equal to 1.2 and less than or equal to 1.5. For a long-lasting filter performance of the granulate bed, it has been found to be particularly advantageous that the granules of the bed have a relatively wide size distribution. A wide size distribution of the granulate particles can significantly improve the performance properties of the treatment and drainage layer, especially in combination with sharp-edged particles. In this way, mechanically very stable floor structures can be provided, which are also characterized by particularly high filter performance and high water permeability. In addition, the "filter bed" can be backwashed by the pump in these areas. This means that the pump system can be operated in both directions. In this way, a possibly dirty filter bed can be flushed and reprocessed by the water flow and the drainage pipes.

According to a preferred characteristic of the floor structure, the water permeability of the water-permeable upper swimming pool inner layer is greater than or equal to 100 l/m ² /h and be less than or 750 l/m ² /h. In addition to the technical properties of the treatment and drainage layer, the interaction between the treatment/drainage layer and the upper inner layer of the swimming pool has proven to be particularly important. This relationship applies to a large extent to the hydrodynamic connection between the treatment/drainage layer and the pool itself. This mass flow range can result in adequate flushing of the granules in the treatment and drainage layers and also ensure adequate circulation of the water in the pool area. Smaller rates can be disadvantageous, since in this case only insufficient filter performance can be achieved via the treatment and drainage layer. The latter would then have to be compensated for with further technical measures, for example external filters, which can be avoided due to the actual filter performance of the treatment and drainage layer. On the other hand, higher water permeabilities can be disadvantageous, since in these cases the flow rate through the treatment and drainage layer becomes too high, so that only insufficient absorption of organic or inorganic particles on the surfaces of the granulate particles is obtained. The range can preferably also be greater than or equal to 150 l/m ² /h and less than or equal to 500 l/m ² /h.

Within a further preferred embodiment of the floor structure, drainage pipes or drainage hoses can be arranged in the water-permeable treatment and drainage layer. For supplying or draining water from the treatment and drainage layer, it has been found to be particularly suitable for hoses or pipes to be laid in this layer, which can remove water from this layer or supply it to this layer. The drainage pipes or drainage hoses can either be laid underneath the support structure or integrated into it. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the drainage hoses are inserted into recesses in the support structure. In addition, it has proven particularly advantageous that the drainage pipes or drainage hoses are used to supply water to the treatment and drainage layer. So the water is not removed from this layer, but is fed into this layer through the pipes, where the water flows from the bottom up through the layer into the pool. In these cases, a particularly efficient wetting and preferred contact time of the water with the filter layer of the treatment and drainage layer can be achieved. More preferably, the actually water-carrying hoses can be laid in the drainage pipes. The water can then escape, for example, from perforated, water-carrying hoses, is whirled up in the drainage pipe and then penetrates into the drainage layer. In addition, the overall structure is so flexible that additional supply lines can be integrated with or without the drainage hoses. For example, air bubble hoses can also be integrated into the floor area, which can help improve the oxygen saturation of the water. The mechanical strength of the floor area is only slightly reduced as a result, so that these supply lines can also be installed in areas subject to heavy mechanical loads. Due to the flexibility of the structure, additional filter elements, electrical devices or circuits or the automated addition of liquids or solids can be integrated into the floor structure if desired or required in the case of very heavy use.

Within a further preferred aspect of the floor construction, optical waveguides can be arranged at least along one or more of the 3-dimensional support structures, through the water-permeable treatment and drainage layer, to and at least partially through the upper inner layer of the swimming pool. In order to vary the mechanical strength of the 3-dimensional support structures, for example for absorbing particular mechanical loads at certain points, it has proven to be particularly suitable for the support structure to be reinforced by installing light guides. The design of the support structure in the form of a fleece means that the light guides can be attached to it in a particularly simple manner. In this respect, two different tasks can be performed synergistically by installing light guides at these points. On the one hand, the interior of the swimming pool can be illuminated and, on the other hand, the strength of the support structure can be increased at certain points.

