Soon after announcing the re-opening of the Cromwell Pool, the Central Otago District Council (CODC) says it is to close again and Alexandra pool hours will be reduced.

Next week’s Cromwell closure is, however, only expected to be for three or four days, while work on a new eco-friendly water-heating system is completed.  

The Alexandra pool issue relates to staff shortages which have been predicted for some time. 

CODC says the Cromwell shut down is scheduled from Monday August 8 until “about” Thursday August 11.

“It’s not the news people want to hear so soon after the pool’s opening three weeks ago,” CODC parks and recreation manager Gordon Bailey said.

However, he said a brief closure to completely finish the heat pump’s operating system was always on the cards, because of the Covid-related difficulty of getting equipment into the country.

“We were able to open knowing we still had a bit of work to do, and this period has enabled the project engineers to commission the complex systems that are behind the scenes, that allow the pool to operate.”

If work progresses better than expected next week, the pool may be able to open sooner, Gordon said.

Council regretted the inconvenience created for pool users but said supply issues were out of its control. 

Gordon thanked pool users for their patience and said vouchers will be issued for missed swim school classes and memberships put on hold for the three days of closure.

Alexandra pool opening hours cut

Meanwhile in Alexandra, pool opening will soon be reduced due to staff shortages.

Pool users were notified last week that from August 15, hours would be reduced three days a week (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays).

Since the beginning of the pandemic there has been an increasing shortage of lifeguards, which is having an impact on swimming pools across New Zealand, a notice to users stated.

The CODC has also begun to feel the effects and had to make the difficult decision this week to reduce the opening hours at the Alexandra Pool, to ensure safety for users.

Cromwell Pool is not affected by the reduction at this stage.

In the past week it had been a struggle to provide coverage for absences, due to Covid and general sickness at the Alexandra Pool, CODC aquatics manager Carly Getson said.

“We are mindful that this is disappointing for our community, and we are doing everything we can to run all of our programmes, including Learn to Swim Classes, Swim Skills, Aquafit, Swimming Club and Kayak Polo,” she said.