FLOOR CONSTRUCTION FOR A SWIMMING POOL

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a floor structure for a swimming pool, wherein the floor structure comprises at least: a) a bottom nonwoven layer; b) a waterproof barrier layer arranged on the nonwoven layer, made of one or more layers of a polymeric plastic; c) a water-permeable treatment and drainage layer arranged on the barrier layer, comprising a water-permeable and elastic, three-dimensional support structure having a plurality of adjoining compartments extending over the floor structure, and within each compartment of the support structure, a water-permeable granulate fill; d) an upper, at least partially water-permeable swimming pool lining layer arranged on the support structure and the granulate fill, made of particles that are at least partially bonded together. The present invention further relates to a method for producing a floor structure for a swimming pool.

[0002] The creation of specially designed bathing or swimming facilities, or pond shapes adapted to the existing surroundings, has a long tradition. While in the past, "simple" constructions made of natural materials like stone with an inlet and outlet formed the basic structure, significantly more complex structures made of concrete, fiberglass, or plastic have become prevalent due to improved and faster material development. This is because these materials can be transformed into much more flexible shapes with less manual effort and in shorter construction times, ultimately resulting in equally durable pools or ponds. Naturally, the entire supply and drainage system also had to be adapted to the new conditions, which is essential for long-term and safe use.A key component in this context is water treatment, which is usually located in or outside the actual pool area and includes external filters and chemical processing technology. The filters remove the mostly organic matter from the water, while the chemical components generally ensure a suitable environment, either in terms of microbiological safety and / or optimal living conditions for aquatic organisms such as fish. Modern water treatment systems are highly complex and can account for the majority of operating costs and, in particular, the enjoyment of using the pond or pool.

[0003] The patent literature also contains a wide variety of designs for the construction of garden ponds or swimming pools.

[0004] For example, WO 2013 124 284 A1 describes a basin for swimming pools, artificial ponds and the like, characterized by the fact that it comprises the following within the bed excavated in the ground for its construction: a layer to protect the inner surface of the bed; a first, waterproof layer over the protective layer; an internally hollow structure placed on top of the first, waterproof layer, the inside of which, facing the interior of the basin, is shaped or perpendicular to form a suitably shaped or substantially perpendicular wall of the central container of the basin; a protective layer and a waterproof layer for the outside of said hollow structure; a second waterproof layer for said inside of said hollow structure.

[0005] In WO 2017 134 503 A1, a modular element for the manufacture of a structure of tanks, swimming pools and basins in general, suitable for various arrangements and limited to other modular elements, such as forming at least part of the structure of the basin, is characterized in that it is a three-dimensional body with side surfaces or sides on which one or more openings or holes are provided, and one or more channels or compartments which are located inside the three-dimensional body and which connect to the outside through the openings or holes, wherein the openings or holes and the channels or compartments are suitable for enabling the insertion of cables, channels, anchoring means, tie rods, bars or other elements necessary to build at least part of the structure of the basin.

[0006] In another patent document, US 3,811,137 A, a swimming pool for installation in an excavation is described, the swimming pool comprising a combination of: a perimeter walkway around the excavation; a flexible lining covering the surface of the excavation; a rigid shell that generally conforms to the excavation contour and is spaced inward from the lining to define a cavity; and means for directing water from the interior of the shell into the cavity.

[0007] US 2008 245 465 A1 discloses a method for manufacturing basins, swimming pools, wells, and ponds in general, the method comprising the following steps: laying a watertight layer (I); arranging the filters, pipes, inlets and outlets, collecting channels, and all devices necessary for the functionality of the basin, swimming pool, well, or pond; lining (R) the inner walls of the container thus formed and / or the bottom of the container thus formed with stones (R1) placed on the watertight layer (I); characterized in that, prior to the above steps, one or more layers of nonwoven fabric (TS) are laid on the inner surface (T1) of an excavated pit (T) and / or on a foundation layer (S), and that the stones (R1) are wholly or partially coated with a binding resin (C).

[0008] Furthermore, US 2015 337 552 A1 discloses a lagoon-type swimming pool (10) with skimmer suction devices or the like, comprising a container with curved or inclined walls formed from an excavation in the ground or from a structure above the ground, on which a layer of rubber-like waterproof material, e.g.EPDM synthetic rubber (11) is laid to form the water-containing basin, the swimming basin comprising a water supply system with supply lines (12) and return lines (13) connected to a distribution unit (14) which includes water filtration systems, antibacterial treatment systems and hydraulic pumps for the operation of the system; the swimming basin is characterized in that the supply of water to the tank is accomplished by means of a distribution system (15) of the pipe type in which the individual pipes are provided with a series of holes, and in that one or more layers of highly porous or water-permeable material are applied over the pipe distribution system (15).

[0009] Such solutions, known from the prior art, can offer further potential for improvement. This applies in particular to the provision of an efficient and space-saving base area for swimming pools or ponds, which, in addition to improved mechanical dissipation of forces acting on the pool floor, can also simultaneously provide a particularly high filtration performance for the circulating water.

[0010] It is therefore the object of the present invention to at least partially overcome the disadvantages known from the prior art. In particular, it is the object of the present invention to provide a structure that can reliably and uniformly dissipate mechanical forces acting on the pool floor and simultaneously provide efficient filtration for the pool or swimming pool water. Furthermore, it is the object of the present invention to provide a method for constructing a swimming pool with a floor area according to the invention.

[0011] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims, which relate to the floor construction according to the invention and the method according to the invention for constructing a swimming pool floor. Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims, in the description, or in the figures, wherein further features described or shown in the dependent claims, in the description, or in the figures may, individually or in any combination, constitute subject matter of the invention, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0012] According to the invention, a floor structure for a swimming pool is provided, wherein the floor structure comprises at least: a) a bottom nonwoven layer; b) a water-impermeable barrier layer arranged on the nonwoven layer, consisting of one or more layers of a polymeric plastic selected from the group consisting of ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or combinations thereof; c) a water-permeable treatment and drainage layer arranged on the barrier layer, comprising a water-permeable and elastic, 3-dimensional support structure having a plurality of adjacent compartments extending over the soil structure, and within each of the individual compartments of the support structure, a water-permeable granular fill;d) an upper, at least partially water-permeable, inner lining of the swimming pool, arranged on the support structure and the granular fill, made of particles selected from the group consisting of sand, stones, gravel or mixtures of at least two components from this group, which are at least partially bonded together.

[0013] Surprisingly, it was found that the aforementioned floor construction allows for the creation of swimming pools that are particularly mechanically robust and adaptable to a wide variety of shapes. In addition to the flexibility of the floor construction, these pools also exhibit improved water treatment properties. This construction, for example, reduces the technical costs of water treatment, as all or at least part of the water treatment can be performed by the floor construction itself. Without being bound by theory, these two advantageous aspects arise primarily from the design of the water-permeable treatment and drainage layer.This area, which is in hydrostatic exchange with the swimming pool, can contribute to improved load-bearing capacity for the forces acting on the pool's interior via the elastic support structures filled with granules. The design of the mechanical load-bearing structure as a water-permeable granulate also allows this water-permeable treatment and drainage layer to absorb and bind unwanted water components, such as particles and / or microorganisms, on the surface of the granules, thus eliminating them from the water cycle. By choosing a water-permeable support structure with a water-permeable granulate fill, a particularly large exchange surface is provided in this case, which is not achievable with conventional designs.The construction, using granule-filled compartments and an elastic support structure, allows mechanical forces to be transmitted between individual compartments. However, the elastically shaped compartment walls prevent large-scale displacement of individual granule sections over excessive distances within the soil. This results in elastic flexibility between the compartments in the immediate vicinity, while effectively preventing macroscopic displacement of entire granule sections. Furthermore, the design as water-permeable compartments and a water-permeable fill ensures that the entire soil surface and / or the entire volume of the water treatment and drainage layer can be used as an efficient filter.This design can therefore be used to make otherwise unused space in the pool structure contribute to the treatment of the circulating water. Overall, this design can allow for a smaller external filtration system, for example, in the form of additional mechanical filters located on or outside the pool area. The result is an extremely flexible and cost-effective setup that reduces both operating and investment costs.

[0014] The structure according to the invention is a base structure for a swimming pool. The structure according to the invention is suitable for all types of water reservoirs. Therefore, the term "swimming pool" can be understood to encompass any type of artificial water-bearing structure. This includes, for example, indoor or outdoor pools, ponds, paddling pools, fish ponds, or similar structures. The base structure comprises the construction of the swimming pool base and, optionally, also the side walls. Thus, the structure according to the invention can be used, for example, to create a natural-looking pond, such as a swimming pond, with the pond banks and bottom being constructed using the structure according to the invention. However, it is also possible to equip only a specific area of ​​the swimming pool with the structure according to the invention.

[0015] The first component (a) of the structure is a bottom layer of nonwoven fabric. This bottom layer lies directly on the ground or soil and is primarily intended to mechanically protect the other components of the structure from soil particles such as sharp-edged stones. It is also possible, of course, to apply another leveling or protective layer on top of the actual ground.

[0016] This leveling or protective layer can be applied in the form of a sand layer and / or other defined protective layer. These layers can typically be used to create a defined substrate for the structure. However, these additional layers are not essential for achieving the effect according to the invention. A nonwoven fabric is understood to be a material that represents a structure made of fibers of limited length, continuous fibers (filaments), or cut yarns of any kind and origin. The fibers can be joined together in a variety of ways to form a nonwoven fabric (a fiber layer, a fiber pile) or generally bonded together. The latter can be achieved, for example, by interlacing or looping yarns, as occurs in weaving, knitting, crocheting, lacemaking, braiding, and the production of tufted products. Nonwoven fabrics are largely flexible, slightly bendable textile structures.The nonwovens have a relatively small thickness compared to their length and width. Suitable materials include, for example, those commonly used in pond construction. The nonwoven can advantageously have a thickness greater than or equal to 0.5 cm and less than or equal to 5 cm. It can be used as a single layer or as a layering of several individual nonwoven sheets or sheets. The nonwoven can advantageously have a weight greater than or equal to 300 g / m² and less than or equal to 1000 g / m².

