Three weeks into the lockdown and Moana Pool is empty of swimmers although it still has water in it and is warmish.
Dunedin City Council manager parks and recreation Robert West said the council had not emptied Moana Pool because of the substantial cost of filling, heating and treating the three million litres of water in it, which would take two to three weeks.
The pool’s water and air temperatures have been reduced to 20degC during the closure period — the water is usually about 28degC. Chlorine levels have also been reduced.
It is not possible to turn off water-heating systems completely as doing so could cause pipes to leak and other damage which would require emergency remedial work.
Lower levels of chlorination were still required to ensure there was no algae growth, he said.
As Covid-19 alert levels were reduced and restrictions eased, the council would make sure it had enough time to ensure the pools could reopen.
Swimmers in training were doing other work, Swimming Otago coach Lars Humer said last week.
The swimmers could train in the gym, lifting weights and working on building strength in different areas. He said that may be done by getting on stationary bikes or throwing medicine balls or any form of physical training.
Although it was disappointing to not be able to get into the pool and train, Humer said, everyone was in the same boat right around the world.
