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In public facilities in general, and especially those that operate periodically (e.g., aquaparks, swimming pools, sports arenas, stadiums, etc.), combating the growth of bacteria that multiply inside the sanitary system is a constant challenge. Especially in the off-season, when many sports and recreational facilities are closed for long periods of time, and water stagnates in unused systems. Unfortunately, this is a ticking sanitary-epidemiological bomb. Infections, a consequence of improper sanitation hygiene control, can be potentially serious and in some cases even fatal. What, then, can be done to protect users from this danger? And can it be reconciled with the aesthetics of sanitary spaces? DELABIE, an expert in sanitary fittings for public facilities, answers these questions.
BINOPTIC chrome valve and MINI BAILA black washbasin from DELABIE.
© DELABIE
Alert: Legionella
Among the naturally occurring bacteria in sanitary installations is also the most famous and also the most dangerous: Legionella. It can cause very serious pneumonia, even fatal in people with weak immune systems. It thrives in standing water at temperatures between 25°C and 45°C. Infection with it occurs when a user inhales micro-droplets of microbe-laden water aerosol sprayed when a faucet is opened (usually when taking a shower or flushing a toilet).
In Poland, as in the rest of Europe, increases in Legionella infections have been regularly recorded in recent years. Many of these infections occur in public facilities in the summer, which is directly related to climatic conditions, i.e. the increase in temperature and humidity, but also the increase in tourism, i.e. the reactivation of swimming pools and resorts. Off-season downtime in the operation of such facilities, when, due to their periodic shutdown, water in sanitary systems stagnates, is also not insignificant.
Basic "statutory" safeguards
The two biggest potential risks are stagnation and water temperatures that are too low. So, to prevent bacterial growth, in general, two types of measures must be taken: minimize the amount of stagnant water in the system, and keep the hot water temperature above 55°C at all points in the system. However, the rivulets feeding directly to the draw-off points are drained from the main hot water circuit, and the installation in these sections, i.e. between the circuit and the fixture, is emptied of water only when the fixture is operated. Thus, if there is a tap point that is not used regularly, the water at the sensitive point of the installation stagnates and cools to a temperature conducive to bacterial growth. Therefore, the law states that there should be no more than 3 liters of mixed water in the sections of the system between the hot water circuit and the tap point.
The solution: confusion!
But you can go one step further. An extremely effective method of preventing water cooling at sensitive points in the system is to mix hot and cold water as close as possible to the point of use. This allows you to reduce the distance between the hot water circuit and the fixtures as much as possible. This allows the water to circulate constantly at a high temperature, which prevents the growth of microorganisms. An example of a device that makes this possible is the SPORTING 2 SECURITHERM electronic shower panel from DELABIE, which has a thermostatic mixer integrated into the spout. This allows you to bring hot water directly to it, and the thermostatic mixer will mix it with cold water immediately before serving, while taking care of the safety and comfort of the user. It is worth remembering such a solution, because colonies of bacteria, once settled in the installation, are virtually impossible to remove. Prevention at the stage of design and selection of fittings is therefore the most effective strategy.
SPORTING 2 SECURITHERM electronic shower panel from DELABIE with integrated thermostatic mixer - AQUAPARK
© DELABIE
Regular flushing of the electronic mixer will also come to the rescue, in order to renew the water in the system and maintain a high level of hygiene. Therefore, all DELABIE electronic solutions (sink, shower, urinal and toilet) allow automatic periodic flushing every 24 hours from the last time the fixture was activated.
Bonus: No toilet tank - no sanitary risk.
Since one of the main risk factors is stagnant water, danger can also lurk in the toilet area. The toilet tank constantly contains stagnant water, which contributes to the proliferation of microorganisms, which in turn then spread in the installation. How to solve this problem? Remove the tank from the flushing system design! DELABIE offers tankless flushing systems for WCs. Thanks to their direct connection to the installation, they function completely without a tank, and this in turn means that stagnant water is eliminated, which prevents the accumulation of contaminants and the growth of bacteria.
Tankless flush from DELABIE, TEMPOFLUX 3 system from DELABIE
© DELABIE
What about interior aesthetics...?
In public sanitary spaces, aesthetics increasingly go hand in hand with functionality. Architects and interior designers are looking for solutions that not only meet the highest hygienic standards, but also form a coherent part of the visual concept. DELABIE understands these needs perfectly - that's why it offers fixtures that combine advanced technology with minimalist, elegant design. What matters here is the choice of materials, the geometric design of the mixer, the texture of its finish or its color. In the case of the SPORTING 2 SECURITHERM shower panel, we have a satin finish of anodized aluminum, and the concealed tankless flush systems provide a choice of different control plates, including the unusual TEMPOMATIC Dual Control electronic model in matte black.
Another example of the perfect combination of aesthetics and functionality is the BLACK BINOPTIC series of electronic mixers, which, with its slim body covered in matte black chrome, blends in perfectly with modern interiors, while offering touchless operation, water savings and intermittent flushing to prevent Legionella growth in the system. It's a solution that doesn't dominate a space, but gives it character - especially in projects where detail matters. In its black version, it presents an extremely modern look, perfectly in line with current design trends based on contrasts and distinctive accents.
Thus, DELABIE's solutions not only raise the hygienic standard of sports facilities, but also fit into the aesthetics of premium projects. At DELABIE, design is not an add-on - it is an integral part of functionality.
BLACK BINOPTIC high basin valve and ALGUI washbasin from DELABIE
© DELABIE
To sum up...
The sanitary danger that can lurk in installations, both inside pipes and the fittings themselves, is serious. Everything must be done to protect users from this danger. The first step to do this is to comply with the provisions of the law, but there are a number of functional solutions through which the installed sanitary fittings will provide invaluable assistance in this fight, effectively preventing the multiplication of microorganisms in the installation. When choosing such fittings, you do not have to sacrifice the aesthetic qualities of the design. The best manufacturers know that there are no compromises when it comes to sanitary fittings that are part of the interior design. The visual qualities of sanitary solutions must be at an equally high level as hygiene and user safety. It is therefore worth making the right choice.
In addition, discover the advantages of a tankless flush in terms of water savings!
For more information, visit the DELABIE company page on the PdA portal.