[0017] Above component a), component b) is arranged, consisting of a waterproof barrier layer made of one or more layers of a polymeric plastic selected from the group consisting of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or combinations thereof. From bottom to top, a barrier layer in the form of a waterproof film is applied to the nonwoven fabric. Particularly durable and weather-resistant films can be selected from the group of polymers listed above. The waterproof barrier layer is protected from direct contact with the soil by the nonwoven fabric and essentially serves to prevent water from seeping into the ground. The waterproof barrier can also be created, for example, by applying several layers or sheets of these polymeric carriers.The thickness of a layer can be, for example, greater than or equal to 0.5 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm. The individual strips or layers can also be laid partially overlapping, allowing them to change position over a certain area without mechanical tension. However, it is preferred that only one strip is laid. This single layer can, for example, have an elongation determined according to EN 12311-2 of greater than or equal to 200% and less than or equal to 400%. Furthermore, the tear strength of the layer according to DIN EN 12310-2 can advantageously be greater than or equal to 20 kN and less than or equal to 50 kN.

[0018] Above the barrier layer b) is a water-permeable treatment and drainage layer c), which comprises a water-permeable and elastic, three-dimensional support structure and a plurality of adjacent compartments extending across the floor structure. Within each compartment of the support structure, there is a water-permeable granular fill. Layer c) thus has two distinct structural elements. The foundation is a three-dimensional support structure, which provides the framework for a multitude of macroscopic, upward-facing cavities. The support structure can have a base surface and, on this base surface, a multitude of compartment walls that extend upwards and form the individual compartments. This support structure divides the floor area of ​​the swimming pool into individual zones, each of which shares walls of the support structure with one another.The division into individual compartments ensures that no exchange of macroscopic particles occurs between the compartments. The compartments thus retain the particles contained within them at that location in the soil structure. This enables the mechanical stabilization of the soil structure. Crucially, the walls of the compartments must be water-permeable. Therefore, compartment configurations in which the walls of the compartments do not allow liquid exchange between the individual compartments are not according to the invention. Furthermore, the compartment walls, or the entire compartments themselves, are designed to be elastic.

[0019] This means that the compartment walls are not rigidly arranged, but rather that the walls of the unfilled compartments can move back and forth over a certain range. Preferably, a compartment wall can be considered elastic if the elongation of the material, determined according to DIN EN ISO 10319, is greater than or equal to 40%. The height of the support structure can be varied, with the walls of the support structure preferably having a height greater than or equal to 3.5 cm, more preferably greater than or equal to 4.5 cm, and even more preferably greater than or equal to 5 cm. The compartments formed by the walls of the support structure can be symmetrical or irregularly shaped. Preferably, the individual compartments have an axis of symmetry. Thus, the individual compartments can have an approximately cylindrical, hexagonal, or octagonal basic shape.The individual compartments form the basic framework into which the second element of the cleaning and drainage layer is filled. The individual cavities are filled with granules, preferably up to the height of the support structure. The granules are arranged as a particle bed, with the particles in physical contact with each other within the compartment. The granules can, for example, have a more or less round or oval shape. It is also possible for the individual granule particles to be irregularly shaped and have sharp edges on their surface. Surprisingly, the angular shape of the particles leads to improved mechanical properties. Because the individual granule particles are not bonded together, water can diffuse along their surface. Therefore, the granule layer is permeable to water.The chosen structure, consisting of a support layer and granules, allows water to diffuse freely both horizontally and vertically within the cleaning and drainage layer. Within a single compartment, for example, more than 10, preferably more than 40, and even more preferably more than 75 individual granule particles can be incorporated.

