Moana Pool is getting an early present before its 50th birthday later this year.
Areas of the main pool will be restricted until Monday for the installation of a new bulkhead, which divides the pool.
''The main pool's existing bulkhead is quite old. The new bulkhead design will allow Moana's main pool to comply with Fina [Federation Internationale de Natation] regulations. This will allow Moana Pool to hold New Zealand championship level events with Fina standards,'' Dunedin City Council aquatic services manager Paulien Leijnse said yesterday.
''These projects mean the pools will be in great shape ahead of our Moana Pool 50th anniversary celebrations in November.''
The main pool would not be entirely closed during the bulkhead replacement, although the leisure pool and spa would be closed from July 28 to August 8 for maintenance.
Tile maintenance would also be undertaken using an innovative ''tile tank'' made by Mosgiel company Stainless and Alloy Fabrications Ltd.
''After the bulkhead replacement is complete, minor tile maintenance will be carried out in the main pool's deep end. This unique piece of equipment, produced locally, enables small areas of the pool to be sectioned off, drained and repaired,'' gym supervisor Chris Bisley said.
''Taking into account the huge cost and disruption of draining the entire main pool for maintenance, the development of this tool is quite cost effective. We're very proud of these tile tanks and we've already had interested inquiries from other regions' pools.''
