Really outdoor swimming weather, that’s not it yet. But many outdoor pools reopened last weekend. Also the Zwanemeer in Gieten. Fanatic swimmers can already go there in the competition pool. But for a recreational dive you have to wait a little longer. The leisure pool will open again on May 6.
There was a leak in the recreational pool in Gieten. The leak has since been found and repaired. Annoying, because the May holiday has started and the recreational pool is mainly used by children. Many families who stay at holiday parks and campsites in the area also go to Zwanemeer. The fact that it is not really typical swimming weather now is like a plaster on the wound. At the moment only the competition pool is open.
In November last year, manager Wim Vos found out that there was a leak in the bath. “That was a bit of a shock. I put the bath on winter mode and the rain can cause the water level to rise and evaporate due to the heat. But the fact that the bath emptied so quickly was a surprise.”
A leak was also detected earlier. That leak has been closed, but the repair did not help at all. The problem of the leak was due to the expansion and contraction of the concrete floor. The solution: a new flexible flap on the inside of the pool. It must absorb the forces of the concrete. This should seal the leak.
“That flap has to dry for a few days. That process is now underway. When it’s dry, the water can go in,” says Vos. In total, it takes three days for the pool to be filled with water. Because a total of 650 cubic meters, 650,000 litres, of water goes into the bath.
But with the filling of the bath, it is not ready for use. Because the water still has to warm up and that also takes time. “We cover the bath with clothes for warming up. We hope that the weather will be nicer and warmer, because then the warming up will go faster. And if it stays cold? Then we can still turn on the electric heater,” laughs Vos.
The municipality of Aa en Hunze has taken measures to accommodate the swimmers, says alderman Kiena ten Brink. “The competition pool is open and we have heated it extra to 26 degrees. In addition, we have lowered the admission prices and we have compensated the season ticket holders.”
But that’s not all, because normally only children with a swimming certificate are allowed in the competition pool. But due to the circumstances, an exception is now being made. “There are opportunities for children without a diploma to come and swim. They have to wear wristbands and enter the bath with the parents. We have also arranged extra supervision,” continues ten Brink.
The swimming pool is owned by the municipality of Aa en Hunze. He reserves a maintenance budget for the swimming pool every year. Is that enough? “I cannot say that at the moment. It depends on what the repair will cost,” said the alderman.