Pool dividers

If pools are to be divided into two units, either stationary or moveable pool dividers are used. There are two versions of each: the stationary pool dividers are divided into lifting walls and hinged walls. Both variants allow two predetermined pool sizes. The moveable pool dividers are also referred to as bulkheads.

Except for the floating bulkheads, which are operated by hand, all pool dividers are driven electromechanically. Optionally, the pool dividers can be furnished with GRP panelling, matched in colour to the tiles of the pool, or with stainless steel planks (except for floating bulkheads). Pool dividers have lane stripes on both sides that match the lane stripes in the pool in terms of colour, width and alignment. For partially moving floors, bulkheads instead of a trailing ramp can be used as a barrier to prevent people from swimming beneath.

Pool dividers meet the safety requirements of the European Standard EN 13451.11 in conjunction with Part 1.

Running bulkheads (Moveable pool dividers)

consist of a bend- and torsion-resistant stainless steel structure. They are planked with elements made of GRP or stainless steel. The bulkheads are provided with locking positions at both sides and are aligned with the locking position of the pool. They are always designed as recessed locking positions – regardless of whether the pool has a recessed or a protruding locking position.

Depending on its width, the bulkhead can be equipped with 1 or 2 rows of starting blocks. The drive unit is powered by a DC motor with a voltage of 24 or 42 volts. Stop points can be changed later as required. The bulkhead can also be supplied with a cable duct secured with cover grids, for temporary time measurement.

Floating bulkheads (Stationary pool dividers)

are plastic constructions made up of individual parts up to 7 m in length. They are assembled at the drained pool. To reduce the vertical and horizontal deflection, two longitudinal beams made of stainless steel are also included in the construction. As soon as the pool is being filled with water, the bulkheads start to float and can be pulled into their parking position. Then the excess air is vented from the inside air chambers, so the shoulders projecting from the front sides of the bulkhead come to rest on the edge of the pool.

Lock bolts are used to secure the bulkhead against displacement when it is in the individual positions of use. The bolts are inserted through the shoulder into the sockets that are fitted in the sloped area of the pool edge. Depending on the width, the floating bulkheads can be equipped with one or two rows of starting blocks. As a rule, they are equipped with a cable duct covered with grids – for a time measuring device that is installed permanently or temporarily, as an addition. Similar to running bulkheads, floating bulkheads are equipped with flow-through openings at the level of the waterline.

Examples of KBE’s floating bulkheads in the pool divider line can be found under references

Lifting walls

consist of a stainless steel skeleton, which is finished with GRP or stainless steel planking. The width of the lifting walls depends on individual needs and requirements. However, the width should not be less than 1.0 m so it can also be used as a catwalk connecting the two long walls of the pool. At its uppermost position the lifting wall is usually located 30 cm above the water level, and is aligned with the floor when moved to its lowest position. Reaching the bottom position is optically indicated by two illuminated pictograms.

In order to allow a complete submersion of the lifting wall, the pool manufacturer has to provide a recess of appropriate depth. It is irrelevant whether the pool is made of concrete, stainless steel or GRP.

The skeleton structure is of torsion- and bend-resistant design, and at its front sides the lifting wall is additionally equipped with guide rollers, which run in the guide rails of the pool walls. Anchors for the fastening of lane lines can be attached to one side or both sides of the wall.

Upon request, the lifting wall can also be equipped with sleeves for the temporary use of starting blocks, as well as with a cable duct for a time measurement system.

The lifting walls are driven electromechanically from one of the two longitudinal sides of the pool. The lifting process is carried out by two vertical spindles for lifting walls up to 10 m long. Longer lifting walls are equipped with a horizontal spindle drive similar to the drive of MZB and LSB moving floors. The type of drive used for ISB floors is also suitable for special applications.

Hinged walls

are used either as pool dividers, or as a dividing component or rather locking device, within the swimming channels connecting the inner and outer pool. During periods when the walls are not in use, they rest flat within a recess on the pool floor and are raised upright into a 90ᄚ vertical position when required. The recess in the pool floor must be as long as the hinged wall is wide. The hinged walls are manufactured as narrow as possible to reduce the recess as much as possible. The dimensions for hinged wall widths range between 20 and 30 cm, depending on the length of the hinged wall.

The hinged wall consists of a bend-resistant torsion box made of stainless steel with reinforced ribs (also made of stainless steel). These ribs are optionally planked with elements made of GRP or stainless steel.

The wall is driven from outside the pool by one or two motor units, depending on the length of the hinged wall. The drive shaft is conducted through a stuffing box and is rigidly connected to the torsion box. The time required for folding the wall down or raising it up is approx. 3 minutes.

Since hinged walls are built as narrow as possible, they cannot be walked on, but they can be fitted with anchors for attaching the starting lane line. For this reason, each front end of the hinged wall is provided with a manual locking device. It establishes a firm connection to the facing walls of the pool. Upon request, the locking mechanism can also be designed to be electromagnetic. In this case, the mechanism is driven from the side of the pool surround. Reaching the final position is optically indicated by two illuminated pictograms.

The hinged wall is activated and controlled via an operating device, which can be supplied as a surface-mounted or flush-mounted version to be installed near the hinged wall, if possible.

You can find examples of KBE’s hinged walls under references