Pool Update – Feb 2024
The pool is now drained and has been inspected by engineers. A couple of specific leak sites have been located and a plan devised for how to repair these in time to open again this year.
We have also established that there is a leak from the deep end surface skimmers which, longer term, need digging out and replacing. Ideally we would do this work this winter but this would push back our opening date to June/July. Our contractors have advised that they can patch the leak with sealant which will keep us going for a year or two and then sort this out properly next winter.
You may recall our original plan was to completely reline the pool with a rubber liner. Further research has found that this would not be the best approach for our specific set of issues
We have been advised that a better, long term solution would be to epoxy resin the pool and, although this is only slightly more expensive than the lining option, it would require keeping the pool dry and warm for the couple of weeks it would take to complete the work. This would require some extensive scaffolding and tarps to cover the pool along with some space heaters which would add significantly to the cost.
A further issue we have is the ongoing loss of the small square tiles from the shallow end steps which not only looks untidy but also leaves sharp edges that can hurt bathers feet. Whilst we have the pool empty we are going to re-cover this area.
Our current thinking that the specifics leaks are the only significant issues so our current plan is as follows:
Winter/spring 2024
Repair the pair of perished outlet boxes in wall of the deep end
Fill in and disconnect the no-longer required, leaking, deep end floor outlet pipe
Replace the perished grouting along the wall of the deep end
Cover the shallow end steps in epoxy to prevent further loss of small square tiles
Fill the pool and monitor water loss
May/June 2024
Reopen pool, exact date to-be-confirmed
Run full season until early September
Winter 2022
Drain pool
Replace deep end surface skimmers
Possibly epoxy resin the entire pool (only if required)
Our fundraising is going really well, we have been overwhelmed by the generosity of local people and businesses coming forward to support us. We already have sufficient funds in the bank to undertake the work required to reopen this year and are working with a number of groups raising further funds and planning events over the coming month for the work scheduled next winter.
Upcoming events
Saturday 24th February, 8pm Ashburton Town Hall - Rambunctious Social Club Pool Party,
Tickets £10 from https://www.wegottickets.com/event/609100
Saturday 23rd March – Devonly Voices/Singers Upstairs Concert 7.30 St Johns Church, Totness http://www.devonlyvoices.co.uk/
Sunday 14 April – Coombe Meadows Open Gardens – details to follow
Sunday 9th June – Coombe Meadows Open Gardens – details to follow