Heat pump makes pool more popular than ever

The temperature of the Riversdale School and Community Pool is a balmy 29degC now a new heat pump is installed.

In 2015, the pool’s boiler shed caught fire and the insurance payout was used to install solar panels to heat the water.

However, the solar heating did not heat the water to a high enough temperature so in June last year the committee which runs the pool decided to install a $50,000 heat pump.

The pool was proving popular with community members, pool committee president Janine Marshall said.

“Everyone is so excited that the pool is warm.”

More people were using the pool.

“Lane swimming has picked up heaps,” Mrs Marshall said.

One day in the holidays before the Red light setting changed there were more than 30 children swimming.

An aqua aerobics class which was held three times a week was well-supported but was limited to 25 participants at present.

In the past, swimming lessons were cancelled if the water was too cold so it was good lessons could go ahead.

“It is actually warm enough now to have swimming lessons.”

Keys were sold out and more had been ordered.

A seasons use of the key cost $80.

Grants had been received from Community Trust South, Aotearoa Gaming Trust, Ardlussa Community Board and Riversdale Sport and Recreation.

The cost of running the pool would now increase and the challenge would be to find additional income, she said.

The committee was looking for businesses that would like to put up advertising hoardings at the pool.

Credit:

http://www.theensign.co.nz/community/heat-pump-makes-pool-more-popular-than-ever/