[0020] The final layer is a layer d) arranged on top of the support structure and the granular fill. This layer forms the at least partially water-permeable upper liner of the swimming pool and comprises particles selected from the group consisting of sand, stones, gravel, or mixtures of at least two components from this group, which are at least partially bonded together. The final layer of the structure is the swimming pool liner, which is placed on top of the treatment and drainage layer. This layer can typically be in direct contact with the water inside the swimming pool. This layer can consist of a single material, such as sand, or of mixtures of several of the components mentioned above, or it can include these. The sand is not present in the form of individual grains, but is firmly bonded to the other components of this layer by means of a binding agent.This results in a coherent, mechanically resilient layer. It is also possible for this layer to have a non-homogeneous structure. For example, the base layer can consist of bonded sand grains, onto which a further layer of stones is applied towards the interior of the swimming pool. The amount of adhesive required to produce a continuous layer is calculated such that continuous channels remain in the inner layer, allowing water to enter and exit the swimming pool area. It is also possible for these particles to be bonded together across their entire surface, with the individual channels subsequently created by mechanically breaching the layer. However, this embodiment is less preferred. An embodiment in which this area of ​​the structure is made impermeable to water is not according to the invention.This final inner layer can be applied directly to the support structure with granule filling. However, it is also possible to apply another water-permeable nonwoven or other polymer layer at this point, which prevents the bonded particles from diffusing into the granule structure. In principle, it is also possible to adjust the viscosity of this partially water-permeable layer during application so that significant diffusion is effectively prevented even without an additional layer.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the floor structure, the three-dimensional support structure of the treatment and drainage layer can be made of a water-permeable nonwoven material. To provide the most flexible and highly water-permeable structure possible for the treatment and drainage layer, it has proven advantageous for the walls and, if necessary, also the base of the three-dimensional support structure to be made of a nonwoven material. The nonwoven material can provide sufficient strength for filling the individual compartments formed by the walls of the support structure with granules. Furthermore, this structure is flexible enough that the individual compartment volume elements can still be sufficiently displaced relative to one another. Overall, this results in a highly elastic structure.This construction is unusual in that the majority of the mechanical loads are absorbed not by the walls of the support structure, but by the granular fill itself. The walls of the support structure, and thus the compartments themselves, primarily serve to prevent sudden or gradual displacement of individual granular elements. The actual mechanical support function is then assumed by the granular fill. The nonwoven material only marginally impedes horizontal water diffusion between the individual compartments, resulting not only in a mechanically stable structure but also in excellent water exchange across the entire floor of the swimming pool. This design effectively eliminates dead zones.

[0022] In a further preferred configuration of the floor structure, the nonwoven material of the 3-dimensional support structure of the treatment and drainage layer can have a tensile strength according to DIN EN ISO 10319:2015-09 of greater than or equal to 5 kN / m and less than or equal to 35 kN / m. The aforementioned tensile strengths have proven particularly suitable for ensuring a sufficiently mechanically stable yet highly elastic structure. This range of tensile strengths allows for easy and uniform filling of the compartments with granules, while also ensuring sufficient displacement of individual sections. Lower tensile strengths can be disadvantageous, as the mechanical stresses occurring over time may lead to failure of the support structure. Higher tensile strengths, on the other hand, can be disadvantageous, as these walls are generally too rigid for a highly flexible structure.Preferably, the tensile strength can be greater than or equal to 7.5 kN / m and less than or equal to 30 kN / m, or furthermore greater than or equal to 10 kN / m and less than or equal to 25 kN / m.

[0023] Within a further preferred aspect of the pool floor construction, the nonwoven material of the 3-dimensional support structure of the treatment and drainage layer can have a water permeability according to DIN EN ISO 11058:2019-09 of greater than or equal to 10 mm / s and less than or equal to 50 mm / s. To achieve the highest possible cleaning and treatment performance while utilizing the entire pool floor area, the aforementioned range of Vl H50 water permeability has proven particularly suitable. This allows for excellent horizontal and vertical water exchange and reduces the risk of unused dead zones forming within the pool floor construction. In this way, a durable and efficient filter area can be provided. In particular, the walls of the support structure can be constructed from this nonwoven material. It is possible that the non-diffusion-contributing base layer of the nonwoven may have a different water permeability.Preferably, the water permeabilities can be greater than or equal to 12.5 mm / s and less than or equal to 45 mm / s, and preferably greater than or equal to 15 mm / s and less than or equal to 35 mm / s.

[0024] According to a preferred soil structure characteristic, at least 70% of the compartments can have a volume greater than or equal to 100 cm³ and less than or equal to 1000 cm³. For maintaining particularly flexible and elastic soil areas, it has proven especially advantageous for the volume of individual compartments to fall within the aforementioned range. For the typical sizes of ponds or swimming pools, these compartments can guarantee sufficient load-bearing capacity, even for areas subject to high mechanical stress. Furthermore, they provide sufficient size for the elastic absorption of mechanical forces. Smaller compartment volumes can be disadvantageous, as they unnecessarily complicate the construction and filling of the compartments. Larger volumes, on the other hand, can be disadvantageous because the individual granule volume elements can shift too much from their positions within the soil structure under mechanical stress.

