Keeping Cool In An Air Dome

Keeping Cool In An Air Dome

When the weather heats up, athletes of all ages flock to the playing field. Tennis pros break out the racquets, volleyball players hit the beach, and the soccer season kicks into high gear.

However, there are downsides to playing in the summer heat. To start, you need to take steps to protect from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Some athletes (particularly tennis players) feel sunscreen and sunglasses interfere with their performance. The temperature can also be a problem, as the heat puts players at risk of overheating and dehydration.

The solution? Bring the game inside. Playing in an air dome offers all the fun of summer sports with none of the drawbacks. Here are some of the features making it easy to stay cool under an air dome.

Beat the Heat

Ever notice how black surfaces heat up under the sun? If you have ever played a game on the pavement, you will know just how hot it can get. This is because dark colours absorb sunlight and convert it into heat energy. Lighter colors, on the other hand, reflect some of the energy back. A light surface will still heat up, but at a slower rate than a darker one.

Farley domes benefit from this effect. The outer layer of the dome is covered in architectural-grade vinyl that’s usually white. When sunlight falls on the surface of an air-supported dome, the white fabric reflects much of the sun’s rays. As a result, the air dome does not heat up as fast as other structures.

The dome’s outer membrane is also treated to guard against UV radiation, so both the surface of the dome and the players inside are fully protected from the sun.

Keep the Cool Air In

Once the dome is nice and cool, you can be sure it will stay that way all summer long. The dome itself consists of outer layer and an inner layer, with a layer insulation sandwiched in between. It creates a barrier that keeps the cool air in and the heat out.

You can’t feel it, but the air pressure inside of an air-supported dome is kept slightly higher than the outside atmosphere. To prevent the pressurized air from escaping, the entrances and exits to the dome include revolving doors and pedestrian airlocks. This has the added benefit of keeping the cool air from leaking out when people come and go.

Control Your Climate

Controlling the climate in a Farley dome is simple. A mechanical system inside the dome controls and monitors the quality of air pumped into the structure, including the temperature. This system circulates fresh air throughout the dome, while a powerful air conditioning unit is able to keep it at a consistent temperature.

Players will feel comfortable inside the dome from the moment they step through the doors. There is no need to worry about sunburns, dehydration, or humidity. You can keep a cool head and focus on winning the game.

Nothing beats playing your favourite sport on a beautiful summer day — except playing in a fully air-conditioned dome.