COMMERCIAL POOLS
Harnessing Technology To Keep Our Public Swimming Pools Afloat With many facilities in the public sector having an increasingly tough time, in this issue, we place the focus on commercial pool operators and highlight the challenges they are facing, ways in which they can harness technology to secure a more sustainable future plus hear from experts involved with the sector
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he new £63m funding package, unveiled in this year’s Spring Budget, was widely welcomed by UK sporting bodies, swimming organisations and private sector firms, which face the major challenge of keeping the nation’s pools afloat. Recent analysis has shown that nearly 400 swimming pools have been lost across England since 2010, with the pandemic and rising energy costs contributing to even more recent closures. Furthermore, based on current pool build trends, the number of available pools could decrease by more than 40% – almost 2,000 pools – by the end of the decade, according to Swim England, the national body for swimming, in its 2021 report ‘A Decade of Decline’. But with the growing popularity of modern methods of construction (MMC) to build or retrofit pools coupled with new pool technologies, local authorities are being offered a vital operational lifeline. Add in a resurgence in swimming’s popularity post-COVID, and the outlook needn’t look entirely gloomy.
SECURING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE The new financial measures to ‘leisure-up’ the UK pool stock were a welcome support to many leisure operators – however the key aim will now be to make facilities more energy efficient and attractive to users, both to ensure their survival and play a part in wider carbon reduction ambitions. The £63m being managed by Sport England,
will allow local authorities to apply for funding for leisure centres with pools that face immediate cost pressures, including operational and maintenance costs as well as energy bills. Jane Nickerson, Swim England’s Chief Executive, said the fund would help facilities become more environmentally sustainable and was an important recognition of the incredibly challenging situation currently facing swimming pools and their value to local communities. “It will undoubtedly make a difference for a number of vulnerable pools as they battle with increased energy costs. Pool owners and operators are committed to reducing carbon emissions and there have been many positive examples from across the country,” she said.
HARNESSING THE PRIVATE SECTOR’S EXPERTISE Collaboration between the public organisations and private companies has therefore never been so crucial. Technology and more efficient ways of working will be a key factor in the fight to keep the UK’s leisure centres afloat as well as making them more sustainable, viable and future proofed. Kate Mcknight, UK & Ireland country manager at Myrtha Pools – a leading aquatics company that designs, manufactures and installs innovative stainless steel, modular
We’re cautiously optimistic about the future because of the technology and advancements that pool designers and manufacturers have made. Their work means it is possible to build pools at a much more sustainable level” 40 October 2023 SPN 40-41_SPN_October_2023_Myrtha.indd 40
Based on current pool build trends, the number of available pools could decrease by more than 40% by the end of the decade, according to Swim England’s 2021 report ‘A Decade of Decline’
pools – said: “When we are brought on board by an architect, distributor, local authority or contractor, it’s important for us to really understand the needs of the client and the local community. “We consider the development of the intended pool programme, the users and really analyse the data that partner organisations such as Swim England produce. This helps to make an informed decision on the profile of a pool, whether a new one is required or if we are able to refurbish an existing pool to give the client the best option for their community needs. Ultimately, we aim to ensure the most sustainable option is selected.” Heating a swimming pool – both the water and surrounding air – accounts for nearly 40% of a facility’s running cost. As a result, a more sustainable and efficient building can have long-term operational savings as well as a lower carbon footprint. An example of this in action is the ground-breaking leisure facility in Spelthorne, which is on track to be one of the first wet and dry Passivhaus certified leisure centres in the world. Designed by sports and leisure experts GT3 Architects and Passivhaus designers Gale & Snowden, with national contractor Willmott Dixon appointed to deliver the project, Myrtha Pools is responsible for the pool, leisure and wellness elements. Utilising modern methods of construction
www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 08/10/2023 22:27