[0025] In a further preferred embodiment of the soil structure according to one of the preceding claims, at least 80% by weight of the granules in the water-permeable granulate bed can have a size determined by sieving of greater than or equal to 0.5 mm and less than or equal to 18 mm. To ensure the greatest possible mechanical load-bearing capacity of the soil structure and to provide a sufficiently large surface area of ​​the granulate bed for filtering purposes, the above-mentioned size distribution of the granules has proven particularly suitable. The soil structures achievable in this way are characterized by high mechanical load-bearing capacity and can, in particular, elastically absorb mechanical loads through the displacement of individual granules.The surface area of ​​the granules, defined across these size ranges, is also suitable for purifying water flowing through the granules over the long term by absorbing organic or inorganic components onto the surface of the granules. Therefore, further technical devices for filtering or purifying the water can be reduced or, ideally, eliminated entirely. In a further preferred embodiment, the size of the granules can be greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 15 mm, and more preferably greater than or equal to 1.5 mm and less than or equal to 10 mm.

[0026] Within a preferred aspect of the pool floor construction, at least 70% by weight of the granules in the water-permeable granular fill can consist of calcium-magnesium carbonates. Due to the requirement that the water-permeable granular fill must both absorb a large portion of the mechanical loads and provide sufficient filtration, the aforementioned granule composition has proven particularly suitable. Therefore, minerals that consist of or contain a high proportion of calcium-magnesium carbonates are preferentially used. The calcium-magnesium carbonates are particularly effective at actively binding organic and inorganic substances to their surface, thus contributing to a reduction in the organic load of the pool water.Furthermore, the crystal arrangement of the calcium-magnesium carbonates allows for a suitable strength range of the granules, which significantly contributes to the appropriate load-bearing capacity of this area of ​​the soil structure. The granules are not too soft, so that even under extended periods of inactivity and heavy mechanical stress, abrasion of the granules is not to be expected. The granules are also not too hard, so that any mechanical forces that occur can be absorbed elastically by the individual granules. Preferably, granules made from natural minerals containing the calcium-magnesium carbonate weight fraction specified above can be used.

[0027] In a further preferred embodiment of the soil structure, at least 75% by weight of the granules in the water-permeable granular fill can consist of dolomitic limestone. To achieve particularly efficient filtration performance and to ensure long service life of the soil structure, even under heavy mechanical stress, dolomitic limestones can be used as granules. Limestone chip mixtures from the Middle Devonian are also particularly suitable. Limestone refers to sedimentary rocks that consist predominantly of the chemical compound calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) in the form of the minerals calcite and aragonite. Dolomite, or dolomite for short, is a carbonate rock that consists of at least 90% of the mineral dolomite, i.e., CaMg(CO₃)₂ or CaCO₃·MgCO₃. The dolomitic limestone specified here has a lower dolomite content, but this must be above the limit specified above.In particular, granules made from this material can provide a high level of filtration for the water in the drainage layer. Furthermore, these minerals exhibit particularly suitable mechanical properties, resulting in extremely low abrasion and improved mechanical properties of the soil structure. The surface of these minerals is also partially porous, providing a particularly large exchange area for the absorption of contaminants. The granules made from this material have also proven highly effective in maintaining the phosphate concentration in the water below 0.035 mg / l for a very long period of use. This low phosphate level is achieved through an interaction between the granules and the phosphate, which can be very beneficial in reducing algae growth. Granules from the Middle Devonian period appear to be particularly well-suited for this purpose.The latter is probably due to the additional ingredients, which are specific to this period.

[0028] In a further configuration of the base structure, the bulk density of the water-permeable granular fill can be greater than or equal to 1250 kg / m³ and less than or equal to 3000 kg / m³. For particularly effective filtration of the treatment and drainage layer, it has proven especially suitable for the granular particles to meet the bulk density criterion specified above. Within this bulk density range, long service life of the base structure and a sufficiently large surface area of ​​the granular particles can be ensured. This results in very efficient filtration performance over extended service life. Furthermore, this bulk density allows for a suitable granular packing density, which elastically transmits the mechanical forces acting on the pool floor and results in sufficient overall strength. The bulk density of the granular particles is calculated as the quotient of mass and volume.The bulk density can preferably be greater than or equal to 1500 kg / m³ and less than or equal to 2750 kg / m³, and preferably greater than or equal to 1750 kg / m³ and less than or equal to 2500 kg / m³.

[0029] In a further preferred embodiment of the soil structure, the phosphate content of the granules in the water-permeable granular bed, determined by X-ray fluorescence, can be less than or equal to 0.5 wt.%. The phosphate content of the granules has proven to be a particularly important factor in providing the best possible wettable granular surface and maintaining optimal filtration performance for the absorption of organic material at the surface of the granules. Granular particles with a higher phosphate content can exhibit significantly reduced filtration performance or a shorter service life for the purification and drainage layer. By using a granular bed with these phosphate contents, the need for further technical measures to reduce the organic load in the water can be significantly reduced and, in the best case, even eliminated entirely.

