Bathing Pools leaks being addressed

Friday 16 February 2024

Leaks are being plugged in the Ladies’ and Children’s pools at La Vallette as part of ongoing maintenance.

Neap tides earlier in the month left parts of the complex resembling a paddling pool more than somewhere you could swim.

Environment & Infrastructure’s Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services is responsible for maintaining the pools, while the cafe and certain areas around it are looked after by the Vive La Vallette charity. 

The States unit has a £45,000 budget each year for cleaning algae from surfaces and maintaining the pools, which includes repairing minor leaks but can also include stonework.

Jim Robinson, Director – Natural Environment, said: “Our bathing pools are a special feature of our east coast and bring a number of benefits from both a health and leisure perspective. But inevitably, given their exposure to the elements, and their age as Victorian-era structures, we carry out regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure that they can continue to be enjoyed by everyone.

 “Although repairing the leaks is an ongoing task, the recent neap tides have meant that the pools weren’t being replenished as frequently as normal making the leaks more noticeable. Works to prevent these leaks are currently taking place in the Ladies’ and Children’s pools."

 He continued: “As well as repairing leaks, there are a number of other minor works being carried out. The granite cladding at the Children’s pool, which was damaged by recent storms, is being repaired. A section of railing at the Ladies’ pool is currently being fixed and the steps to the north of the cafe are being restored.”

Pictured top and above: The Bathing Pools last week when neap tides exposed the extent of leaks.