Pools ‘should remain open over summer’

SWIMMING pools in Glasgow are expected to remain open during the summer holidays despite a chlorine shortage. The city’s pools will be busy over the next six weeks when schools break for the summer this week.

A global shortage of the chemical used to keep water clean has led to other councils in the UK closing pools until they get fresh supplies.

Falkirk Council this week announced the closure of the Mariner Leisure Centre pool in Camelon, and others have had to shut or restrict opening hours.

A range of factors including reduced manufacturing in China, Brexit increasing costs of licences to import chemicals, the war in Ukraine and a driver shortage affecting transport have all been cited as contributing to the shortage.

However, Glasgow Life, which runs the city’s municipal pools, said it should have enough supplies to last the summer.

A spokesperson for Glasgow Life said: “There is obviously a global shortage of supplies, but our current supply and delivery schedule should mean all pools remain open as scheduled during the summer holidays.”

Scotstoun Pool in the west of the city reopened yesterday after a refurbishment.

It has been closed for more than two years as the pandemic and a shortage of materials caused delays in the work being completed.

Glasgow Life operates 12 pools including the International Swimming Centre at Tollcross. Jill Pidgeon, Labour councillor for Shettleston, is concerned there could be a threat to the facility when the school holidays are on.

She said: “With summer holidays fast approaching it’s concerning there is even a question about Tollcross pool being closed. “Parents, kids and carers spend a lot of time at this pool, especially during the holidays, and we could see this facility shut due to a lack of planning.

“It’s also Scotland’s national swimming centre, Glasgow Life needs to ensure there is no risk to access this in the next few months.”