Children’s fountains and public water play

Children’s fountains and public water play

Comprehensive design, water quality, equipment safety and calculations of an educational example

A play fountain is a space where people have direct contact with water and its equipment. The child may stand on the water outlet, put his face close to the fountain, or fall while running. The design must take these predictable behaviors into account.

In the dry fountain season, the overall structure of the equipment and facilities was checked. This chapter focuses on the special needs of children's play, the presence of families and the management of a space in direct contact with water.

The sample numbers in this chapter are educational assumptions and are not considered the implementation plan, the permitted operating capacity or the specifications of GSO products.

56–1. The difference between a decorative fountain and a game fountain

A decorative fountain is designed for viewing. The play fountain must be designed and operated for direct user contact with water, floors and accessible components.

The CDC emphasizes that if people are entering a decorative water feature, it should be managed in accordance with the water play use or be prevented from entering. Installing a sign, regardless of the actual behavior of users, does not solve the problem of switching users. Guide to managing public water fountains and water play CDC ^[359]

In the description of the project services, it should be clearly written:

• Is the entry and contact of people with water foreseen or not?

• What groups use the space;

• Who is responsible for operation and monitoring;

• What are the working hours and closing conditions?

Being shallow or not having an obvious pond alone is not enough to turn a fountain into a play space.

56–2. Basis of design and operation responsibility

One of the international resources in this field is the "Model Aquatic Environment Health Code" or MAHC. At the time of writing this chapter, the CDC considers the 2024 fifth edition to be the current version. This document is a guide for design and operation and does not replace the reference standards of the project manager in Iran. Current version of MAHC ^[360]

Before choosing the equipment, prepare a basic design sheet that includes the following items:

The usable capacity should not be obtained just from dividing the area by a general number.

56–3. Division of space based on the type of game experience

Not all children like the same type of splashing or intensity of activity. Better design allows you to choose between smooth and dynamic experiences.

In its design pattern, Waterplay separates the zones of leisurely discovery, exploration and adventure. This approach can be the basis for the distribution of activity intensity, without separating users based on age alone. Pattern of Waterplay game areas ^[361]

For example, three ranges can be checked:

The movement path of active children should not cross the center of the quiet zone. The seating area of ​​the companions should also have a good view of the game space.

56–4. Inclusive access and participation

Access to the playing space is more than reaching its edge. The user should be able to approach activities, activate them, and play with others.

In the design, these items should be checked:

• Continuous and unobstructed path to selected activities;

• Moving and stopping space next to the equipment;

• Proper access to activators;

• The possibility of choosing a route with less spraying;

• Sitting and shade for rest;

• readability of wet and dry range;

• Avoiding unwanted surprises on the way out.

To evaluate the plan, write real scenarios; For example, "How does a child with a mobility aid enter, play and return to the rest area?"

A beautiful 3D view alone does not show the answer to these questions.

56–5. Floor, drainage and prevention of water accumulation

In MAHC, slip-resistant surface, cleanability, proper slope and gravity drainage of water are proposed and direct suction from the playing surface is prohibited. MAHC, Section 4.12.8 ^[362]

In the implementation details, it should be specified:

• Water from each section reaches which area;

• How to connect the floor to the body of the equipment;

• How the valves open and close;

• How is the water in the adjacent area separated from the game circuit;

• How the wet surface is cleaned and inspected.

The term "anti-slip flooring" is not sufficient without specifying the evaluation method, wet conditions and compatibility with maintenance materials.

Soft flooring is not necessarily suitable for all applications. Cleanability, bond durability, behavior against cleaning agents and the possible need for fall protection should be considered separately.

56–6. Equipment suitable for direct contact

A nozzle suitable for urban display is not necessarily suitable for close contact with a child. When purchasing equipment, the use of the blue game must be explicitly approved.

The check sheet of each equipment can include the following items:

The apparent height of the fountain is not a sufficient indicator to evaluate the contact of the body with the water flow.

In electrical installations, the selection of lights, cables and protection should be done based on the environment in direct contact with water. The inclusion of a "low voltage" or a degree of protection on a product is not a substitute for checking the installed assembly.

