The pool’s lpg boiler is being replaced with a centralised water-sourced heating system that uses the town water supply as the heat source.
The council received a $100,000 grant from the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority towards the cost of the replacement.
The new heat pump uses a new refrigerant, which has a low carbon footprint.
Council parks and recreation manager Gordon Bailey said he was pleased to see the boiler being replaced with a much lower-carbon emission option, which would also mean decreased operating costs.
"It is a unique way of heating a pool. This new form of heating will shift almost all energy usage to electricity and take heat from the council’s street water main, which will be transferred into the pool."
The pool will be closed for about eight weeks from today to carry out the upgrade.
"While it is an inconvenience for people in the short term, in the long term what we’re going to end up with is an energy-efficient way of heating the pool, which will be of benefit not just to the community but to the environment."
The carbon reduction over the next five years is expected to be the equivalent of the CO2 emissions stored in 3.4ha of established native forest.
Cromwell Community Board chairwoman Anna Harrison said the board supported the initiative.
All memberships would be put on hold during the upgrade and people would still be able to use their swim membership at the Alexandra Pool.
Swim schools would also be affected and those enrolled would be contacted about the situation.
-- STAFF REPORTER