1. i) Bereitstellen eines ausgehobenen Bodenbereiches zur Aufnahme des Schwimmbeckens;
2. ii) optionales Aufbringen einer Einebnungslage aus Sand oder Ton in den Bodenbereich;
3. iii) Aufbringen einer unteren Vliesschicht auf den Bodenbereich;
4. iv) Aufbringen einer wasserdichten Barriereschicht auf die untere Vliesschicht;
5. v) Einbringen einer elastischen, wasserdurchlässigen 3-dimensionalen Stützstruktur aufweisend eine Mehrzahl sich über den Bodenaufbau erstreckender, aneinander angrenzender Kompartimente auf die Barriereschicht;
6. vi) Befüllen der Kompartimente mit einer wasserdurchlässigen Granulatschüttung;
7. vii) Aufbringen einer oberen Schwimmbecken-Innenlage aus zumindest teilweise miteinander verklebten Partikeln ausgesucht aus der Gruppe bestehend aus Sand, Steinen, Kies oder Mischungen mindestens zweier Komponenten aus dieser Gruppe auf die gefüllte 3-dimensionale Stützstruktur.

Also according to the invention is a method for producing a floor structure for a swimming pool, the method comprising at least the following steps:

1. i) providing an excavated ground area to accommodate the swimming pool;
2. ii) optional application of a leveling layer of sand or clay to the soil area;
3. iii) applying a bottom fleece layer to the floor area;
4. iv) applying a waterproof barrier layer to the lower fleece layer;
5. v) introducing an elastic, water-permeable 3-dimensional support structure having a plurality of mutually adjoining compartments extending over the floor structure onto the barrier layer;
6. vi) filling the compartments with a water-permeable bulk granulate;
7. vii) Application of an upper swimming pool inner layer of at least partially bonded together particles selected from the group consisting of sand, stones, gravel or mixtures of at least two components from this group on the filled 3-dimensional support structure.

Surprisingly, it was found that particularly long-lasting and mechanically resilient swimming pool floor areas result by means of the above-mentioned method. Advantageously, in particular the further measures for the treatment of the swimming pool water can be kept to a minimum, since water treatment is also guaranteed at the same time via the floor structure. For the further advantages of the method according to the invention, explicit reference is made to the advantages of the floor structure according to the invention.

The method according to the invention is a method for producing a floor structure for a swimming pool. Swimming pools, outdoor or indoor ponds, garden pools, paddling pools can be produced by means of the method according to the invention, with the inner surfaces of these configurations advantageously having a particularly mechanically resilient and natural surface have looking surface. The method is also suitable for all parts of the swimming pool that come into contact with the floor being provided by this floor structure.

The method includes step i) in which an excavated ground area is provided to accommodate the swimming pool. In the first step of the method, a pit or a hole in the ground can be prepared using known measures, which essentially has the dimensions of the swimming pool volume that can be achieved later.

In process step ii), a leveling layer of sand or clay is optionally applied to the soil area. In the event of unfavorable soil conditions, for example due to a high proportion of grit or stones, an optional layer of a suitable material, such as sand, can be used to protect the soil structure. In addition to the mechanical protection of the other superstructures, this layer can also compensate for other unevenness in the height of the floor level.

In process steps 3-7, the different steps for obtaining the floor structure according to the invention are carried out one after the other. The advantages of these process steps are discussed explicitly in the respective areas of the floor structure according to the invention.

Further advantages and advantageous configurations of the objects according to the invention are illustrated by the figures and explained in the following examples. It should be noted that the figures are only descriptive and are not intended to limit the invention in any way.

Fig. 1

schematisch die Abfolge des erfindungsgemäßen Bodenaufbaus;

Fig. 2

schematisch den Aufbau der erfindungsgemäßen Aufbereitungs- und Drainageschicht im Schnitt;

Fig. 3

schematisch den Aufbau der erfindungsgemäßen Aufbereitungs- und Drainageschicht in der Aufsicht;

Fig. 4

schematisch den Aufbau der erfindungsgemäßen Aufbereitungs- und Drainageschicht in der Aufsicht;

Fig. 5

schematisch die Abfolge des erfindungsgemäßen Bodenaufbaus in einer Einbausituation.

