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The source of the leaks in Stanmore Bay School’s pool, which have kept the pool closed for this summer – as well as most of last summer – have yet to be determined.
Both the school and the Ministry of Education are investigating – the school has commissioned reports from civil, geotechnical and structural engineers.
The geotechnical report is not in yet, but principal Matt Sides suspects its findings will be key.
He suspects that movement in the clay soil, which has affected other parts of the school, could be the underlying cause.
He says initial inspections indicate there is plenty of movement.
Once all the information is available, the school’s board will assess it.
“It’s been very disappointing to have the pool closed,” Matt says. “While swimming is not part of the NZ curriculum, we want our kids to have water skills. It’s also of course a place to cool off.”
Currently students are using the Stanmore Bay Leisure Centre pool, and also have water instruction at local beaches.
Matt says the cost of any repairs will be critical.
“Once we have all the information, the board will have to decide whether fixing it is achievable or affordable – bearing in mind it sits unused for two-and-a-half terms each year,” he says.
