M.E.P. Requirements

Design the mechanical systems to address the unique requirements of spa operations that include a high degree of guest comfort, zone control and the management of sound levels.

Space	Recommendation
General	• Mechanical equipment by nature creates noise and therefore presents design challenges when trying to create a relaxing atmosphere for guests. Mechanical equipment should be located away from all quiet treatment and relaxation zones. • Install units in areas that are accessible for service while at the same time not disturbing guests. • Place access panels away from guest views. • For projects located in salt water environments, select equipment to withstand a corrosive environment. • Provide appropriate air conditioning for equipment rooms (computer, telephone, audio/visual) that require continuous 24 hour temperature control. • Separately exhaust chemical rooms, pump rooms or anywhere chemicals are used. • When appropriate, use direct-duct exhaust to minimize noise. • Insulate ductwork as required to minimize noise transfer between noisy areas and quiet areas. • Coordinate the location of all thermostats and other controls with the interior designer so as not to impact the location of artwork or furniture. • Install linear diffusers integrated with the ceiling design to minimize the visual impact of the diffuser.
Nail and Salon spaces	• Provide independent temperature controls to maintain guest comfort. • Exhaust the salon to the exterior to eliminate smells from salon services and products.
Treatment Rooms	• Require the highest level of control. Design each treatment room with on-demand heating and cooling controlled by an individual thermostat. • The heating and cooling design shall permit rapid adjustment of the room temperature to accommodate guest preferences. • Provide sound baffles, acoustical insulation and ductwork routes that prevent noise transfer between noisy areas to the treatment rooms. • Install linear diffusers integrated with the ceiling design to minimize the visual impact of the diffuser. • Select and position diffusers to avoid drafts directly on the guest. • Locate mechanical equipment above corridor or service areas to permit adjustment and maintenance without disturbing guests. • If necessary, access panels are best located above the door.
Skin Care Treatments	• Avoid diffuser locations and drafts that could interfere with facial streamers placed near the guest’s face at the head of the facial bed.
Wet Treatment Rooms, Vichy Shower Rooms, and Hydrotherapy Rooms	• Consider in-floor heating, rapid heat panels, or infra-red heat lamps above tables to maintain guest comfort. Guest comfort can be maintained by the use of spa thermal blankets so coordinate guest comfort concepts with the interior designer, and equipment specifier. • Wet treatment rooms may have wall mounted towel warmers. Coordinate the mechanical requirements with the interior designer, and equipment specifier.
Wet Areas: (Wet lounges, shower areas, plunge pools, etc)	• Design the mechanical systems to ventilate spaces at rates that exceed code requirements. • Carefully zone the heating and cooling systems to manage temperature, moisture and odors. • Exhaust chemical rooms and pump rooms where chemicals are used to the exterior. • Select equipment, diffusers, and supply grilles for wet, humid areas to resist rust and corrosion.
Toilets	• Install quiet operating exhaust fans as required by local codes.
Steam Rooms: (Steam, Rhassouls, Hammams, etc.)	• When planning the steam room locate the steam nozzle on a wall opposite the seating area and away from the door and ensure that each steam nozzle has a guard. • When specifying a steam generator, keep in mind that the quality of the water circulating through it will determine the longevity of the unit. Consider water filtration and demineralization of the water. • Ensure steam rooms are encased in water proof, heat resistant barriers to avoid condensation seeping into contiguous areas. • Include a floor with a positive slope towards the drain.
Sauna Room	• See the sauna manufacturer’s installation instructions for ventilation requirements and recommended control locations. • Specify a water resistant sauna unit when possible as guests may pour water on sauna units and water may damage the heating element of a non-water resistant unit.
Fitness	• Provide ample ventilation

Electrical

Objective

Design the electrical systems to address the unique requirements of spa operation. In particular, incorporate the following design criteria.

