Halswell Pool re opens for business

Christchurch swimmers now have a popular option on those hot summer days- Halswell Aquatic Centre.

Swimmers were able to splash about at Halswell Pool at the weekend for the first time since February 22.

City council recreation and sports manager John Filsell said Halswell required repair work following the earthquakes.

The council spent $70,000 repairing the pool after it was badly damaged in the September earthquake. The pool opened last summer and was operating when the February earthquake hit.

"We had it up and running, the pool was packed and then February hit and it all turned to custard."

Mr Filsell said half the pool water ended up on the lawn during the quake, as did some of the swimmers. No one was hurt but the pool sustained further damage.

"The damage was reasonably extensive," Mr Filsell said.

The concrete surrounding the pool had cracked, with some parts rising and others subsiding.

The small pool at the bottom of the hydroslide had also shifted slightly, while the main pool had cracked and the expansion joints had moved both on the sides and bottom of the pool.

The popular 50m pool at the Jellie Park Recreation is set to open next Saturday, December 3.

Mayor Bob Parker said: "Residents have been looking forward to a well-deserved summer, and it's great to be able to confirm that these pools will be open in time for them to get out and enjoy it."

Other pools set to reopen this summer include Templeton Pool and Belfast Pool. Pools remaining closed due to earthquake damage include Waltham Lido Pool, Lyttelton Norman Kirk Memorial Pool, and the paddling pools at Scarborough, New Brighton and Abberley Park.

Governors Bay community outdoor pool requires further assessments before a decision can be made.