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Wanaka pool closed for Easter

Tuesday 30 March 2010, 4:21PM

By Queenstown Lakes District Council

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WANAKA

Discovery of a bigger problem than expected at the Wanaka Community Swimming Pool has resulted in a delay to re-opening the pool this week, Queenstown Lakes District Council community services general manager Paul Wilson said.

The pool was temporarily closed to allow for the replacement of the ‘failed’ circulation pump motor.
“Lakes Leisure anticipated a quick maintenance job but found the main pump riddled with rust and furthermore that the replacement pump did not fit the existing components, which had been modified to fit back in 1992 when the facility was built,” Mr Wilson said.

A new pump and motor had now been ordered but with the Easter break, it would not be received and installed until 12 April, 2010.

“We have looked at all options for trying to shorten this gap but unfortunately the longer closure cannot be avoided,’ Mr Wilson said.

In many respects the facility, which was 18-years-old and opened year round for the last 2-years was in serious need of scheduled attention.

“It’s timely that the refurbishment of the pool will get underway during winter, this year, it is unfortunate the pump motor has not lasted a little bit longer until the scheduled winter close down” Mr Wilson said.

The pool would be closed during Term 3 (12 July – 30 August) to allow for the work to take place.
“As we found with the pump and motor, the resulting condensation during winter opening, without an air management system has started to deteriorate the building,” Mr Wilson said.



An air management/conditioning system would be installed during the upgrade to stop the build up of condensation, help retain heat within the building and reduce energy costs.

Other elements of the refurbishment included:

New covers to keep the pool insulated at night.
The pool deck and change room floors will be sealed with a slip resistant water proof coating.
Installation of a woodchip-powered boiler via an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority interest free loan made available to the QLDC.

“The boiler will replace the existing electric hot water system that heats the pool. Savings from this new system will help to reduce the facility’s operational cost,” Mr Wilson said.