Heat returns to Masterton pools

Polar pool temperatures are hoped to be a thing of the past for Masterton swimmers, but Masterton District Council says a solution to the prolonged pool saga is only temporary.

The council has assured the community the pool temperatures at the Genesis Energy Recreation Centre are back at the level they should be, but ongoing problems with the main heat pump has meant regular swimmers have been battling cooler waters for the past few months.

They were told the heat pump could be fixed, but during the repair process it became apparent that this was not going to be possible. Now a temporary boiler has been installed, and a plan is in place to ensure there is a smooth transition when the new heating unit arrives.

Parks and recreation services manager Grant Hathaway said a consultant was on site yesterday to assess the requirements and to draw up the specifications, before the council could put out a tender for a new heat pump.

Mr Hathaway said the temporary unit is being hired at a rate of $400 per week for 12 weeks, as the council hopes to have the problem fixed within that time.

He is unsure how much the replacement heat pump will cost, and "there were no provisions made in the annual plan".

Assets and operations manager David Hopman said the timing of the problem was unfortunate, as it was during the school holidays and not helped by the recent cold weather.

"We are very pleased to let ratepayers and visitors know that a solution has been found and we look forward to seeing everyone back at the pool."

Regular Masterton swimmer Tim Vincent said he persevered through the cold, but did notice a lack of pool patrons during the school holidays. "If it got too cold, I just jumped in the sauna."

Jeff Barber, of Martinborough, said he found the cool water "refreshing" within reason.

Jennifer Corbin took her son swimming for the first time yesterday and said "it was quite warm".

Aquatics co-ordinator Ves Geldenhuys said it has been a "long struggle" but all the pools' temperatures should be back to normal by the end of the week.

The boiler, supplied by Kelford Engineering Services, is hooked up to the existing unit and is run on diesel.

"It's due to a great working relationship with council and the current contractors that we got the issues resolved as soon as possible," Mr Geldenhuys said.