Goulburn Mulwarree Council have used Pyrotek Soundguard ’s soundproofing to deal with the high noise level and reverberation in their aquatic centre.
The soundproofing was designed by Collingridge & Associates Architects and assigned to Pyrotek Soundguard and their approved applicator, Gifcon. Pyrotek Soundguard decided to implement the design, which was to hang acoustically absorptive panels from the ceiling of the pool hall in an array designed to literally 'baffle' the noise.
Collingridge & Associates Architects proposed the use of panels suspended over the pool as a means of introducing additional surface area of sound-absorbing material needed to reduce reverberation time down to one second or less. It also had to be aesthetically acceptable.
The choice of material was made after consultations with Pyrotek Soundguard, who recommended their Sorbertex 3D P46W.
This comprises a core of fine polyester filament with an acoustic membrane on both faces to absorb sound energy impacting from either side. It is light in weight and can be hung in the largest sheets available in 2400mm x 1200mm. It is plain but attractive in all white. The polyester is 100% recyclable, hypoallergenic and unaffected by moisture and chloride ions prevalent in the pool environment.
Pyrotek Soundguard and their installer, Gifcon, suspended the specified 31 rows of panels hung three abreast above the pool on wires.
The pool was drained for the installation, so that Gifcon could work off scaffolds. The slopes of a pool’s bottom required scaffolding to be taken down and rebuilt as the installation progressed up the length of the pool. After completion, reverberation was lower than before.