A Liverpool pool that was closed for more than a year after a light fitting above it exploded is set to reopen next week.
The 50 metre pool at Wavertree Aquatics Centre in Liverpool is to reopen on March 9 following a huge repair programme costing almost half a million pounds.
The pool was shut in April last year after an electrical fault caused a high level light fitting to explode and shower the pool with lots of small shards of glass.
The glass fell into the pool, going under its moveable floor, meaning it had to be drained.
When the pool was drained 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.
Engineers have now refilled the pool and tested the moveable floor, while water samples have passed quality tests.
Deputy Mayor of Liverpool Wendy Simon, said she understood swimmers were “frustrated” with the lengthy closure of the pool.
Councillor Simon said: “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.”
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.
Elite squads had to move to other Lifestyles centres and had a reduction on their direct debits, while other members who have the Aquatics Centre as their home club had their membership frozen.
The light fittings above the pool were replaced with new longer-lasting LED lights.
