QEII pools to close for two weeks for maintenance

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

One of Christchurch’s biggest pool complexes will be closed for two weeks this summer for planned maintenance work.

The pools at Taiora: QEII Recreation and Sports Centre would be closed from January 17 to 30 for work including maintenance of circulation pumps, filters, heating systems and pool tanks.

The rest of the facility, including the gym and group fitness classes, would remain open as normal, but pool staff would be redeployed to other facilities during this time

Christchurch City Council head of recreation, sports and events Nigel Cox said contractors did as much as they could during last year’s level 3 lockdown when the pools were closed to the public.

The work was part of the council’s regular, rolling maintenance schedule for its recreation facilities, he said.

An automatic door between the pool change rooms and reception would also be installed to help cut down on any draughts coming from reception through to the pool.

“We thank the community for their patience when we carry this work out across our network. This regular maintenance helps avoid unscheduled shutdowns.”

The work was scheduled now, while the summer school holidays were still under way, to minimise the impact on Swimsmart lessons and group bookings, Cox said.

People could still book into school holiday swimming programmes at one of the council’s other facilities: Jellie Park, Pioneer, Graham Condon or the recently opened Te Pou Toetoe: Linwood Pool.

Cox encouraged the community to use other facilities, or the council’s summer pools, while the QEII pools were closed.

Summer pools are located in Lyttelton, Waltham and Templeton, as well as Jellie Park and Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre.