Our View: Cooled hot pools require early fix

The case of the not-so-hot Mount hot pools has developed in a strange way and its outcome has, at least so far, had winners and losers.
Tauranga man Kevin Akroyd has led a campaign over the temperature of the popular pools, which attract more than 200,000 people a year.
It got to the point where he and others were smuggling thermometers in to prove their point that the water was not as hot as it should be.
Things came to a head last weekend and it was decided two pools would close so an investigation could be carried out.
It was then discovered there was an underground leak and now the whole complex has been closed for at least six weeks as workers dig up a section of the concrete concourse and replace the pipes.
For Mr Akroyd and some other regulars, this is a victory. They have been telling the people who run the pools there was something wrong and they were right and deserve a pat on the back.
But there is a downside.
Aside from the fact that patrons cannot use the pools for awhile, local businesses which depend on pool users are now angry they will be out of pocket. They have already been struggling with the partial closure of Mauao's base track, damaged in recent storms.
In yesterday's edition, this paper spoke to business owners such as Alay Mehta, owner the Hot Spot Superette, who says he stands to lose up to a quarter of his business.
Slowfish Beachfront Cafe says the council should have waited until repairs to the base track were finished before beginning work on the pools. Its owner argues the leaking pipes have been there for years and waiting a few more months wouldn't have made any difference.
This case has similarities to other business affected by council works, such as downtown's Bronco Sports, and the Pyes Pa shop which was forced to close because road works took too many customers away.
This morning, there was a twist. Councillors were due to meet at the pools and it is understood there may be a delay to the repair works.
It's a shame when businesses have to suffer because of circumstances outside their control.
But it is always tricky balancing the city's needs with those of individual businesses.
In this case, there needs to be some clarity over just how urgent the repairs are and hopefully that will emerge later today.
Is there an estimate of how much money the leak might be costing and is there another way of ensuring pool temperatures are hot enough?
If it is deemed urgent, then businesses will have to endure the inconvenience and take a hit, just like thousands of others have for varying reasons through the recession. But the council has a moral duty to never let a business die over public works.