Space	Recommendation
Design	The electrical service capacity is a critical limiting factor for the function of the spa and requires careful planning and design. Calculate wattage requirements for the space / zone allocations by using the following guidelines
Equipment List	Create a thorough and comprehensive equipment list for each zone. ◦ Total the wattages of the equipment in each zone. ◦ Determine circuit draws from each zone. ◦ Determine the number and size of circuits required to maintain operational integrity, allowing for a minimum future growth of 33%. ◦ Determine when equipment necessary for the spa operation requires a special purpose outlet and provide a dedicated circuit and special purpose receptacle.
Facility Electrical Details	Determine electrical power demand for critical systems fed from UPS systems (if applicable) with the operator. Areas to consider are: ◦ Emergency lighting ◦ Computer servers and workstations ◦ Surveillance and security systems ◦ Public address system
General	• Determine the location of audio equipment, server equipment, phone equipment, copiers, and/or anything electronic and specify surge protection with emergency power and phase-loss protection on equipment. • Determine if lightning protection is required by the project. • Stagger outlets on parti walls to minimize noise transfer. • Coordinate the finishes of all switch plates, outlets; controls etc. with the interior design scheme. Ensure the contractor submits color options to the design team prior to placing purchase orders. • Avoid placing outlets and switches in decorative tile patterns. • Determine extent of in-floor or in-wall heating (if any) and specify appropriate equipment.
Moisture Resistance	• Provide lighting, switches, outlets and equipment at exterior and interior high humidity locations with the appropriate weather, moisture and corrosion resistance. ◦ Grounding: Provide ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets at exterior and interior wet use locations. This may include locker rooms, steam rooms, saunas, pool areas, Vichy shower rooms, wet rooms, and hydrotherapy rooms.
Entry, Arrival, Retail Lounge	• Place outlets, phone and data as appropriate for the Check-in, Find Out table(s). • Determine the lighting or electrical requirements for interior and exterior signage. • Coordinate the position of the fire alarm panel (if applicable) and place in a discreet location.
Nail and Salon	• Include outlets, phone and data as appropriate for a check out desk. (if applicable) See the check out desk requirements for additional information. • Determine the lighting or electrical requirements for interior and exterior signage • Incorporate duplex outlets for task lighting and additional equipment at Chi Chair stations. • Coordinate the power requirements for the pedicure foot baths and other station amenities. • Include a minimum of six sockets (three duplex outlets) at each styling station for equipment. Conceal outlets and chords to the greatest degree possible. • Supply floor outlets if the styling chairs are electric. • Verify if the styling chairs will serve as a drying station and supply appropriate convenience outlet. • Incorporate appropriate power for drying and processing equipment. • Provide adequate power for the dispensary equipment such as; autoclave, sterilux, hot towel cabinet, and hot stone kit. • Determine if a computer station is required to monitor treatment schedules. • Provide power requirements for personal televisions or touchscreens.
Administration Areas	• Provide sufficient power, phone and data at each workstation or desk. • Provide appropriate power, phone and data for copiers, printers, fax machines, a computer server, UPS system, a phone distribution panel, duress alarms, surveillance equipment, and audio equipment.
Hallways	• Provide convenience outlets as appropriate for vacuums and floor polishing machines. Chord lengths are frequently 15.2m (50 feet long).
Locker Room Areas	• Determine if a computer station is required for the attendant to monitor treatment schedules. • Verify if a phone is required for the attendant. • Determine how the footwear will be washed. Provide electrical if a dishwasher is used. • For properties with pools and/or large hydrotherapy circuits, include power for a swim suit extractor. • Include appropriate power at sinks and grooming areas. • Some experience showers may require power to the control systems. See plumbing specifications. • Determine the equipment requirements (if any) at the hospitality stations. • Verify if a television will be required.
Steam Room, Snow Cabin, Aromatherapy, Hammam, Rhassou	• Confirm locations of all controls, timers, and thermostats with the operator. Many times the controls and timers are located in back of house areas to be controlled by the employees. • Coordinate equipment requirements. • Establish if a duress alarm or an emergency house phone is required.
Relaxation Rooms	• Determine the equipment requirements (if any) at the hospitality stations. • Seating should include reading lights; determine if outlets will be required for floor or table lamps. • Verify if a television will be required.
Treatment Rooms	• Place two wall outlets separated by 1.82m-2.4m (6’–8’) at the head of the treatment bed. Avoid cords stretching across paths of travel. • Install one fourplex outlet recessed flushed in the floor directly beneath the treatment table in all dry treatment rooms. • Treatment room equipment may be recessed in the millwork, the heights and locations of the outlets must be coordinated with the interior designer. • Depending upon the counter length, place one or two outlets above the counter top. (approximately one outlet per 92cm (3’) of counter top) Avoid placing outlets in decorative backsplashes. • Treatment rooms may have wall mounted towel warmers. Coordinate the electrical requirements with the interior designer, and equipment specifier.
Vichy Room, Scrub Room, Hydrotherapy Room	• Place two wall outlets separated by 1.82m -2.4m (6’- 8’) at the head of the treatment bed. Avoid cords stretching across paths of travel. • Provide GFCI devices throughout the room. • These rooms may have battery powered tables and may require a discreet charging station concealed within the cabinets or closet. Coordinate the location with the interior designer. • Wet treatment rooms may have towel warmers. Coordinate the electrical requirements with the interior designer, and equipment specifier. • Treatment room equipment may be recessed in the millwork, the heights and locations of the outlets must be coordinated with the interior designer. • Depending upon the counter length, place one or two outlets above the counter top. (approximately one outlet per 92cm (3’) of counter top) Avoid placing outlets in decorative backsplashes.
Dispensary and Staff Lounges	• Include appropriate electrical, phone and data for the specified equipment. Refer to the equipment requirements outlined in the facility criteria and confirm specified equipment with your representative. • Determine if a computer station is required for the attendant to monitor treatment schedules. • Verify if a phone is required.
Fitness	• Include appropriate electrical, phone and data for the specified equipment. • Include appropriate electrical and cable for any required televisions.
Water features	• Provide power to water features, coordinate control locations with the interior designer.