56–7. Choosing between disposable and recirculating water

In a one-way system, the water after spraying is directed to an approved disposal or reuse route. In the recycling system, water is collected, purified and used again.

Vortex introduces both structures in its water management solutions; In the recirculation system, filtration and disinfection are part of the circuit. Vortex water management solutions ^[363]

The subsequent use of water for irrigation also requires checking the quality, storage and site conditions; Not an automatic advantage for every project.

56–8. educational sample; Maximum and average spray flow rate

Let's consider a hypothetical game space with an area of 150 square meters. The equipment is controlled in three groups:

If all three groups can be turned on at the same time:

$Q_{\max }=6+8+10=24m^3/h$

Average time flow rate, assuming that the flow rate of each group is constant during activity:

$Q_{\mathrm{avg}}=(6\times 0.60)+(8\times 0.50)+(10\times 0.30)$

$Q_{\mathrm{avg}}=10.6m^3/h$

Average flow rate is useful for consumption estimation and work schedule. The capacity of the paths that must bear simultaneous activity is obtained from the maximum conditions.

If concurrency is constrained by the control, that constraint must also apply to the control logic, manual mode, and delivery test.

56–9. Fresh water consumption is not the same as spraying flow rate

For a single-pass system, for example, with six hours of daily activity:

$V_{\mathrm{روزانه}}=10.6\times 6$

$V_{\mathrm{روزانه}}=63.6m^3/day$

This estimate only includes water used for spraying; Washing and other expenses should be added.

In the recirculation system, this number is the volume of water circulation in the play equipment, not fresh water consumption.

The compensatory water balance should cover evaporation losses, out-of-range splash, water transfer with users, filter washing and necessary discharges. For each component, a specific assumption or measurement is required.

Therefore, the claim of saving percentage is not reliable without determining the reference system and operating conditions.

56–10. Water volume and filtration flow rate

Let's assume that the volume of circulating water in the sample, including the water in the tank in working mode and the water inside the equipment and pipes, is equal to 12 cubic meters.

For this example:

• Tank water in working mode: 11.5 cubic meters;

• Water for other circuit components: 0.5 cubic meters.

MAHC specifies a minimum operating volume of 11,356 liters for the recirculation system collection tank. This amount is the requirement of the same document and should not be introduced as a general legal minimum in Iran. MAHC, paragraph 4.12.8.6.3

If the actual flow rate of treatment is 30 cubic meters per hour:

$T=\frac{V}{Q}$

$T=\frac{12}{30}=0.4h=24min$

The CDC recommends a circulation time of 30 minutes or less in the Water Game Operations Guide. CDC Operating Manual

The nominal circulation time does not mean that each water particle passes through the filter in the same time. Mixing, short paths and stagnant areas should be checked. This calculation also does not determine the return water acceptance capacity and the free space of the tank.

56–11. Secondary purification and disinfection

Filtration, residual disinfection and secondary disinfection have different functions. The presence of a UV filter or device alone does not guarantee the quality of the entire system.

The CDC report on the outbreak of diseases related to water sports, introduces the resistance of Cryptosporidium to chlorine as one of the important issues. CDC Report on Illnesses Associated with Water Sports ^[364]

In the framework of MAHC, for the interactive play space, the prescribed secondary disinfection must be located after the pump of the play equipment and cover all the water sent to the users. MAHC, paragraph 4.7.3.3.2.2

In an educational arrangement, the main flow of 30 cubic meters per hour can be divided between two paths after purification and UV:

• Maximum 24 cubic meters per hour to game equipment;

• Residual flow to the tank.

As the groups are turned off, the return share increases. This arrangement requires hydraulic control and is not a general recommendation for all projects.

The UV device must be validated for the required throughput, water quality and disinfection performance; Lamp power alone is not a selection criterion.

56–12. Drainage capacity and return water

For the maximum spray flow, for example:

$Q_{\mathrm{drain}}=\frac{24}{3.6}$

$Q_{\mathrm{drain}}\approx 6.67L/s$

This number is the input due to spraying in simultaneous mode. Dividing it by the number of honors does not prove the true capacity of each honor; Flow distribution, water height, slope and possibility of blockage are also effective.

