Cromwell Pool to close to complete heat pump commissioning

The Cromwell Pool will close for a few days next week to complete the commissioning of the new heating system.

A shut down is scheduled from Monday 8 August until about Thursday 11 August.

It’s not the news people want to hear so soon after the pool’s opening three weeks ago, following the installation of the water-sourced heat pump.

However, 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, Central Otago District Council Parks and Recreation Manager Gordon Bailey said.

“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.

“The electronic monitoring systems had not arrived in time for the opening because of international supply chain issues, but we wanted to be open for the school holidays, not only because we knew people had been missing their pool, but to give the engineers a chance to determine what was needed to complete the work.”

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

“We are sorry for the inconvenience this creates for pool users. However, supply issues were out of Council’s control. Thanks to everyone for their patience during this period.”

Vouchers will be issued for missed swim school classes and all memberships will be put on hold for the three days of closure.