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SPN JUN 2010 IndustryNews
www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk
TOP UP SWIMMING POOLS WITH RAINWATER, NOT MAINS WATER
Water boards may soon have the right to impose stricter rules during hosepipe bans. Currently bans cover irrigation and washing private cars, but will extend to include amongst others: topping up pools, hot tubs, ornamental ponds and fountains whether with hosepipes or permanent plumbing. This legislation may not come into force this year but it will come in. Marcus Bicknell, Partner – Marketing and
Technical, of RainWater Harvesting Ltd said there are advantages of using rainwater to fill a pool as opposed to using mains water.
“A drought order prohibiting topping up can be imposed at any time. However, there is no need to panic. With a relatively small additional investment in a rainwater storage system), pool and hot tub owners can protect themselves against the risk of not
being able to use their facility just when they most want to. “A 10 x 5 metre pool kept covered will lose around 30 litres a day through evaporation. In a two month drought that is around 2,000 litres. This figure could well be much more, bearing in mind continual use of a pool in a long dry spell. A 2,700 litre GRAF tank at under £2,000 including accessories would cover this shortfall. A digger would be on site to construct a pool, so an underground rainwater system can be installed as part of the ground works. Or the tanks can be surface mounted. Fitted with suitable filters and siphons, the storage tanks will provide clear enough water for a pool and hot tub. The relatively small amount of rainwater entering the pool will not drastically affect the chemical dosage required. Even without a hosepipe ban it makes sense to use rainwater instead of drinking quality water to top up your pool or spa. “We want people to be ahead of the trend and invest now. Properties with sustainable options such as rainwater harvesting gain in value for resale. It is often said that sustainable options are easier for those who have more money. People who have pools can afford and give value to ‘green’ options, particularly if it will allow them to use their pool when it is boiling hot and there is a hosepipe ban,” he added.
i FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
F RAINWATER HARVESTING
( 0800 074 7234
:
www.rainwaterharvesting.co.uk
£22M BRISTOL POOL GETS GO AHEAD
Work has begun on Bristol’s new £22m leisure centre, which will include the city’s only Olympic-sized pool, after a deal for funding was finally put in place.
The private finance initiative agreement means that Hengrove Leisure Centre will open in February 2012. The centre is expected to employ more than 150 staff and is part of the multimillion- pound regeneration of Hengrove Park.
Building work is due to start this summer after a deal putting the funding in place was signed by the city council, Bristol Active Limited, which will run the centre, and financial backers National Australia Bank Limited. A spokeswoman said: “The city council and its partner – Bristol Active Limited, can now focus on delivering the new development, which will be at the heart of south Bristol’s regeneration.”
The complex will include a 50-metre swimming pool with moveable flooring and a learner pool along with a spa and steam room, health and fitness suite, aerobics studio and a sports hall.
Jane Short who runs Bristol’s First Stroke Swimming School, said: “A new swimming pool is always a good idea but the idea that bigger is better is not always true.
“I’d prefer to see two smaller community pools rather than one big one on the edge of a very busy dual carriageway.”
NEW STYLE 25 METRE POOL FOR GATESHEAD
An upgraded 25 metre swimming pool, an additional small pool and new sauna and steam areas are the key wet leisure additions to the re-opening of Gateshead Leisure Centre – refurbished at a cost of £8m. The centre welcomed almost 10,000 visitors over its opening weekend in April. There is still free swimming for 17s and under and 60s and over in the refurbished pool with even more public swimming times thanks to an additional small pool. Individual sessions for aqua fit, ladies, men and adults only are planned as well as lessons for adults and children, inflatable sessions, private hire
time, hydrotherapy and school swimming. Designed as one of the first stepping stones to achieve Gateshead Council’s aspirations to improve the health of its residents by 2030, the £8m investment in Gateshead Leisure Centre is part of a £36m spend on facilities across the borough, including some contribution from Gateshead College and One North East specifically for Gateshead International Stadium. Gateshead Leisure Centre was originally opened in 1981 the Queen guided by the then Sports and Recreation Manager Olympic champion Brendan Foster.
ABOVE: Brian Hewitson Leisure Centre Manager in the refurbished pool area
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