Medical Construction & Design (MCD) is the industry's leading source for news and information and reaches all disciplines involved in the healthcare construction and design process.
Issue link: https://mcdmag.epubxp.com/i/206370
Sealed: A sealed waterwall system is the only product of this type on the market, which does not allow the public or surrounding environment access or interaction with the water. Selecting the right feature Not all water feature types are right for every location. Serviceability, public access and cost must all be weighed to determine the best feature for a particular location. The "open" category is the most exposed to the public and the environment and involves regular maintenance and safety audits. Semi-closed is in the middle regarding these attributes. Maintenance is still required but is less impacted by the environment around the feature. Sealed provides optimal performance benefits across all areas of safety, liability and costs. It eliminates potential water health risks, eliminates splash and potential water damage and eliminates monthly maintenance. Considering key design attributes The most important consideration is to understand the lifecycle of a water feature. Design is only the first step. Installation and service are all parts of a feature's lifecycle. Proper planning upfront will lead to many years of enjoyment and smooth operations. Proper materials that will be in both direct and indirect contact with the feature must be used. Some materials may leach into the water or react with different water treatment systems. Bringing a water feature manufacturer in during the design stage can make this process positive, productive and cost effective. Water features should have consistent flow through the system with full access to every area of the structure. Proper cleaning and service are vital to the prevention of problems. All features should come with a well-documented maintenance package enabling the initial baseline practices and schedule to be established that then can be adjusted UÊ UÊ ÊÊ UÊ Ê UÊ Ê Ê Ê UÊ UÊ UÊ UÊ UÊ Ê Ê Ê Ê Ê Ê A tiered mosaic tile waterfall adds to the ambiance in the lobby of this healthcare facility. www.mcdmag.com November/December 2013 | Medical Construction & Design 27