ETFE cushion control and monitoring at the swimming pool in Biłgoraj

Structure

The municipal swimming pool in Biłgoraj features a roof skylight made from an ETFE cushion — a transparent, multi-layer film that transmits UV light. The ETFE cushion requires continuous air pressure maintenance in the 400–900 Pa range to maintain its proper form and load-bearing capacity.

Challenge

We carried out the project under our own contract for the ETFE skylight, delivering a complete automation system for the cushion along with remote parameter monitoring. Unlike typical structural monitoring, this project required delivering a control cabinet with full automation — the system not only measures but actively controls cushion inflation.

Key requirements:

• Automatic pressure maintenance in the ETFE cushion within the specified range
• Fan control for pumping air into the cushion
• Continuous measurement of pressure, temperature and humidity
• Remote monitoring of operating parameters and device status
• Service mode for maintenance work

Solution

Control cabinet with automation

The system is based on a control cabinet installed on site, containing an ETFE controller with automatic control logic. The controller manages fan operation based on pressure readings — it starts pumping when pressure drops below the lower threshold and stops when the upper threshold is reached.

Measurement infrastructure

The system monitors three key ETFE cushion operating parameters:

• Pressure (Pa) — real-time cushion internal pressure measurement, operating range 400–900 Pa
• Temperature (°C) — air temperature around the cushion, important for pressure compensation
• Humidity (%RH) — relative humidity affecting ETFE material properties

Additionally, the system records actuator states:

• Fans — relay control status for fans (On/Off)
• Service button — service mode enabling manual control during maintenance

Platform and visualisation

Current values and historical charts for pressure, temperature and humidity are available remotely. The facility manager sees the state of the system without going up on the roof — and with an ETFE cushion that is the difference between reacting the same day and reacting at the next inspection.

Results

• Automatic 24/7 ETFE cushion pressure maintenance
• Remote monitoring of operating parameters and device status without site visits
• Recording of system operation history — pressure, temperature, humidity
• Service mode for safe maintenance
• Elimination of ETFE cushion damage risk from pressure loss