[0030] According to a preferred soil structure characteristic, the size distribution of the granules in the water-permeable granular bed can exhibit a polydispersity index (PI), calculated as the weight average divided by the number average, of greater than or equal to 1.2 and less than or equal to 1.5. For long-lasting filtration performance of the granular bed, a relatively broad size distribution of the granules has proven particularly advantageous. A broad size distribution of the granule particles, especially in combination with sharp-edged particles, can significantly improve the performance characteristics of the treatment and drainage layer. This allows for the creation of mechanically very stable soil structures, which are also characterized by particularly high filtration performance and high water permeability. Furthermore, the filter bed in these areas can be backwashed by the pump.This means that the pump system can be operated in both directions. In this way, a potentially contaminated filter bed can be flushed and reconditioned by the water flow and drainage pipes.

[0031] Depending on the preferred characteristics of the soil structure, the water permeability of the permeable upper liner layer of the swimming pool can be greater than or equal to 100 l / m² / h and less than or equal to 750 l / m² / h. In addition to the technical properties of the treatment and drainage layer, the interaction between the treatment / drainage layer and the upper liner layer of the swimming pool has proven to be particularly important. This relationship applies especially to the hydrodynamic connection between the treatment / drainage layer and the swimming pool itself. This flow rate range ensures sufficient flushing of the granules in the treatment and drainage layer and also guarantees adequate water circulation within the swimming pool area. Lower rates can be disadvantageous, as in this case, only insufficient filtration performance can be achieved via the treatment and drainage layer.The latter would then have to be compensated for with further technical measures, for example via external filters, which is avoidable due to the inherent filtering capacity of the treatment and drainage layer. Higher water permeabilities, on the other hand, can be disadvantageous, as in these cases the flow velocity through the treatment and drainage layer becomes too high, resulting in insufficient absorption of organic or inorganic particles on the surfaces of the granules. Preferably, the range can also be greater than or equal to 150 l / m² / h and less than or equal to 500 l / m² / h.

[0032] In a further preferred embodiment of the soil structure, drainage pipes or hoses can be arranged in the water-permeable treatment and drainage layer. For supplying or removing water from the treatment and drainage layer, it has proven particularly suitable to lay hoses or pipes in this layer that can either remove water from or supply it. The drainage pipes or hoses can optionally be laid below the support structure or integrated into it. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the drainage hoses are inserted into recesses in the support structure. Furthermore, it has proven particularly advantageous to use the drainage pipes or hoses to supply water to the treatment and drainage layer.The water is not removed from this layer, but rather fed into it through the pipes, flowing from bottom to top through the layer into the swimming pool. In this case, particularly efficient wetting and a longer contact time between the water and the filter layer of the treatment and drainage layer can be achieved. Furthermore, the actual water-carrying hoses can be laid within the drainage pipes. The water can then, for example, exit through perforated water-carrying hoses, be agitated within the drainage pipe, and subsequently penetrate the drainage layer. Moreover, the overall design is flexible enough that additional supply lines can be integrated, with or without the drainage hoses. For example, air bubble hoses can also be integrated into the pool floor, which can contribute to improving the oxygen saturation of the water.The mechanical strength of the floor area is only minimally reduced, allowing these supply lines to be installed even in areas subject to high mechanical stress. Furthermore, the flexibility of the design allows for the integration of additional filter elements, electrical devices or circuits, or the automated addition of liquids or solids into the floor structure, if desired or required in cases of very heavy loads.

[0033] Within a further preferred aspect of the floor construction, optical fibers can be arranged along at least one or more of the three-dimensional support structures, passing through the water-permeable treatment and drainage layer to and at least partially through the upper inner layer of the swimming pool. To vary the mechanical strength of the three-dimensional support structures, for example, to absorb specific mechanical loads at certain points, it has proven particularly suitable to reinforce the support structure by integrating optical fibers. Designing the support structure as a fleece allows the optical fibers to be attached to it particularly easily. In this respect, the integration of optical fibers at these points allows two different functions to be performed synergistically.Firstly, the interior of the swimming pool can be illuminated, and secondly, the strength of the supporting structure can be increased at specific points.

[0034] Furthermore, according to the invention, a method for producing a floor structure for a swimming pool is described, wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: i) Providing an excavated area of ​​ground to accommodate the swimming pool; ii) optionally applying a leveling layer of sand or clay to the ground area; iii) applying a lower geotextile layer to the ground area; iv) applying a waterproof barrier layer to the lower geotextile layer; v) placing an elastic, water-permeable, three-dimensional support structure comprising a plurality of adjacent compartments extending across the ground structure onto the barrier layer; vi) filling the compartments with a water-permeable granular fill; vii) applying an upper pool liner made of particles selected from the group consisting of sand, stones, gravel, or mixtures of at least two components from this group onto the filled three-dimensional support structure.

[0035] Surprisingly, it was found that the method described above results in particularly durable and mechanically robust swimming pool floor areas. Advantageously, the additional measures required for treating the swimming pool water can be kept to a minimum, since the floor structure itself also provides water treatment. For further advantages of the method according to the invention, reference is made explicitly to the advantages of the floor structure according to the invention.