Plumbing

Objective

Design the spa plumbing systems to address the unique requirements of spa operations. These include a high degree of sanitation, control and quiet. In particular, incorporate the following design criteria.

Space	Recommendation
General Facility	• Design, select and locate plumbing systems and fixtures to minimize noise at treatment rooms and other quiet areas. • Insulate piping to reduce energy consumption and provide acoustical insulation. • Place access panels away from guest views. • Determine extent of in-floor or in-wall heating (if any) and specify appropriate equipment.
Water Pressure	•Providing adequate water capacity and pressure is vital for successful spa operations. ◦ Verify that the spa water service provides adequate pressure and capacity to operate the facilities (showers, wet rooms, hydrotherapy tubs, shampoo bowls, pedicure sinks, water features, etc.) simultaneously. ◦ Provide supplementary water pressure to Vichy showers, deluge showers and other water treatments that require higher capacity and pressure.
Water Heaters	The supply of hot water is a critical limiting factor in the operation of the spa. The consistent availability of hot water is necessary to provide quality hydrotherapy treatments, failure to provide sufficient hot water supply is one the most costly and frequent design mistakes. ◦ Size the system for peak periods to supply hot water for all showers and wet treatment rooms. ◦ Ensure fast recovery rates at water heaters to satisfy peak demand. ◦ Thermal storage tank(s) to have a reserve of hot water. ◦ Include pressure-balanced tempering valves at showers to prevent scalding. ◦ The average guest takes 2 showers. ◦ A Vichy shower may be on for a total of 30 minutes each hour. ◦ A pedicure bowl will probably be filled once each hour with the water turned on for 10 to 12 minutes to fill each time. ◦ Provide supplemental water heating at fixtures requiring higher temperatures such as dishwashing, laundry, and food and beverage.
Floor Drains	Provide drains at wet areas to assist with maintenance and sanitation. Provide a positive slope to the drain. Ensure drains are sized larger than the expected capacity of the faucets or showers. Include silt clean-outs at drains in treatment areas using mud treatments. Consider drains at the following spaces: ◦ Wet Treatment Rooms ◦ Below the wood sauna floor ◦ Steam Room, Snow Cabins, Aromatherapy, Hammam, Rhassoul ◦ At steam generators ◦ Showers with large volume shower heads may need two drains. Ensure the drains are properly sized (ideally oversized) for the shower heads. Continual shower use during peak periods may cause flooding in the shower compartments as the water cannot drain quickly enough between guests. ◦ Place the shower drains to the edge of the shower avoiding locations where guests will stand. ◦ Vichy Shower Rooms and Scrub Rooms require properly sloped floors to two drains located under the tables. The drains shall accommodate shower run-off and a drain system from the table. Products used in this room may cause drain blockage. Provide silt-traps at each drain or easily accessible drain clean-outs. Consider trench drains or water resistant thresholds across the entry door threshold. ◦ Drying area outside the showers ◦ Ice machines if required ◦ Pool decks ◦ Pool equipment rooms
Depressed Slab Locations	When appropriate depress the slab to accommodate; sloped floors, accessible compliant floor finish transitions, and level floor surfaces at: ◦ Steam Room, Snow Cabin, Aromatherapy, Hammam, Rhassoul ◦ Sauna rooms ◦ Vichy Shower Rooms and Scrub Rooms ◦ Showers ◦ At extremely thick floor finishes
Other Considerations	• Determine the project’s water softening needs. Provide appropriate equipment to prevent the build-up of minerals on and in equipment and finishes avoiding costly maintenance and cleaning. • At wet treatment areas such as, Vichy shower rooms, Scrub Rooms, Steam rooms, Snow Cabins, Aromatherapy, Hammams, Rhassouls and Saunas install a hose bib located in a discreet location for cleaning purposes. • Provide a water supply and a drain to the steam generator equipment. • Coordinate the water requirements at water features and fountains. Determine the water softening, shut-off and drain requirements with the manufacturer.
Treatment Rooms	• Locate sinks to one side of the counter top to allow for workspace and equipment. • Provide a faucet to be operated by one hand
Hydrotherapy Rooms	• Consider the fill and drain time of hydrotherapy and soaking tubs to allow quick turnaround times and maximize revenue. Two fillers and drains may be required. • A hydrotherapy or soaking tub will require one of the following guest rinse options within the room ◦ Shower ◦ Hand held shower spray ◦ Scotch hose attached to the faucet ◦ Least desirable option: sponge bath by therapist • Provide appropriate water supply and drains for all equipment and plumbing fixtures in the dispensary, pantry, café, and staff rooms.

M.E.P.Mechanical Electrical Plumbing