A Pool Environment for Learning and Fun aquatic therapy for unique needs

The mission, a challenging one, was to design and build a pool building that would contain unique functional details and temperature features required for a spectrum of physical therapy needs.

In this way the environment would be both supportive to a young person, allow him to be as independent as possible and to remain a non-institutional space with a warm and nurturing quality to engage his spirit.

The power of our surroundings to shape daily lives is profound. In environments that uniquely merge the needs of humans and nature, the individual thrives.

Perhaps when the ancient Romans built their fabled baths, they knew well and better understood the healing, nurturing powers of water.

The total environment had to be user-friendly without a clinical, institutional appearance. But most importantly it must be, and is safe and fun for anyone to swim at anytime. In this pool everyone could enjoy a splashing good time !

School buddies, family members and therapists alike became his constant encouragement and support team ... cheerleaders all.

The "Cockpit"
Strategically placed adjustable full body dryer nozzles were nested into a seat ledge alcove in the shower area. Inside a closed plenum above the ceiling, warm air was generated to a comfortable pre-determined and variable temperature range.

Once the air had reached the desired temperature a motorized damper would slowly open to allow the warm air to blow through the plenum and out the nozzles. This was critical so as not to startle him with a blast of cold or hot air.

Similar design concepts were applied to the functioning operation of all the water supply lines shower heads and mixing valves.

* Toe testers were placed in the showers with simple lift handles.
* Faucets and handles were easy turn type so he could manage the task.
The goal was to provide him a safe environment.

Waterproof olefin marine carpet was chosen as the pool deck floor covering surrounding the hand formed pool coping and ledge tiles. The result was a much softer surface for him as he came out of the pool and moved across the deck during his physical therapy workout.

All of the floor materials, grilles, air registers, thresholds and pool edge drains were carefully constructed to be exactly aligned and flush to the carpet with no variations in level and zero tolerance. This was critical to prevent his feet or the walker from catching on any ridges or protrusions as he moved around the pool.

The primary goal of the team was to facilitate his independence through the design of :
* Electronic switches * Call buttons
* Motorized door openers * Lighting
* Body dryer controls
All were slide, rocker or easy turn type, ganged together.

It had been determined that the pool water most beneficial to aid him during his therapy sessions should be maintained at 93˚ F. This would produce potential humidity conditions that had to be carefully controlled to prevent serious condensation issues as well as provide comfortable conditions in this midwest climate.

One very important water therapy exercise was to straighten and bend his arms while gripping the pool coping. Raising his arms above his head was nearly impossible. So the water level was designed to be set just below the pool deck. In this way he was able to extend and flex his arms with ease.

Sometimes ...When reaching for the stars
wonderful things happen

Special thanks to an extraordinary team of dedicated professionals ... physical therapists and physicians.

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A Pool Environment for Learning and Fun
aquatic therapy for unique needs
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The Museum of the National Academy of Design and Fine Arts in New York, founded in 1825, is the oldest professional arts association in the United States. It has recently acquired for its permanent collection a portfolio of 102 prints, drawings and photographs of the work of The Dirsmith Group as part of the Academy's notable collection of pre-eminent American architecture, design and art. 3 are drawings and images of ...

A Pool Environment for Learning and Fun
aquatic therapy for unique needs

Your vision is the mission of
The Dirsmith Group Design and Consulting Team ...
architects, engineers, artisans, sculptors and landscape planners

Design Studio
Highland Park, Illinois

www.DirsmithGroup.com
847-433-3616
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Category:

Education

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• Dirsmith Group
• Therapy Pool
• living In harmony with nature