Dr Peter Topham Memorial Swimming Pool’s season reopening delayed due to urgent water filtration works

Harvey’s 50m outdoor swimming pool will not reopen until mid-December after issues were discovered with its water filtration system.

Works are set to get under way this month on upgrading the system at the Dr Peter Topham Memorial Swimming Pool after it failed at the end of the last swimming season.

An algal bloom occurred in the pool in March, which led to the discovery of the filters being at the end of their usable life.

Works were unable to commence until a tender was advertised and awarded, which occurred following the adoption of the Shire’s 2023-24 budget in early August.

The council said the system needed to be upgraded to maintained the pool’s water quality for community health.

Shire president Paul Gillett said he was pleased to see the prompt commencement of works.

“An issue with the filtration system was identified a few months ago and we’re grateful to be in a position to take action immediately ensuring community health and safety,” he said.

“The upgrades are expected to delay the opening of the facility for the 2023-24 summer season until mid-December.

“I want to thank all pool users for their patience and understanding while we get these works done.”

As a result of the extended closure, training sessions for the Harvey Amateur Swimming Club have been relocated to the Leschenault Leisure Centre in Australind.

Season passes will be discounted once the pool reopens, while swimming lessons are planned to go ahead as scheduled in January.

Aquatic Services WA has won the tender to undertake the work, which is budgeted to cost $250,000.

It is the second time a Shire of Harvey-operated pool has been closed for maintenance work in the past year, with the Leschenault Leisure Centre’s 25m lap pool being closed for nearly five months last summer.

For more information visit harvey.wa.gov.au.