Solution sought for Hillcrest heating machine nearing end of lifespan
The pool in the east of Pretoria has had its heater system damaged countless times, with the metro blaming load-shedding in the past.
Solutions are being sought to upgrade the Hillcrest Swimming pool heater system which is prone to breaking down.
Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo emphasised the need for crucial repair or upgrade work.
“The original heater system was nearing the end of its lifespan, necessitating the installation of a modern inverter-heated swimming pump to ensure optimal heating performance and efficiency.”
He said the metro was working to find equipment to protect the heater system.
The work is needed at a time when the metro is facing an uphill financial battle, with persistent damage to the Hillcrest swimming pool’s heater system inflicting a severe burden on its already stretched budget.
Mashigo underscored the pressing need to implement preventive measures to forestall even more costly repairs and safeguard the metro’s fiscal health.
The cost to conduct all repairs needed will be more than R1-million.
He said these solutions aimed to quell frequent breakdowns and would ensure the system was functional in case of load-shedding, which was the biggest hindrance to the iconic Pretoria east pool.
The Hillcrest swimming pool is the only one in the city that does not close in winter.
It has been the cornerstone of social life for the community, and a hub for athletes, students, and families who want to train or participate in leisurely activity for decades.
According to the metro, the newly installed heating system was damaged due to load-shedding during the start of winter last year.
Last May, the metro temporarily closed the pool for repairs such as fixing heating faults and water leaks but reopened it two months later on July 15 after the repairs were completed.
Earlier this year around February, the heater system broke down once again and was repaired in May.
The newly installed heater pumps and repaired boiler system were apparently under heavy strain due to load-shedding schedules as clients needed warm water while the pumps required electricity to operate.
Mashigo said the heating system was repaired, however, preventative equipment needs to be installed to prevent damages when load-shedding resumes.
“The heater system was repaired before the start of the winter season and has been fully operational since then.”
The repaired heater systems have not endured strain recently, as load-shedding has been out of the picture for some time.
Mashigo said during this winter, the water temperature was between 18 and 24 degrees.
“Should the water need an increase in temperature, additional heat pumps or pool covers are going to be needed.”
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