Colby College’s new Harold Alfond Athletics and Recreation Center features the only 50-meter pool in Maine. The aquatics facility seats 600-plus spectators, making it a prime venue for hosting large championship meets. The south-facing facility receives dramatic daylight diffused by louvers. Two moveable bulkheads can be flexibly configured. Divers benefit from a diving well with 1- and 3-meter boards and a built-in whirlpool. Ample deck space integrates additional competitor seating and accommodates laneline storage below deck. Dedicated locker rooms for the home team, faculty and staff, as well as for general use and individual/private use, serve a variety of users.
The aquatics facility and swimming pool are especially notable for their efficient, sustainable design. Myrtha Pools cut CO2 emissions up to 50 percent in comparison to traditional pools made using reinforced concrete, and up to 30 percent in comparison to pools made utilizing welded steel. Waste heat from the nearby ice rink preheats the pool using a glycol-loop heat exchanger. Regenerative media filtration instead of sand filtration captures backwash water savings of 420,000 gallons per year. Variable ventilation rates based on occupancy ensure air quality and thermal comfort while conserving energy.
Scott Carpenter Park and Pool