Natare Blog
Underwater Pool Windows: A View Below the Surface
Photo Courtesy of Sub Sea Systems, Inc. and Clear Lounge®, creators of the world’s first underwater oxygen bar.
Natare underwater windows provide a clear view below the water’s surface. These unique observation windows are an invaluable aid for underwater photography, education or the ultimate view of competition swimming.
The ability to observe what is going on beneath the water’s surface has gained popularity in recent years. Whereas once, underwater windows were an expensive and complicated component found only in the most exclusive facilities, swim instructors and coaches now frequently use underwater windows to help critique strokes, advise on diving techniques and even craft choreography for synchronized swimming.
How They Are Used:
Zoos and aquariums might have the most obvious need for an observatory window, giving observers the ability to get a close-up view of the wildlife from the safety of an adjacent room.
In competitive swimming and diving, coaches often use these windows to critique technique.
Television camera crews film major sporting events through underwater windows.
Fish hatcheries often need windows to monitor their harvest at various stages of development. (This has been a silently growing industry in recent years.)
Fish ladders are an unusual and unique application of our windows. These man-made structures allow fish to swim upstream through a series of small waterfall-steps, bypassing man-made dams. A Natare window gives curious humans the ability to observe the fish during their migration.
At hospitals and clinics, underwater windows allow health professionals to observe their patients during aquatic physical therapy.
High-end residences, hotels and resorts often have beautiful pools architecturally designed to be enjoyed through the walls.
How They Are Constructed:
Although no two projects are identical, our windows are typically made from tempered glass with a special grade of extra low carbon 304 or 316 stainless steel.
The window system consists of a frame with integral anchoring tabs that provide rigid attachment to the wall structure. The windows are level with the interior pool wall so no projections or sharp edges interfere with equipment or competition.
The window glazing system consists of a three-ply tempered glass laminate or a thick acrylic/poly-carbonate material, secured by a stainless steel retaining flange. A polymeric sealant ensures a completely watertight installation.
All windows are shipped fully assembled, sealed and ready for field installation.
Features & Facts:
Tempered glass is approximately four to five times stronger than annealed (traditional) glass, providing a very high level of safety.
Our tempered glass is composed of transparent glass that is permanently laminated to a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) film. The result is a window that is much stronger and resistant to impact and heat than traditional glass.
The glazing in our windows is a safety glazing material that must meet ANSI Z 97.1 Standard and Federal Standard CPSC 16 CFR 1201.
In the unlikely event that our window could be broken, it would keep its primary shape and visibility, and the broken pieces would not have any sharp, jagged edges.
Natare also produces acrylic windows, which is a clear plastic that resembles glass. We use only a high-quality, domestic-production acrylic (rather than low-quality extruded acrylic, which is softer, can scratch easily and may contain impurities). Common brands include Polycast, Lucite, and Plexiglas.
Tell Us About Your Project!
Natare has the expertise to design and install underwater viewing windows to fulfill the needs of any type of aquatic facility.
If you would like to speak with someone about purchasing an underwater window for your project, contact Natare!
