Covers installed at former Commonwealth games pool in Sandwell

The pool covers are an important energy efficiency measure which effectively act as an insulation blanket and help keep the pool water warm whilst not in use by the public.

The installation was made possible thanks to Sport England which provided a grant via its Swimming Pool Support Fund to Sandwell Council of almost £150,000 in order to cover the cost of the work.

It is expected the covers will save approximately £30,000 per year in energy costs and reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 101 tonnes. 

After successfully hosting the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games swimming and diving events, the Sandwell Aquatics Centre has been transformed into a state-of-the-art leisure facility.

The centre is run by Sandwell Leisure Trust and has a 50 metre Olympic-size swimming pool, a 10 metre high competitive dive tower and a 25 metre dive pool, along with 1,000 spectator seats. It is widely used by Sandwell residents as well as elite athletes, swimming and diving clubs and community groups.

Councillor Suzanne Hartwell, Sandwell Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Community, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Sandwell Aquatics Centre has benefitted from the installation of pool covers. 

"They are an incredibly simple yet effective addition to our flagship leisure facility and will help make the centre more efficient to operate for generations to come. 

“At Sandwell Council we are always mindful of our carbon emissions and this project will undoubtedly help our efforts to drive them down  over the long term. I would like to thank Sport England for their generous funding which has made this project possible.”

Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Executive Director – Place at Sport England added: “Swimming pools and leisure centres are vital community resources and are enormously important in helping people to be physically active. 

"Sport England is proud of the role we play in supporting these facilities. The investment from the Government’s Swimming Pool Support Fund at Sandwell Aquatics Centre will help improve energy efficiency and enable the centre to be more environmentally and financially sustainable so it remains available for future generations to enjoy.”

Paul Piddock; vice chair of Sandwell Leisure Trust, said: "Having energy efficient facilities is so important to help the long-term sustainability of these amazing leisure centres and swimming pools so that our local communities can continue to enjoy them for generations to come."