Hi Everyone,
The day after my last report (October 29) at 4.15 pm, a dust storm struck the wave pool of the aquatic water theme park.
At 5.30 pm the pool was closed earlier than normal due to an increase in thunderstorm activity and high winds. Dust storms continued to hit all pools throughout the night. Bins had been lifted; the shade cloth withstood the high winds but the welds gave way causing it to come down at 1.15 am. The chains were hitting the tiles in the wind (threatening to smash them) and had to be restrained - protective rubber was laid over the tiles as a precaution, there were thousands of leaves in the pools the following morning. It was a long and busy night to say the least.
Interesting to note was the hardcore early morning swimmers lining up in the morning for their regular laps! At one stage I saw a teacher reach down and remove a large branch from under her foot. I could even have been excused for thinking it was a combat zone at the time.
The dust storms had us vacuuming overtime in all pools and the total cleanup took six days before we could resume normal operations. Of course algae spores began all over again, but as we speak the last bit of algae is being removed, the pools now look crystal again for your enjoyment.
Lately I have noticed mild cases of red eyes in children who stay all day at the pool, particularly those who open their eyes under water (everyone is encouraged to wear goggles in any pool anywhere). The red eyes are not from excess chlorine or combined chlorine, it is specifically from urine in the pools. Parents are encouraged to educate their children to know that urinating in the pools will cause red eyes as a result of chloramines being produced. At the end of the day it is their pool and they will have to swim in it.
To get on top of this problem I need the community's help in addressing this issue. I am currently doing my best to try to remove the chloramines and I appear to be slowly winning, (backwashing, freeing chlorine etc) but it is of little consequence if people continue to urinate in the pools. I will continue to educate the users by way of notices at the pool.
Management is currently investigating the use of reactive dyes produced by ammonia which will detect persons urinating as a deep blue haze develops around the offender,the idea being to detect and prevent - it then dissipates into the water leaving no sign. A report will be forwarded to the committee on completion of my investigation. Prevention is the best solution.
Mums and Dads, please ensure your children wear hats and shirts (remember slip slop slap slide). I have observed some children getting mild sunburn recently, forcing me to intervene (giving them one of my shirts etc) and the Department of Health has spoken to me about holding a slip slop slap day at the pool. Again education and prevention are the best course of action. Please remain vigilant.
Last Friday the juniors (yrs 5 & 6) from school attended under Miss Nelda and Miss Wraights guidance and it was particularly noted that the behaviour, attitude and politeness of the junior school students were impressive to the point of canteen staff specifically requesting that I mention this in my next report.
It was particularly pleasing to note that the students were from our school and thus setting the standard for other schools and classes. It was also pleasing to see the strong bond between teachers and the children with Miss Wraight even providing disco dancing entertainment for the children. What an enjoyable, fun and entertaining day for all - thankyou for such a wonderful day.
Congratulations to Victor Johnston, Kristina Kelly, Carney Walford, Kieran Walford and Linda Collins on their successful completion of the bronze medallion trials on Saturday November 9 - an excellent effort showing that determination and perseverance equals success. It was a very long and tiring day of assessment and I was very proud of them all for achieving the qualification. Well done all.
It still appears that your pool is the best place in town for a birthday, as so many parties have taken place since my last report. That equals lots and lots of fun days.
The increase of water temperatures and air temperatures is making the pool a very cool and refreshing place to be and the increase in gate numbers is clearly reflecting this.
See you at the Pool!
Pool manager
Jamie Collins
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