Huntsville Aquatic Center

The City of Huntsville, Alabama, decided to renovate and expand their 40-year-old Natatorium, home to one competition-sized pool, to provide state-of-the-art recreational, therapeutic and competition swimming facilities for users ranging from local residents to nationally-competitive swim teams. In addition to providing expanded opportunities for the community, the City planned to use the renovated facility to attract swim competitions, enhancing the regional economy. City officials reviewed proposals from a variety of firms, including a unique Carrier-based heat recovery design created by Mims Engineering on behalf of the Nola VanPeursem Architects team.

Project Solution

The City of Huntsville selected Mims’s design for the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system at the new Aquatics Center. Rather than opting for the specialized water-heating equipment traditionally used in the industry, Mims specified two AquaForce® 30XW chillers; two AquaForce® 30XA chillers; two Aero® 39MN air handlers; one Toshiba Carrier Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system; and one Carrier 62D dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS). The system provides excellent indoor air quality, comfort cooling and critical dehumidification in the pool areas, locker rooms, lobby, and the 1,400 spectator seats. The heat from the 30XW chillers’ operation is captured and used to heat the water in the new competition pool and the therapy pool. Mims Engineering won a prestigious award from the American Council of Engineering Companies for the innovative, energy-efficient design, and the Huntsville Aquatics Center has become a popular destination for high-profile swimming competitions.