Teething problems with pool heating

Madison and Harvey Macpherson were among the crowds having fun at Kiwa Pools on Saturday. Picture by Paul Rickard

The public opening of the new Kiwa Pools at the weekend was affected to a degree or two by slightly cooler water temperatures but that did not deter more than 2000 people from visiting the complex for a dip.

Three of the four public sessions on Saturday were full, there were sizeable numbers for the fourth session, and a good turnout for the Sunday sessions.

“The opening weekend went very well,” said Gisborne District Council director liveable communities Michele Frey.

“On Saturday we had 1039 visitors, and on Sunday we had 966, so a total 2005 booked visits over the weekend, with another 200-plus walk-ins.”

On Sunday morning the Kiwa Pools management posted on social media that the pool temperature was a few degrees lower than it should be, “due to circumstances beyond our control”.

The water was 26 degrees on Saturday, 25 on Sunday and Monday and 24 degrees yesterday.

“For those who have booked in for sessions on Sunday your pass will be valid until next Sunday,” the post advised.

The Herald was told the drop in water temperature was caused by an issue with the pool’s boiler.

“Regarding the broken part that impacted the water temperature, once Apollo identified the part required, they initially sourced one from Europe and it is on a plane,” Michelle Frey said.

“However, they worked on it over the weekend and found that part available in Australia, which has arrived in New Zealand already.

“Once it has been fitted, and technicians worked on it yesterday, we will be able to give an estimation on when the pool will be back up to normal temperature.”

The optimal water temperature in the complex is 27 degrees.

“The secondary system is designed to hold water a degree below the optimal temperature in perfect conditions.

“It is an air-to-water heat transfer therefore is not as efficient as water-water heating, hence the secondary system,” she said.

The Herald was told it may take a day or two to get the water temperature back up to the optimal level once repairs to the boiler are completed.

Regular pool users have said while the water was a little cooler than they would like, the water quality was excellent.