Bucknell University Athletics
Photo by: Marc Hagemeier
New Energy Efficient Filtration System Installed at Kinney Natatorium
9/4/2019 10:35:00 AM | General, Men's Swimming and Diving, Men's Water Polo, Women's Swimming and Diving, Women's Water Polo
LEWISBURG, Pa. – The Bucknell Department of Athletics and Recreation, in conjunction with the University Green Fund, have teamed up to provide a significant update to the filter and pump system in Kinney Natatorium. The new system was installed last month, and in just a few short weeks, there has been a positive difference in the air and water quality in the facility.
As part the "Orange & Blue Goes Green" initiative and the University's broad-based efforts to maximize environmental efficiency, Kinney Natatorium's aging silica sand filtration system was replaced with ecofriendly AFM Glass. This product is produced from recycled mixed glass, which traditionally has had very few practical uses. The use of mixed glass as a pool filter media is an up-and-coming way to use this recycled product.
AFM Glass allows pool filters to get the most possible contaminants out of the water, while not needing to be cleaned as often. This reduction in the frequency of backwashing the pool filter allows Bucknell to save approximately 300,000 gallons of water annually. The AFM Glass also reduces chlorine usage by approximately one-third annually, which reduces costs and makes the pool cleaner and clearer than ever before.
As a secondary part of the project, the Green Fund also replaced the pool pumps to a variable-speed pump from a constant-speed pump. The replacement of the pumps is expected to result in an annual savings of 162,400 kWh.
"I am always in search of resource efficiency projects that will reduce environmental impacts, especially in energy dense areas like Kinney Natatorium," said Stephen Durfee, Bucknell's Campus Energy Manager and chairperson for the Green Fund, who oversaw the project along with mechanical engineering student Jeff Bishop '21. "The Green Fund pays for environmental sustainability projects that not only improve our environment but also create a good economic return on investment. The results are a win-win-win for all -- a true triple-bottom-line sustainability project. Pool users will notice an improvement in water quality and clarity as well as a nice improvement in air quality. The University saves money through reduced consumption of water, electricity, chlorine and staff labor. And most importantly, we are helping the planet by reducing chemical usage and carbon emissions."
Kinney Natatorium opened in the fall of 2002 and is considered one of the finest aquatics centers in the northeast. In addition to serving as the home facility for the Bucknell swimming, diving, and water polo programs, Kinney Natatorium also hosts numerous recreational and community events as well as high-level competitions. Since 2005, the facility has hosted the Pennsylvania state high school swimming and diving championships. The Patriot League Swimming & Diving Championships are held at Bucknell on a biennial basis, and the facility has also hosted the 2005 NCAA Men's Water Polo Championship, multiple Eastern Water Polo Championships, and an exhibition game featuring the women's U.S. National Team.
"Kinney Natatorium is one of the crown jewels in Bucknell's impressive array of athletics and reactional facilities, and even though this filtration system upgrade occurred behind-the-scenes, it will noticeably enhance the experience for both competitors and spectators," said Ian Dye, assistant director of athletics and aquatics coordinator at Bucknell. "We greatly appreciate the partnership with the Bucknell Green Fund to make this project a reality."
The first varsity athletics event to be held in Kinney Natatorium will be the Bucknell Invitational men's water polo tournament Sept. 21-22.
As part the "Orange & Blue Goes Green" initiative and the University's broad-based efforts to maximize environmental efficiency, Kinney Natatorium's aging silica sand filtration system was replaced with ecofriendly AFM Glass. This product is produced from recycled mixed glass, which traditionally has had very few practical uses. The use of mixed glass as a pool filter media is an up-and-coming way to use this recycled product.
AFM Glass allows pool filters to get the most possible contaminants out of the water, while not needing to be cleaned as often. This reduction in the frequency of backwashing the pool filter allows Bucknell to save approximately 300,000 gallons of water annually. The AFM Glass also reduces chlorine usage by approximately one-third annually, which reduces costs and makes the pool cleaner and clearer than ever before.
As a secondary part of the project, the Green Fund also replaced the pool pumps to a variable-speed pump from a constant-speed pump. The replacement of the pumps is expected to result in an annual savings of 162,400 kWh.
"I am always in search of resource efficiency projects that will reduce environmental impacts, especially in energy dense areas like Kinney Natatorium," said Stephen Durfee, Bucknell's Campus Energy Manager and chairperson for the Green Fund, who oversaw the project along with mechanical engineering student Jeff Bishop '21. "The Green Fund pays for environmental sustainability projects that not only improve our environment but also create a good economic return on investment. The results are a win-win-win for all -- a true triple-bottom-line sustainability project. Pool users will notice an improvement in water quality and clarity as well as a nice improvement in air quality. The University saves money through reduced consumption of water, electricity, chlorine and staff labor. And most importantly, we are helping the planet by reducing chemical usage and carbon emissions."
Kinney Natatorium opened in the fall of 2002 and is considered one of the finest aquatics centers in the northeast. In addition to serving as the home facility for the Bucknell swimming, diving, and water polo programs, Kinney Natatorium also hosts numerous recreational and community events as well as high-level competitions. Since 2005, the facility has hosted the Pennsylvania state high school swimming and diving championships. The Patriot League Swimming & Diving Championships are held at Bucknell on a biennial basis, and the facility has also hosted the 2005 NCAA Men's Water Polo Championship, multiple Eastern Water Polo Championships, and an exhibition game featuring the women's U.S. National Team.
"Kinney Natatorium is one of the crown jewels in Bucknell's impressive array of athletics and reactional facilities, and even though this filtration system upgrade occurred behind-the-scenes, it will noticeably enhance the experience for both competitors and spectators," said Ian Dye, assistant director of athletics and aquatics coordinator at Bucknell. "We greatly appreciate the partnership with the Bucknell Green Fund to make this project a reality."
The first varsity athletics event to be held in Kinney Natatorium will be the Bucknell Invitational men's water polo tournament Sept. 21-22.
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