Posted April 21, 2023
Coombes Aquatics along with Aspec Construction are delighted to be part of Auckland Grammar School's (AGS) new swimming pool project. A swimming pool fit for competitive swimming and waterpolo were the design requirements, and therefore the new water space had to meet international FINA-approved Waterpolo regulations, as well as accommodate general-purpose campus use!
Auckland Grammar School began educating young men in 1869, and 100 years later, the first AGC swimming pool was added to the campus facilities. The new school pool was opened in conjunction with the AGS Centennial Celebrations in 1969, by the then Governor General, Sir Arthur Porritt. However, like many school pools of this era, swimming pool circulation was simple, and heating was not added till 1997! Add unprecedented roll growth of 1000 to 2500 students, and the now 50-year-old plus swimming pool, was struggling to maintain water clarity, losing water, and experiencing ground issues. The solution was to decommission the old pool and build a new, modern, fit-for-purpose, heated, Swimming/Waterpolo pool, next to the lower sports pavilion.
Aspec Construction Limited completed the building works and Coombes Aquatics, completed the specialised water services, plant room, and pool tank fit-out. The new swimming pool is 30m long x 25m wide x 1.2m to 2m deep. The pool tank features a 10-lane overflow swimming pool, with an all-ability, beach entry, access ramp graduating down to a depth of 1.2m, before entering the main pool tank depth of 2m. The concrete block pool tank is lined with the stylish ELBE, Arctic white, water-tight Membrane, with striking black lane markings and wall targets for a professional finish.
To comply with FINA recommendations the swimming pool water must always remain at the same water level, this is achieved by a modern overflow and balance tank system supported by a chemical and water-efficient pool and plant room circulation system. The swimming pool is heated with two energy-efficient electric heat pumps and thermally covered when not in use, by seven wall-hung MacBall thermal pool covers. The MacBall thermal pool covers ensure the day's heat retention and reduce water and chemical loss through evaporation and condensation. The basement plant room houses two large horizontal sand filters, dual water pumps, and additional stainless steel debris tanks for added filtration, and the brains trust BECS 3 automatic chemical dosing system, with remote access, to ensure sparkling clear and safe water chemistry. Put this all together and you have a warm, energy and water-efficient swimming pool that the Auckland Grammar School students and the wider community can enjoy for many years to come.
The surprise of this pool build has been the noticeable increase in AGC school spirit and student pride, garnered from having a new fit-for-purpose water polo pool to train in. School pride and student delight are "the stuff", that makes principals, teachers, property managers, caretakers, support staff, and parents, positively beam, with pride too. We at Coombes Aquatics love hearing about how a water space that we have completed or refurbished, is being enjoyed and used by many. We especially value this feedback in a school environment, as having the opportunity for our tamariki and rangatahi to develop lifelong water and aquatic sports skills, ensures not only current AGC student water safety but also the many more future generations of AGC student's water safety.
If you would like a new swimming pool, fit for your Commercial, Community, School, or private residential use - contact our project management team and we will be delighted to assist you with your new water space.
For photos of the pool build- view AGC Pool Build
