The Aquila Leisure Centre at Gleneagles Hotel has undergone a major upgrade of its heating and ventilation systems, with a full integration of MasterTherm heat pumps and a high-efficiency Dantherm air handling unit. The installation delivers sustainable and reliable heating for all aquatic and leisure areas of the facility.

System configuration includes:

• 5 × BA60iS air source inverter heat pumps
• Primary source for the main pool, jacuzzi, children’s pool, and pool hall heating.
• Each unit incorporates a desuperheater for waste-heat recovery, supplying pre-heated domestic hot water (DHW).
• 1 × AQ75YHX water-to-water heat pump
• Dedicated to heating a 1,000-litre calorifier, ensuring stable and efficient DHW supply.
• New Dantherm air handling unit (AHU) with integrated heat recovery:
• Specifically designed for swimming pool environments, where high humidity and air temperature management are critical.
• Features a high-efficiency crossflow heat exchanger that recovers energy from warm, humid exhaust air and transfers it into the supply air stream.
• Significantly reduces the load on the heat pumps by pre-heating incoming fresh air, particularly during colder outdoor conditions.
• Integrated dehumidification ensures optimal indoor climate, preventing condensation while maintaining guest comfort.
• Seamless integration with the MasterTherm system allows intelligent sequencing between the AHU heat recovery, pool water heating, and pool hall temperature control.

This holistic approach ensures that both water and air systems operate in tandem, maximising energy recovery and reducing running costs. The combined solution replaces older, inefficient boiler-based systems, delivering long-term sustainability and performance for a world-class leisure destination.

Tech Notes & Smart Control

• BA60iS units with desuperheaters capture compressor superheat for DHW preheat; AQ75YHX lifts to storage temps.
• Dantherm pool AHU with crossflow heat exchanger reduces heating load and controls dew point to prevent condensation.
• Sequencing coordinates pool water, pool‑hall air and DHW demands to avoid clashes.

Guest Experience & Operations

• Clear pool visibility and comfortable air—no cold drafts or fogging at busy times.

Energy & Carbon (SEAI)

• Switching from fossil-fired plant to high-efficiency heat pumps reduces on‑site combustion (Scope 1) and cuts overall CO₂ per guest‑night.
• Heat recovery (where fitted) further lowers electrical input per kWh of useful heat or DHW.
• Aligned with SEAI guidance for decarbonising hospitality; suitable for EXEED‑style M&V and public‑sector style reporting where applicable.
• Benefits grow as the Irish electricity grid continues to decarbonise, improving the carbon intensity of delivered heat over time.