Edenvale pool open with clear waters despite chlorine shortage
One of the few functional pools in the region, Edenvale public swimming pool remains open and well-maintained as the city faces supply delays and repair needs.
Despite some challenges at the start of the swimming season, pristine blue waters wait to greet swimmers at Edenvale Public Swimming Pool.
According to Ward 18 committee member for environmental development, Lisa Atkins, Edenvale Public Swimming Pool is one of the few functional pools in the northern region.
“The pools in Kempton Park, Primrose, Gerdview and Klopperpark are not working,” she said.
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The Edenvale pool, with one security guard and two lifeguards, has a capacity for 400 swimmers and attracts people from areas including Tembisa, Alexandra, Klopperpark, Elandsfontein, Sandringham, Gerdview and Primrose.
Atkins noted that the pool’s turnstile has not been working for several years, meaning the city loses out on R6.00 per swimmer. She added that the facility team has been managing the water quality carefully, turning chlorine gas on only at peak times due to limited supply.
Life guard Phumlani Mazibuko explained that two buckets of HTH chlorine and pool acid were initially used to clear the water at the start of the season. Currently, HTH is only used in the baby pool, which has its own filter.
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He added that chlorine effectiveness depends on factors such as the number of swimmers, sunlight, weather, and suctioning water. Staff test the water three times a day to ensure correct chlorine levels.
Ward 18 Ald Heather Hart told The NEWS that R20m has been allocated through the Ward 18 IDP to improve and renovate the Edenvale Public Swimming Pool.
In response to queries about the chlorine shortage, City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said procurement processes for all CoE swimming pools were initiated on January 6 and are still ongoing.
A store quotation application was submitted on June 29 and is now in the final stages of adjudication.
Dlamini explained that chlorine gas is used to disinfect water and kill bacteria and pathogens.
“Without chlorine gas the water will be unsafe and the pool will have to close,” he said.
