Does anyone know of a good way to model indoor swimming pools in Trace? I estimated the pool evaporation rate using the formula from the ASHRAE Handbook - Applications but I'm unsure of the best way to plug this into the Trace model.
Calculating an accurate evaporation rate is the most important piece so you're most of the way there... I've had good luck in modeling pools as a miscellaneous heat gain to the space (in 'Internal loads' in whichever room you are using as your pool); be sure you create the load in the library to be 90-100% latent.
Then assign the same load to the pool heater; you can tie it directly by calling it a heating load, or enter it as a 'Base utility' under Plants.
You'll also need to assign a humidity control to the pool room so that the HVAC system keeps it appropriately dry. You may also need to set the supply air temperature; TRACE may respond strangely otherwise.
Calculating an accurate evaporation rate is the most important piece so you're most of the way there... I've had good luck in modeling pools as a miscellaneous heat gain to the space (in 'Internal loads' in whichever room you are using as your pool); be sure you create the load in the library to be 90-100% latent.
Then assign the same load to the pool heater; you can tie it directly by calling it a heating load, or enter it as a 'Base utility' under Plants.
You'll also need to assign a humidity control to the pool room so that the HVAC system keeps it appropriately dry. You may also need to set the supply air temperature; TRACE may respond strangely otherwise.
Good luck -
Scott Hackel, P.E., LEED AP