To estimate the return water when stopping, suppose:

• Equivalent volume of water moving on the surface: 150 square meters with an assumed average thickness of 2 mm;

• Drainable pipe length: 40 meters;

• Its inner diameter: 50 mm.

$V_{\mathrm{سطح}}=150\times 0.002=0.300m^3$

$V_{\mathrm{لوله}}=\frac{\pi (0.05{)}^2}{4}\times 40\approx 0.0785m^3$

The sum of these two components:

$V_r\approx 0.379m^3$

That is, about 379 liters, before adding the volume of other equipment.

The thickness of two millimeters in this example is just a calculation assumption for water in motion; The acceptance criterion is not water retention on the floor.

56–13. Controls and auto stop

The game program must receive permission to work from the condition control system. A child's pressing of the activator shall not render the protections ineffective.

The following table is the proposed framework for developing the project logic:

Stopping spraying does not necessarily mean stopping all treatment operations. The behavior of each pump and equipment must be defined separately. Material injection should also be dependent on valid flow.

Reopening after a health event should not be done simply by pressing the reset button.

56–14. Water monitoring and user behavior

As an operating reference, the CDC lists a pH range of 7 to 7.8. The minimum free chlorine in its guide is 1 mg/l without cyanuric acid and 2 mg/l with its presence; The upper limits and usage conditions should also be compatible with the product order and project requirements. These numbers are not an order to determine the amount of injection. CDC Surveillance Guide

The daily record table should have the time, place of sampling, result, condition of the equipment and the action taken. Displaying the number on the controller is not enough without checking the accuracy of the sensor.

For users, messages should be short and clear:

• Do not enter the playground when you have diarrhea.

• Do not swallow the water.

• Do not sit or stand on water outlets.

Change the diaper in the designated place.

The CDC also notes that swim diapers do not prevent contamination from entering the water. Guide to the healthy use of water games ^[365]

56–15. Delivery and user readiness

The project is ready for public use when the equipment, staff and instructions are ready at the same time.

In the delivery, the following items should be recorded:

• Actual flow rate of treatment and each game group;

• Pressure status in different combinations of activities;

• Drainage performance at maximum flow;

• behavior of the reservoir level when starting and stopping;

• Operation of safeguards and warnings;

• Results of water quality investigation;

• The possibility of cleaning the tank, nozzles and nozzles;

• Closing and reopening method;

• Responsible for responding to incidents.

Floor and equipment inspection should be done in dry and wet condition. Failure test should also be done with controlled simulation without the presence of users.

The maintenance contract should specify who has the authority to stop and what arrangements will be made outside the hours of the principal's presence.

56–16. Suggested images for layout

Figure note from the source manuscript

Figure 1–56: Plan of playing areas

Three quiet, interactive, and active areas are shown, along with the access path, companion seating, and rest area.

*Subtitle:* "Variety of game experience with proper visibility and the ability to choose the path."

Figure note from the source manuscript

Figure 56-2: Cross-section of the floor and pubis

Draw the outlet parallel to the floor, the surface flow path, and gravity return to the tank. The route of service facilities should also be clear.

*Subtitle:* "Coordination of floor equipment with cleaning, drainage and maintenance access."

Figure note from the source manuscript

Figure 3-56: Diagram of three different discharges

In three columns, the maximum spraying flow rate is 24, the average spraying flow rate is 10.6 and the treatment flow rate is 30 cubic meters per hour. Under the diagram, write: "Fresh water consumption is determined from a separate balance."

*Subtitle:* "Display flow rate, purification flow rate and fresh water consumption are different design indicators."

Figure note from the source manuscript

Figure 4–56: Actual example from company archives

If there is a water game documentary project in the GSO archive, select an image that shows the equipment, floor and atmosphere of the companions. The photo of the decorative water fountain should not be presented as an approved example of children's play.

*Subtitle:* The name of the project, location, year of execution and type of water system should be inserted based on the real documents.

The final water play area file should show where the water is supplied, how it is treated, under what conditions the spraying will stop and who is responsible for day-to-day control. This information is as important as the shape of the equipment for successful operation.