ST. PAUL - While there are no laughing children splashing or people working out in the fitness centre, there is still activity happening at the St. Paul Aquatic Centre during the swimming pool's annual shutdown.
Contractors have been on site, going usual maintenance at the swimming pool. The swimming pools and hot tub have been empties and tiles and grout are being replaced. Walls and floors throughout the facility have been pressure washed, along with other tasks.
But some big upgrades are also taking place. And although users of the swimming pool may not notice the upgrades when the doors reopen at the end of the month, staff will.
One of the biggest changes will be the addition of an automated pool control system that controls chlorine and other chemical levels in the water. According to Robert Simons, manager at the Aquatic Centre, the new process will be much easier for staff, who have in the past had to deal with chemicals and fumes. Equipment to inject CO2 into the pool, which will help control the pH of the water, and increase alkalinity has also been installed, among other upgrades.
Outside, an area is fenced off along the northeast portion of the Aquatic Centre and a new HVAC system has been installed. Simons says the new system should be much more efficient, which will help lower the overall costs of operating the facility.
"It's a way more efficient heating sytem."
The Aquatic Centre will be closed from Sept. 5 to Sept. 29. When asked if he anticipates the reopening date to change at all, Simons says unless something major were to happen, then that date is set, and school swimming lessons are already planned to start the following Monday.
Funding for some of this year's work has been obtained through grant funding.
The Town's portion for the HVAC is budgeted to come in around $110,000 (Canada Community-Building Fund) which is a 25 per cent contribution toward the MCCAC (Municipal Climate Change Action Centre) grant for the overall project with a $440,000 total, according to CAO Steven Jeffery.
The chemical control project coming in at $110,000, with CO2 injection as well. This project is funded through Canada Community-Building Fund too.
"Progress in the entire scope is coming along nicely with a positive outlook on the upgrades being completed by the end of September," said Jeffery.
