WITH Droitwich Spa Lido set to reopen on August 1 we went for a behind the scenes look at the preparations being put in place so the popular saltwater pool will be safe for swimmers.
The Government announced last Thursday outdoor pools could reopen in two days time – not much notice for the team at the Lido as preparations usually take a month to get the pool ship-shape.
Working down there was Wychavon Leisure’s area manager Tim Kirkham and Seb Parker.
Seb told the Standard: “Usually we close in September and reopen in May so it’s been left for an extra couple of months.
“The worst thing we found when we arrived was the weeds in between the slabs – usually they are only one or two centimetres and easy to pull out but they were knee-height.”
During the months it is closed the Lido accumulates a lot of algae and other bugs.
Seb added: “Cleaning regulations have changed so first we have to ‘shock dose’ the water with high levels of chlorine which kills off all the nasties.
“Once all that is complete the brine is added in from the wells in the town centre a week or so before the pool is due to open.”
External companies are brought in to test the water to ensure it is bug-free and safe for swimmers, likewise the gas supply to the building is assessed.
Then, when all the safety certificates have been received arguably Droitwich’s top tourist attraction is ready to go.
There will be some changes though to this year to ensure safe social distancing and make it Covid-secure.
The pool can usually accommodate 550 people but it will be restricted to around 120 and people will be admitted on pre-booked alloted time-slots.
The splash pad will also be unavailable during this short six-week season but will hopefully return in 2021.
We reported earlier in the week the district council had supplied a £55,000 funding package to ensure the Lido could open safely.
Seb praised the authority for the cash boost and the Wychavon workforce.
“The council staff have been brilliant, they have been down here helping us with the weeding and the cleaning – it’s a real team effort to get the Lido open in time.”
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