DIRECTOR of Active Canberra, Jenny Priest, says the indoor 50 metre pool at the Canberra Olympic Pool (COP) in Civic will be closed for two weeks from September 5-18 (inclusive) for further upgrade and repair works to be completed.

“During the two week closure, the indoor pool will be drained to allow for the upgrade of the earthing (known as equipotential bonding) of all exposed metal work in the pool area,” Jenny said.

“The upgrade to the equipotential bonding is required to ensure the pool meets the updated Australian Standard (AS 3000 – Wiring Rules) and is necessary to prevent the occurrence of electric shock from electrical storms or electrical equipment used in and around the pool area. Further leak remediation will be carried out at the same time.

“The provision of high quality aquatic facilities is a priority of the ACT Government and we continue to invest in pool facilities for the community.

“To ensure our facilities remain up to standard, pool closures are necessary to support priority maintenance or upgrade works to be undertaken. We would like to thank members, regular and casual users and staff at the COP for their patience while repairs are carried out.

“We were pleased to meet with regular hirers last night to ensure disruption to their hiring arrangements is kept to a minimum during the closure, and we’re very happy we’ve been able to come to an arrangement with YMCA NSW, the facility manager, to ensure pool users can still access facilities during the closure.

“Regular hirers, 20 visit pass holders, upfront and direct debit pool and full facility members will all be able to use Gungahlin Leisure Centre and Lakeside Leisure Centre for training and recreation while repairs are carried out in Civic.

“Eligible COP staff members will also have the opportunity to work at Gungahlin Leisure Centre and Lakeside Leisure Centre during the two-week closure.

“In trying to keep disruption to regular hirers and staff to a minimum, we’re very grateful to the team at YMCA NSW for making alternative arrangements possible.”

The COP health club will remain open during repairs.

The two outdoor pools at COP are already closed as part of the usual winter shutdown period and will reopen on 1 November.