Wavertree Aquatics Centre reopens following major repairs

The 50 metre pool at Wavertree Aquatics Centre in Liverpool has re-opened following a huge repair programme costing almost half a million pounds.

The Wavertree facility has been shut since April 2019 following an electrical fault caused a high level light fitting to explode and shower the pool with lots of small shards of glass. The light fittings have been replaced with new longer-lasting LED lights.

The glass entered the underside of the moveable floor that meant it needed to be completely drained so the pool tank could be thoroughly cleaned.

Unexpectedly, it led to a majority of the floor and wall tiles lifting off due to defective concrete, which was discovered following the use of specialist x-ray equipment and the removal of rendering.

The extent of the remedial works meant it took time to source the correct type of tile and other associated pool products to match the remaining pool tiles.

Engineers have now refilled the pool and tested the moveable floor, while water samples have passed quality tests.

During the closure, the 20 metre pool has been open as normal and aqua fit and aqua running clubs have been operating as usual, together with most swim academy activity.

Deputy Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: “We know that this news will be welcomed by swimmers who regularly use the aquatics centre who have been understandably frustrated at its closure.

“We encountered a number of unprecedented difficulties relating to defects from the construction of the pool over a decade ago, which meant we had to carry out detailed and complex investigative work to uncover the extent of the problem.

“I hope people will understand that took the time and care to look properly at the issue and work out the best way to carry out a repair.

“Despite the fact we have real financial challenges, we have found almost half a million pounds to carry out this work because we know how popular the aquatics centre is and make it fit for the future.”