Underwater motor systems are playing an increasingly important role in the development of movable pool floors, offering both functional and energy-efficiency advantages for modern swimming pool design.
BINDER, one of the founding partners of poolbiz.eu, is positioning its MecaTec (MTI) underwater motors as a solution for this growing segment. Originally developed to operate slatted pool covers, the drives are increasingly being deployed in movable pool floors (“Hubböden”), where precise and reliable motion control is essential.
Movable pool floors are gaining traction due to their ability to reduce energy consumption. When fully raised, the floor effectively seals the pool, helping to retain heat and significantly reduce water evaporation. This contributes to lower heating costs and reduced water usage. In addition, the adjustable depth provides flexibility: a single pool can be quickly adapted for swimmers of different skill levels, from children to adults.
Beyond efficiency, movable floors also enhance safety and space utilization. When raised to deck level, the pool surface can be used as a terrace or event space, while simultaneously eliminating the risk of accidental falls into the water.
According to the manufacturer, the MTI underwater motors are designed to meet the technical demands of such applications. The 24 V DC drives deliver high efficiency and torque levels of up to 1,000 Nm. Thanks to a nitrogen-filled housing, the motors achieve full waterproofing in accordance with IP68 standards, allowing operation at depths of up to three meters. The units are constructed from corrosion-resistant stainless steel (grades 1.4571 or 1.4404) and are available with various flange diameters.
Each motor is equipped with a magnetic encoder, enabling precise positioning and reliable control of end positions—an essential requirement for synchronized lifting systems. The drives can be integrated with BINDER’s MTN synchronization control, which has been adapted via software updates specifically for movable floor applications, where coordinated movement of multiple axes is critical.
The compact design of the motors—featuring housing diameters between 90 mm and 204 mm—also supports flexible system integration. Up to four motors can be installed within a single movable floor system, depending on the configuration.
As pool technology continues to evolve toward greater efficiency, flexibility, and safety, drive systems such as these are becoming a key enabling component in next-generation pool design.
