Pool closed due to health concerns

The Halkett Pool has been closed for the upcoming summer season. Photo: Supplied
The Halkett Pool has been closed for the upcoming summer season. Photo: Supplied
Health and safety concerns have forced the closure of the Halkett Pool near West Melton.

The pool will be closed for the summer season this year and the plug could be pulled permanently.

In a report to the Selwyn District Council, group manager community services and facilities Denise Kidd said the closure is due to health and safety risks.

The pool, which is managed by the Halkett Community Centre committee, was checked by district council staff in January and was found to have had 11 days in a row of non-compliant water readings.

This included zero chlorine residue in the pool and the circulation and filtration not running.

This resulted in cloudy water to the point the bottom of the pool could not be seen, Kidd said.

The Halkett Pool committee was not able to respond to questions yesterday.

Halkett resident Alastair Nicol said it would be a shame to lose the pool, which is an asset to the community.

"I think the proposal to close the pool is premature," she said. 

"It’s a lovely facility and is associated with the playground and the big extensive area for kids to run around.

"In saying that, I do think there needs to be some improvement in how the pool is managed,” he said.

Kidd said, in spite of the district attempting to engage and educate the committee responsible for managing the pool, it has been unsuccessful.

“Unfortunately, the Halkett Pool committee has demonstrated little or no attempt to increase health and safety or water quality practices over the last two seasons.

“The current committee management model is not effective and council has insufficient budget to lifeguard and operate this pool to achieve safe operation.”

Last year, the district council decided it would be best for pool committee members to attend and complete an Introduction to Pool Operations course.

The Halkett committee was asked to attend at no cost but no members attended, Kidd said.

District councillors unanimously voted to close the pool temporarily at a meeting last week and permanent closure will be considered as part of the Long Term Plan.

  • What do you think of the temporary and potentially permanent closure of the Halkett Pool? Email your views to devon.bolger@starmedia.kiwi.