References

The public services in Kamen, Bönen und Bergkamen jointly operate a large swimming pool complex in Berghofen, close to the world famous Kamen motorway intersection. Besides the extensive resting and sports areas, a wave pool - kept running by one of the first pneumatically operated types of wave machine - is the main attraction. After no less than 29 years in operation the complete machinery (especially the three large radial ventilators and the air flaps which build up the water oscillations in the wave chamber to produce the waves) was not only written off in the books but, not surprisingly, also worn out. Since, however, the structure of the 900 m2 outdoor pool was still in good condition, the public services decided to just replace the machinery. 

An attractive and challenging task for KÖSTER Swimming Pool Technology is to renew the machine, not only tailor-made to the interfaces set by the structure as such but also using the existing control.  

Several passively moved parts were reused after being fully re-conditioned (shot blasted, straightened, ground, rust-proofed). Rigid structural components such as the connecting frames between the air lines and the concrete wall – originally of corrodible steel sections – were completely replaced, this time in stainless steel. The actively moveable parts, the drive and working machines were also ripe for changing after 29 years of operation!
It was clear that this was the only avenue open, bearing in mind the technical condition after many thousands of hours under full load, the reduced efficiency and the partially extremely high degree of wear caused by the humid atmosphere in the machine room.

The complete job, including technical processing, manufacture, erection and start-up was completed within 12 weeks in line with a very tight time schedule, designed to in no way endanger the traditional “Grand Opening” on the 1st of May. Considering the numerous types of work and professions at KÖSTER participating in this project, as well as the fact that the work pieces could only be processed one after the other with a high proportion of manual work involved, the extremely short time required to complete the job reveals not only the high level of production integration at KÖSTER but also the high degree of craftsmanship and care with which such contracts are executed.  

The pictures above show how things now look “indoors” and “outdoors” depicting the work in the basement and the people enjoying themselves again in the pool. Traffic jam-stressed motorists are now able to enjoy a refreshing swim in KÖSTER North Sea waves in summer, a mere 10 minutes car drive from the Kamen motorway intersection.