[0036] The method according to the invention is a method for producing a base structure for a swimming pool. Swimming pools, outdoor or indoor ponds, garden pools, and paddling pools can be produced using the method according to the invention, with the inner surfaces of these structures advantageously having a particularly mechanically durable and natural-looking surface. The method is also suitable for providing all ground-contacting parts of the swimming pool with this base structure.

[0037] The procedure comprises step i), in which an excavated area of ​​ground is prepared to accommodate the swimming pool. In the first step of the procedure, a pit or hole can be prepared using known methods, which essentially has the dimensions of the later achievable swimming pool volume.

[0038] In process step ii), an optional leveling layer of sand or clay is applied to the soil area. In the case of unfavorable soil conditions, for example, due to high proportions of gravel or stones, an optional layer of a suitable material, such as sand, can be introduced to protect the soil structure. In addition to providing mechanical protection for the subsequent structures, this layer can also compensate for further irregularities in the ground level.

[0039] In process steps 3-7, the various steps for obtaining the soil structure according to the invention are carried out successively. The advantages of these process steps are explicitly discussed in the respective sections on the soil structure according to the invention.

[0040] Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the invention are illustrated by the figures and explained in the following examples. It should be noted that the figures are for descriptive purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention in any way.

[0041] The show Fig. 1 schematically shows the sequence of the soil structure according to the invention; Fig. 2 schematically shows the structure of the preparation and drainage layer according to the invention in cross-section; Fig. 3 schematically shows the structure of the preparation and drainage layer according to the invention in plan view; Fig. 4 schematically shows the structure of the preparation and drainage layer according to the invention in plan view; Fig. 5 schematically shows the sequence of the soil structure according to the invention in an installation situation.

[0042] The Figure 1Figure 1 schematically shows the layer sequence of the soil structure 1 according to the invention. The soil structure 1 is shown in the sequence from bottom to top. The soil 2 is located in the lower section, on which a fleece layer 3 is first arranged. The fleece layer 3 can be arranged over the entire surface or in individual strips on the soil 2 and protects the other components of the soil structure 1 from unwanted mechanical stresses from the subsoil 2. The water-impermeable barrier layer 4, for example in the form of a 1.5 mm thick EPDM membrane, is arranged on the fleece layer 3. Above the water-impermeable barrier layer 4 is the treatment and drainage layer 5. This layer consists of the support structure (not shown in this figure) and the granular fill (not shown in this figure).The treatment and drainage layer 5 is sealed by the swimming pool's inner layer 6, which is at least partially water-permeable. This water permeability can be achieved, for example, by partially continuous pores through an otherwise bonded particulate layer. Due to this partial water permeability, the water 7 of the swimming pool is in hydrodynamic equilibrium with the soil structure 1. Because of this hydrodynamic equilibrium, no forces caused by the hydrostatic pressure of the water act on the soil structure 1.

[0043] The Figure 2Figure 1 schematically shows the cross-sectional structure of the treatment and drainage layer 5 according to the invention. The treatment and drainage layer 5 comprises the support structure 8, 10, 11 and the granulate fill 9. In this figure, the walls 8 of the support structure are explicitly shown. The base 10 of the support structure can be a continuous base on which the individual walls of the support structure 8 are arranged. The support structure is open in the upper region 11 so that the individual compartments of the support structure 8 can be filled with the granulate 9. Preferably, the granulate 9 is an angular granulate consisting of individual particles of different particle sizes. Due to the loose arrangement of the granulate particles 9, water can diffuse freely through the fill. The support structure 8 can, for example, also be made of nonwoven fabric, so that the walls 8 of the support structure are also permeable to water.This can advantageously help to ensure that the water can diffuse freely between the individual compartments of the support structure 8 and through the granules 9.

[0044] The Figure 3 Figure 8 schematically shows the top view of the structure of the processing and drainage layer 5 according to the invention. This figure illustrates one possible configuration of the base of the processing and drainage layer 5 according to the invention. The individual compartments 12, 13 of the support structure have a hexagonal shape. Some compartments 12 are already filled with granules, while other compartments 13 are still empty. For mechanical stabilization of the support structure 8, for example, a fiber optic cable 14 can be arranged directly on the support structure 8.

[0045] The Figure 4Figure 1 schematically shows the top view of the structure of the treatment and drainage layer 5 according to the invention. In this embodiment, a circular base shape of the support structure 8 is shown. Individual compartments of the support structure are filled with granules 12, while the other compartments 13 are still empty. The support structure 8 is not laid in one piece over the entire soil structure. The support structure is divided into two parts by the insertion of a drainage or supply pipe 15. Water can be fed into and removed from the soil structure through the pipe 15 or hose 15 laid within the soil structure 1. It has proven particularly advantageous to use these pipes 15 or hoses 15 for feeding water into the soil structure 1.

