Programme pool will have adjustable water depth

Water depths varied to suit all ages participating in water aerobics, aqua jogging, water therapy, learn-to-swim for toddlers and school holiday-type programmes will be a feature of the programme pool within the Caroline Bay Aquatic Centre complex.

The depth of the tepid water, heated to between 32C and 36C, will be able to be varied within about 20 minutes from the maximum range of 1m to 1.4m deep to a range of between 700mm and 1.1m after pool design changes to take into account the wide age ranges and needs of users.

The changes have been outlined in a progress report to be formally presented to the Timaru District Council on Tuesday (February 22).

Architects Boon Goldsmith Bhaskar Brebner Team Architects said in their progress report to councillors that “typically this type of pool was targeted toward older age groups and use of such amenities was forecast to increase”.

Project architect Glenn Brebner said a wider variation in depths was desirable to cater for all users and a second “roll-out channel” in the walls of the pool could lower the water level 300mm below the maximum level.

Council district service manager Ashley Harper said the change was one of several made to reflect the wider community’s needs in their aquatic centre.

“When the programme pool water level is lowered, the warm water is not wasted though. It will be removed to a balance tank where filtration, temperature and treatment levels are maintained. It can then be pumped back in when other user needs require. The whole process will only take about 20 minutes,” Mr Harper said.

The cost for the additional work in installing the roll-out channels will be incorporated into current budgets, Mr Harper said.

Other changes to the programme pool area have been requested by the council after instigating and consulting a reference group of carers for the acutely disabled.

Feedback from the focus group has led to some redesign in changing facilities for those people who require lifting equipment for showering, changing and toileting as well as change space offering privacy for carers.

Mr Harper said the programme change area now includes a larger room to accommodate the hoist, change bed and carer change bench. There will also now be a separate toilet space.

ENDS