$30,000 splashed on pool

THE Greerton Aquatic Centre is to have a $30,000 upgrade.
The revamp is part of its long-term plan but coincides with complaints from users over water quality and the state of its changing rooms.
Several pool users last month complained they were left with a red, itchy rash after using the Greerton pool several times a week. In one case, one user was unable to enter the pool for up to a fortnight.
The cleanliness of the changing rooms was also questioned with patches of green mould reportedly on the walls.
The group, who spoke on the condition they remained anonymous, voiced concerns to the Bay of Plenty Times after the early closure of the pool when chlorine levels were found to be very low.
The group reported that more than 20 people were in the pool on October 25 when it was closed an hour and a half early.
Children had just finished swimming lessons and up to 50 swimming club members were due to use the pools.
Leisure Co regional general manager Clinton McKee said the weekly chlorine order failed to arrive due to a delivery problem.
A second order was placed after the pools closed and was delivered overnight - with the pools treated and ready to use the next morning.
"I wouldn't have wanted the pool to be closed but in regards to the health and safety of pool users the pool closure was necessary. It was a responsible thing to do," Mr McKee said.
Mr McKee confirmed that the salt-water chlorination system used to automatically dose the pool had been broken for over a month and staff had been adding chlorine to the remote system with the use of a jug.
A new and cost-effective dosing system would be introduced in the coming weeks and Mr McKee said the reported rash may be an allergic reaction to prolonged exposure in the pool.
The weekly water-quality tests and monthly bacteria tests through Environment Bay of Plenty had ensured the water quality was fine. "We do toilet checks every two hours and staff test the water, check for broken glass and keep the place clean and tidy. There is a minimum standard that needs to be met."
"The pools just need to have a bit of touch-up here and there," he said, adding that over years the chemicals and water took a toll on the centre.
The Bay of Plenty Times asked several pool users what they thought of the facilities with most saying they had no problems and enjoyed using them regularly. One woman commented that the bathrooms were cold in winter and could do with a bit of a "revamp".
Council communications advisor Natalie Palmer said a $30,000 upgrade would happen early next year.
Improvements would focus on the changing rooms - with planned repainting, replacing of toilets, replacing the shower cubicles and regrouting tiles.
The work would cost an estimated $30,000 and was part of Tauranga City Aquatic Limited's plan to improve and refurbish all its facilities.
"We are also planning an upgrade of the gym area, including the replacement of very old gym gear. Most of this gear is no longer working and is well past its life," Ms Palmer said.