It show the

1

schematically the sequence of the floor structure according to the invention;

2

schematically shows the structure of the treatment and drainage layer according to the invention in section;

3

schematically shows the structure of the treatment and drainage layer according to the invention in plan view;

4

schematically shows the structure of the treatment and drainage layer according to the invention in plan view;

figure 5

schematically shows the sequence of the floor structure according to the invention in an installation situation.

The figure 1 shows schematically the layer sequence of the floor structure 1 according to the invention. The floor structure 1 is shown in the sequence from bottom to top. In the lower area is the soil 2, on which first a fleece layer 3 is arranged. The fleece layer 3 can be arranged on the floor 2 over the entire surface or in individual strips and protects the other components of the floor structure 1 from unwanted mechanical loads from the subsoil 2. On the fleece layer 3, the water-impermeable barrier layer 4 is applied, for example in the form of a 1.5 mm thick layer EPDM track arranged. The treatment and drainage layer 5 is located above the water-impermeable barrier layer 4. This layer is composed of the support structure (not shown in this figure) and the granulate bed (not shown in this figure). The treatment and drainage layer 5 is closed by the swimming pool inner layer 6, which is at least partially water-permeable. The water permeability of this layer can be achieved, for example, by partially continuous pores through an otherwise bonded particulate layer. Due to the partial water permeability, the water 7 of the swimming pool is in hydrodynamic equilibrium with the floor structure 1. Due to the hydrodynamic equilibrium, no forces caused by the hydrostatic pressure of the water act on the floor structure 1.

The figure 2 shows schematically the structure of the preparation and drainage layer 5 according to the invention in section. The treatment and drainage layer 5 consists of the Support structure 8, 10, 11 and the granulate bed 9 together. In this figure the walls 8 of the support structure are shown explicitly. The floor 10 of the support structure can be a continuous floor on which the individual walls of the support structure 8 are or are arranged. The support structure is open in the upper area 11 so that the individual compartments of the support structure 8 can be filled with the granulate 9 . The granulate 9 can preferably be an angular granulate made up of individual particles with different particle sizes. Due to the loose bed of the granulate particles 9, water can diffuse unhindered through the bed. The support structure 8 can also be made of fleece, for example, so that the walls 8 of the support structure are also water-permeable. This can advantageously contribute to the water being able to diffuse unhindered between the individual compartments of the support structure 8 and through the granulate 9 .

The figure 3 shows a schematic plan view of the structure of the treatment and drainage layer 5 according to the invention. In this figure, one possibility of designing the base area of the treatment and drainage layer 5 according to the invention is shown. The individual compartments 12, 13 of the support structure have a basic hexagonal shape. Individual compartments 12 are already filled with granules, while other compartments 13 are still unfilled. For example, a light guide 14 can be arranged directly on the support structure 8 for mechanical stabilization of the support structure 8 .

The figure 4 shows a schematic plan view of the structure of the treatment and drainage layer 5 according to the invention. In this embodiment, a circular basic shape of the support structure 8 is shown. Individual compartments of the support structure are filled with granulate 12 while the other compartments 13 are still unfilled. The support structure 8 is not laid in one piece over the entire floor structure. The support structure is divided in two by the introduction of a drainage or feed pipe 15 . Water can be fed into the floor structure through the pipe 15 or hose 15 laid within the floor structure 1 as well as be removed from this. It has proven particularly favorable that these pipes 15 or hoses 15 are used to feed water into the floor structure 1 .

The figure 5 shows schematically the sequence of the floor structure according to the invention in an installation situation. The floor structure 1 according to the invention can be used in particular to model installation situations which come very close to natural water body shapes. The structure is flexible and elastic to a high degree and in this respect harmonious curves and unusual gradients can also be realized via the structure according to the invention. A long-lasting soil structure 1 results, which provides a high intrinsic filter potential in particular due to the purification and drainage layer 5 . In addition, by designing the innermost pool layer 6, a surface can be created which has a high degree of natural appeal. The design of this area is not limited to the use of a single material, but mixtures of materials or also partial areas can be created in the surface, which consist of a wide variety of sand or stone materials.