[0046] The Figure 5Figure 1 schematically illustrates the sequence of the floor structure according to the invention in an installation situation. The floor structure 1 according to the invention allows for the modeling of installation situations that closely resemble natural watercourse shapes. The structure is highly flexible and elastic, thus enabling the creation of harmonious curves and unusual gradients. This results in a durable floor structure 1, which, particularly through the purification and drainage layer 5, provides a high intrinsic filtering potential. Furthermore, the design of the innermost pool layer 6 creates a surface with a highly natural appearance.The design of this area is not limited to the use of a single material; rather, material mixtures or even partial areas on the surface can be created that consist of a wide variety of sand or stone materials.

Claims

1. Floor structure (1) for a swimming pool, wherein the floor structure (1) comprises at least: a) a bottom fleece layer (3); b) a water-impermeable barrier layer (4) arranged on the fleece layer (3) and made of one or more layers of a polymeric plastic selected from the group consisting of ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or combinations thereof; c) a water-permeable treatment and drainage layer (5) arranged on the barrier layer (4) comprising a water-permeable and elastic, 3-dimensional support structure (8, 10, 11) comprising a plurality of adjacent compartments (8, 10, 11) extending over the floor structure, and within each of the individual compartments (8, 10, 11) of the support structure (5) a water-permeable granulate filling (9); d) an at least partially water-permeable upper swimming pool inner layer (6) arranged on the support structure (8, 10, 11) and the granular filling (9) and made of particles selected from the group consisting of sand, stones, gravel, or mixtures of at least two components from this group, which are at least partially bonded to one another.

2. Floor structure according to claim 1, wherein the 3-dimensional support structure (8, 10, 11) of the treatment and drainage layer (5) is formed from a water-permeable nonwoven material.

3. Floor structure according to claim 2, wherein the nonwoven material of the 3-dimensional support structure (8, 10, 11) of the treatment and drainage layer (5) has a tensile strength according to DIN EN ISO 10319:2015-09 of greater than or equal to 5 kN / m and less than or equal to 35 kN / m.

4. Floor structure according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the nonwoven material of the 3-dimensional support structure (8, 10, 11) of the treatment and drainage layer (5) has a water permeability according to DIN EN ISO 11058:2019-09 of greater than or equal to 10 mm / s and less than or equal to 50 mm / s.

5. Floor structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least 70% of the compartments (8, 10, 11) have a compartment volume of greater than or equal to 100 cm3 and less than or equal to 1000 cm3.

6. Floor structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least 80% by weight of the granulate particles (9) of the water-permeable granulate filling have a size, determined by sieving, of greater than or equal to 0.5 mm and less than or equal to 18 mm.

7. Floor structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least 70% by weight of the granule particles (9) of the water-permeable granule filling consist of calcium-magnesium carbonates.

8. Floor structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least 75% by weight of the granulate particles (9) of the water-permeable granulate filling (9) consist of dolomitic limestone.

9. Floor structure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bulk density of the water-permeable granular filling (9) is greater than or equal to 1250 kg / m3 and less than or equal to 3000 kg / m3.

10. Floor structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the phosphate content of the granulate particles (9) of the water-permeable granulate filling (9), determined by X-ray fluorescence, is less than or equal to 0.5 wt%.

11. Floor structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the size distribution of the granulate particles (9) of the water-permeable granulate filling (9) has a polydispersity index (PI), obtained from the weight average divided by the number average, of greater than or equal to 1.2 and less than or equal to 1.5.

12. Floor structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the water permeability of the water-permeable upper swimming pool inner layer (6) is greater than or equal to 100 l / m2 / h and less than or equal to 750 l / m2 / h.

13. Floor structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein drainage pipes (15) or drainage hoses (15) are arranged in the water-permeable treatment and drainage layer (5).

14. Floor structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least along one or more of the 3-dimensional support structures (8, 10, 11), through the water-permeable treatment and drainage layer (5), optical waveguides (14) are arranged to and at least partially through the upper swimming pool inner layer (6).

15. Method for manufacturing a floor structure (1) for a swimming pool, wherein the method comprises at least the steps of: i) providing an excavated floor area to accommodate the swimming pool; ii) optionally applying a levelling layer of sand or clay to the floor area; iii) applying a lower fleece layer (3) to the floor area; iv) applying a waterproof barrier layer (4) to the lower fleece layer (3); v) introducing an elastic, water-permeable 3-dimensional support structure (8, 10, 11) comprising a plurality of adjacent compartments (8, 10, 11) extending over the floor structure onto the barrier layer (4); vi) filling the compartments (8, 10, 11) with a water-permeable granular filling (9); vii) applying an upper swimming pool inner layer (6) made of particles at least partially bonded to each other to the filled three-dimensional support structure (8, 10, 11), wherein the particles are selected from the group consisting of sand, stones, gravel, or mixtures of at least two components from this group.