Chilly waters await Hillcrest pool users after heater breakdown

Fixing the Hillcrest swimming pool heater system will cost in excess of R1 million, the Tshwane metro has said.

The iconic Pretoria east pool is the only one in the city that does not close in winter however, its heater system has been rendered useless since it broke down two months ago.

For decades, the pool was the cornerstone of social life for the community, and hub for athletes, students, and families who want to train or participate in leisurely activity, however recently the pool has been riddled by a faulty heater system, that has sparked an outcry in the community.

In May last year, it was temporarily closed for refurbishments, such as fixing heating faults and water leaks but reopened two months later on July 15 after the repairs were completed.

Earlier this year, around February, the heater system broke down again.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the pool will remain open regardless of the faulty heater system.

“The pool will stay open regardless of the heater system working or not. The pool will only close if the water temperature is below the permissible 18° C,” Mashigo said.

He said the heater system worked fine until it was damaged by a load-shedding surge.

“It is to be noted that the newly installed heater pumps and repaired boiler system was under heavy strain due to load-shedding schedules as clients needed warm water while the pumps required electricity to operate,” he said.

Mashigo said interim repairs will be initiated soon.

“To conduct all repairs needed, the cost will be in excess of R 1-million.”

However the service provider has not yet sent in the final quotation.

He said the service provider is waiting for costing of imported parts.

Herman van der Westhuizen, who has used the pool for 50 years, said it’s a shadow of its former self.

Van der Westhuizen said it was in an embarrassing state of clear neglect.

He said he is not pointing fingers at anyone, because the metro was financially strapped.

“The metro should however try privatising the pool if it does not have the budget for maintenance.”

He said the metro is always saying it is on a tight budget.

“A solution is to open the door of communication to the private sector and seriously consider entering a long-term agreement.

“The city could unlock the potential of the pool by turning to the expertise of private investors.

“By partnering with professional management, the city could ensure the pool remains a well-maintained community hub, complete with high-quality facilities and services.”

Van der Westhuizen said the injection of private resources and experience into pool operation would allow it to continue providing valuable recreational opportunities for residents while alleviating the financial burden on the city.

He however said that instead, the city is losing revenue because of the pool’s poor condition.

“Swimming clubs that had leased the pool are now cancelling their contracts because pool water is sometimes not warm because the heater system is down.”

He said the metro should also look at developing the grounds behind the pool, cutting the long grass and cleaning the facility to make sure that residents go to a safe, clean and nice environment.

He said often the pool is not treated with chlorine.

“Most of the time the pool is green, because of lack of this chemical which makes swimming unpleasant.

“Most residents also stopped visiting the pool due to these issues and at times I would be there all by myself, with no one coming.

“This situation is worrying because back then the pool was the popular attraction, packed with community members so what is happening now is not good.”

The following pools have closed for winter:

– Pretoria North
– Soshanguve
– Club Rendezvous
– Deon Malherbe
– Temba
– Tjaart van Vuuren
– Sunnyside
– Atteridgeville
– Les Marais
– Gert van Schalkwyk
– Laudium
– Eersterust
– Mamelodi East
– Mamelodi West
– Zita Park
– Zithobeni
– Bronkhorstspruit.

Also Read: Hillcrest residents sign petition to save public pool

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram