“We understand a number of privately owned centres are simply ‘hitting the emergency stop button’ and walking out, as well as a number of Government facilities run by third party operators being told their services are no longer required and as such facilities have been switched off.
“An immediate and complete shutdown of your swimming pool/s is the last resort and is not recommended as long term and sometimes irreparable damage can result in both filtration systems and pool structures.
To quote an extract from a recent Royal Life Saving statement;
“To the Federal, State and Territory and Local Governments, we urge that you:
- Take steps now to ensure that every pool that was open on 1st March 2020 will be operational, has a skilled workforce and is ready to re‐open when they are given the green light to do so.
- This means ensuring that these vital swimming pools and Swim Schools are maintained during this period of closure. Pools left to fall into disrepair are very difficult and costly to re‐instate. They are prone to damage and failures. Long‐term closures will have significant impacts on health, safety and wellbeing.
- Ensure that funds are available to retain key operational staff, whether directly employed by councils, or facility operators. These staff will be required to ensure pool maintenance.”
First and foremost, it must be emphasised that pool filtration and structural designs are generally based around operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year, with constant water temperature and water loading.
“What we mean by is that all calculations, product technical data, water balance parameters and geotechnical conditions have been used to ensure its meets and exceeds design life. You must not empty or turn off a pool and expect it to survive over a prolonged period.”
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