Claims (15)

Floor structure (1) for a swimming pool, characterized in that the floor structure (1) comprises at least: a) a bottom fleece layer (3); b) a water-impermeable barrier layer (4) arranged on the fleece layer (3) and made of one or more layers of a polymeric plastic selected from the group consisting of ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or combinations thereof; c) a water-permeable treatment and drainage layer (5) arranged on the barrier layer (4) comprising a water-permeable and elastic, 3-dimensional support structure (8, 10, 11) having a plurality of mutually adjacent compartments (8, 10, 11) and within the individual compartments (8, 10, 11) of the support structure (5) a water-permeable granulate bed (9); d) an at least partially water-permeable upper inner swimming pool layer (6) arranged on the support structure (8, 10, 11) and the granulate fill (9) and made of at least partially bonded particles selected from the group consisting of sand, stones, gravel or mixtures at least two components from this group. Floor construction according to Claim 1, in which the 3-dimensional support structure (8, 10, 11) of the treatment and drainage layer (5) is formed from a water-permeable fleece material. Floor construction according to claim 2, wherein the fleece material of the 3-dimensional support structure (8, 10, 11) of the treatment and drainage layer (5) has a tensile strength according to DIN EN ISO 10319:2015-09 greater than or equal to 5 kN/m and less than or equal to 35 kN/m. Floor construction according to one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the fleece material of the 3-dimensional support structure (8, 10, 11) of the treatment and drainage layer (5) has a water permeability according to DIN EN ISO 11058:2019-09 of greater than or equal to 10 mm/ s and less than or equal to 50 mm/s. Floor structure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least 70% of the compartments (8, 10, 11) have a compartment volume of greater than or equal to 100 cm ³ and less than or equal to 1000 cm ³ . Floor construction according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least 80% by weight of the granulate particles (9) of the water-permeable granulate bed have a size, determined by sieving, of greater than or equal to 0.5 mm and smaller than or equal to 18 mm. Floor construction according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least 70% by weight of the granulate particles (9) of the water-permeable granulate bed consist of calcium-magnesium carbonates. Floor construction according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least 75% by weight of the granulate particles (9) of the water-permeable granulate bed (9) consist of a dolomitic limestone. Floor structure according to one of the preceding claims, in which the bulk density of the water-permeable granulate bed (9) is greater than or equal to 1250 kg/m ³ and less than or equal to 3000 kg/m ³ . Floor construction according to one of the preceding claims, in which the phosphate content of the granulate particles (9) of the water-permeable granulate bed (9), determined using X-ray fluorescence, is less than or equal to 0.5% by weight. Floor construction according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the size distribution of the granulate particles (9) of the water-permeable granulate bed (9) has a polydispersity index (PI), obtained from the weight average divided by the number average, of greater than or equal to 1.2 and less than or equal to 1.5 . Floor construction according to one of the preceding claims, in which the water permeability of the water-permeable upper swimming pool inner layer (6) is greater than or equal to 100 l/m ² /h and less than or equal to 750 l/m ² /h. Floor construction according to one of the preceding claims, wherein drainage pipes (15) or drainage hoses (15) are arranged in the water-permeable treatment and drainage layer (5). Floor construction according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least along one or more of the 3-dimensional support structures (8, 10, 11), through the water-permeable treatment and drainage layer (5), optical waveguides (14) to and at least partially through the upper swimming pool -Inner layer are arranged. Method for producing a floor structure (1) for a swimming pool, characterized in that the method comprises at least the following steps: i) providing an excavated ground area to accommodate the swimming pool; ii) optional application of a leveling layer of sand or clay to the soil area; iii) applying a lower fleece layer (3) to the floor area; iv) applying a waterproof barrier layer (4) to the lower fleece layer (3); v) introducing an elastic, water-permeable 3-dimensional support structure (8, 10, 11) having a plurality of mutually adjoining compartments (8, 10, 11) extending over the floor structure onto the barrier layer (4); vi) filling the compartments (8, 10, 11) with a water-permeable granulate bed (9); vii) application of an upper swimming pool inner layer (6) made of at least partially bonded particles selected from the group consisting of sand, stones, gravel or mixtures of at least two components from this group on the filled 3-dimensional support structure (8, 10, 11) .

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