The Obermain Therme in Bad Staffelstein is one of Germany’s most popular thermal spas – with around 3,000 m² of water surface area and its own brine spring with a salt content of up to 12 per cent. The challenge: pump technology capable of withstanding the extremely corrosive brine over the long term. Since its construction in 1986, the spa has relied on SPECK for this purpose – today with 183 pumps throughout the entire facility.
Background
Bavaria’s warmest and strongest thermal brine
The Obermain Therme boasts around 3,000 m² of water surface area spread across 25 pools and a natural swimming lake, and is one of Germany’s most popular thermal spas. Its hallmark is its own brine spring: from a depth of 1,600 metres, water from a primeval tropical sea – with 12 per cent mineralisation and a temperature of 52 °C – bubbles to the surface – the warmest and most concentrated thermal brine in Bavaria.
In 2014, the spa expanded its sauna area to include three new pools, including a brine exercise pool with 12 per cent brine. This placed the highest demands on the entire plant engineering: the pools, water treatment systems and pumps must be able to withstand the aggressive brine over the long term. The Obermain Therme has been relying on solutions from SPECK for this purpose since 1986.
„We have always used only SPECK pumps. The high quality standards of the products and the expert service are key factors for us. We will continue to rely on SPECK as a trusted partner in the future.“
Hans-Josef S.
Obermain Thermal Spa
Implementation
The right circulation system for every pool
As part of the expansion, a 127 m² saltwater exercise pool, a pool bar area and a natural swimming lake with a water surface area of 540 m² were created. The highlight: the saltwater exercise pool with a 12 per cent saltwater concentration at 36 °C. The project required close cooperation between all suppliers – including SPECK and the plant engineering firm Powatec.
Due to varying water temperatures and brine concentrations, each pool has its own treatment circuit, designed in accordance with DIN 19643 to include flocculation, filtration and chlorination. All components must be suitable for use with brine water – otherwise, smooth, continuous operation is not possible.
Technology and Products
Brine-resistant up to a salt content of 12 per cent
Whilst most brine baths operate at a concentration of two to three per cent, the concentration here is 12 per cent. To achieve this, the spa relies on pumps from the BADU Block and Normblocks series, made entirely of bronze and featuring a thermoplastic anti-corrosion coating (Binero), as well as a specially developed 21-series waste water pump. These prevent corrosion in the long term whilst maintaining consistently high efficiency. A total of 183 SPECK pumps – many fitted with variable-frequency drives – cover everything from pre-treatment, through filtration and attractions, to sludge water treatment and disposal.
Characteristic curves, as well as dimensional drawings and the various material combinations can be found in detail in our design program at speck-select.com
Result
Reliable pump technology for the most demanding brine applications
Parties involved
Reaching our goal with the right partners
From planning to continuous operation: Obermain Therme and the plant engineering firm Powatec have implemented the project in collaboration with SPECK.
Obermain Thermal Spa
The Obermain Therme is situated in the Upper Main Valley and uses mineral-rich water from local healing springs for its indoor and outdoor pools. As well as saunas and relaxation areas, it offers a wide range of wellness and therapy treatments. In 2023, it was named a ‘customer favourite’ in the leisure pools and spas category at the Focus Money Awards (2nd place).
Powatec GmbH & Co. KG
Founded in 2000 by Artan Pojani, a graduate engineer, Powatec is a contractor specialising in the construction of private and public swimming pools and has made a name for itself in Germany and across Europe. The company supports its clients in the planning and construction of swimming pools and their technical systems.
Contact
Are you planning a spa or swimming pool project?
Our team supports designers and plant engineers from the design stage right through to finding the right pump solution – even for challenging fluids such as highly concentrated brine.
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References
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