Swimmers will be pleased with Forbes Shire Council’s decision to immediately install an advanced solar heating system at Forbes Olympic Swimming Pool.
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The solar heating system is expected to be installed in the next fortnight so that swimmers can immediately enjoy warmer temperatures.
The new system will replace the old heaters which broke at the start of the season.
Mayor Ron Penny says the replacement solar heating system was considered of high importance to council, which is why they decided to go ahead with the installation rather than wait for government funding.
“The Forbes pool is a fabulous community asset and it’s a great decision by council to invest in it for the enjoyment of the whole community,” he said.
“We tried every avenue to make sure we don’t have a cost burden on the community, which is why there has been a delay, however since we were unable to receive grant funding we had to go ahead and do it ourselves.”
General Manager Brian Steffen says the heating system will make the pool more enjoyable for swimmers.
“It will extend the swimming season which is the most important thing,” he said.
“Hopefully it’ll also increase patronage with lap swimmers.”
Deputy Mayor Graeme Miller says there were concerns raised by early morning lap swimmers about the temperature of the pool.
“We addressed the issue at our council meeting the other day and as soon as council approved it, the order was placed,” he said.
Pool manager Brady Burns is very pleased with the decision and says it’ll increase the pool temperature from the low 20s to much more pleasant temperatures of between 26 and 28 degrees.
“It’s great, it’s going to bring more lap swimmers to the complex,” he said.
“It’s been a cool start to October, and so the solar panels will be a comfort to swimmers.
“I had no doubt that the solar would be fixed as soon as possible.”
When installation is complete all three pools at the facility will be more than adequately heated with the two smaller pools heated via gas.