Published on Monday, 11 March 2024 at 5:06:40 PM
The Katherine Aquatic Centre is 43 years old and has just about worn out. We understand the importance of the opportunity to swim, particularly for our lap swimmers, learn-to-swim students, and school swimming sports. So, we have been trying to keep it operating as long as possible while we waited for the federal government funding for the major aquatic centre upgrade to be signed off.
We have ensured the pool water meets all NT Water Lab water quality requirements despite infrastructure challenges, including damage to the shade sails, from the New Year's Eve storm.
The pool is cleaned daily, the water is crystal clear and chlorine levels are checked at least three times a day. The pool is checked for bacteria monthly, despite health safety regulations only requiring a quarterly assessment.
For the last few months, we have had to add the chlorine granules manually via the balance tank. This leaves a layer of white dust on the bottom of the pool, which is too fine for the pool vac to pick up.
However, despite all our efforts, we have found another significant water pipe leak.
We have no choice but to start the pool's closedown. We can operate school sports and swim club ONLY this week but will aim to close for major renovations at the close of business on Friday, 15 March.
Katherine Town Council received a very welcome certified funding agreement from the Federal Government last week. A contractor is being confirmed, and renovations will commence soon.
We will provide more updates and detailed planning information over the coming weeks.
The future looks bright for a renovated 50-metre pool, an additional 25-metre pool, with new pumps and filtration systems as just part of the planned upgrade.
For media enquiries, please contact Communications and Engagement Officer on contactus@ktc.nt.gov.au or 08 8972 5500.
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