South Hedland Aquatic Centre closes for filtration and other upgrades

Following repeated closures due to water quality issues, the South Hedland Aquatic Centre (SHAC) is to undergo a major upgrade of its water filtration technology.

Dogged by repeated closures due to a range of water quality issues – including cyclone debris and human hygiene– since its opening in 2013, the decision to close the pool again was taken Town of Port Hedland and YMCA of Western Australia after another enforced closure earlier this week.

Being undertaken as the facility approaches what would be expected to be its busiest operational period, the $1.74 million will include replacement of the facility’s water filtration technology along with other renovations.

Port Hedland acting Mayor Camilo Blanco explained “we initially closed SHAC for interim maintenance works following a water quality failure in the pool’s filters.

“Our technical teams have now assessed the required works and determined that the full upgrade should be fast tracked so we can fix the equipment and filters once and for all.

“I acknowledge that this will be an inconvenience for some people and our sporting groups – however, I am not prepared to take any chances with water quality and anyone’s health.

“We will be appointing industry leading experts to oversee the renovation and entire process.

“We need to get this right and while we will be trying to fast track the upgrade as much as possible, it is likely that works will be completed by early next year.

 “We do not want to be in a position where we are opening and shutting the pool like what happened last summer.”

Australasian Leisure Management understands the repeated filtration failures at SHAC may have been caused by the installation of domestic-style filters, rather than commercial stainless steel ones, during the building of the $11.3 million facility.

Port Hedland’s Gratwick Aquatic Centre is currently undergoing scheduled maintenance and is due to open on 1st October, with the Council endeavouring to open the pool earlier.

Once reopened, the Council will be organising shuttle buses from South Hedland to Gratwick Aquatic Centre for pool users.

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26th March 2015 - SERIAL DEFECATOR CAUSES WEEKLY CLOSURES OF SOUTHLAND AQUATIC CENTRE

10th February 2014 - PORT HEDLAND CELEBRATES OFFICIAL OPENING OF $11.3 MILLION AQUATIC CENTRE