Roof may go from leisure pool

Taupo District Council is proposing permanently removing the roof from the AC Baths' indoor leisure pool when it begins an upgrade of the pool building next year.
That's one of several changes being suggested to solve the pool building's condensation problems and make the AC Baths more accessible to disabled people and those with mobility issues.
However, the final designs are yet to be drawn up.
The learn-to-swim pool and changing and family rooms would remain indoors so that children learning to swim can move between the pool and changing areas in a warm environment.
The indoor leisure pool building, which is only 10 years old, has to be almost totally rebuilt because of condensation problems. As part of that work, the roof will have to be removed and the council is proposing it not be replaced. Prior to 2002, the AC Baths' main pool was uncovered.
Because the leisure pool is kept at a higher temperature than other indoor pools, typically at around 36C, condensation inside the building has been a problem since the leisure pool was covered in 2003. The condensation problem was not helped by the pool building design and construction materials being ``not fit for purpose'', meaning the vapour barrier was inadequate, and there is no way for the steam and humidity to escape the building.
Taupo District Council and Glenn Brebner of architects Boon Goldsmith Bhaskar Brebner held a workshop with AC Baths users last week and an open day for locals to come along and give their views.
At the workshop, Mr Brebner acknowledged people's concerns that in winter it would be cold for swimmers getting in and out of an outdoor pool. He said designers would be looking at ways they could maintain swimmers' comfort between leaving the heated indoor area and entering the leisure pool.
He said removing the roof would mean the existing ventilation system could be used to better effect in the learn-to-swim pool and changing rooms.
While the indoor and outdoor leisure pools themselves are in good repair, a ramp will be added to the indoor leisure pool to allow full disabled access.
The designers will also look at ways of allowing people with mobility problems and disabilities to safely use the indoor 25m pool, and get better access into the whole AC Baths complex.
Part of the proposed work also involves relocating the cafe to remove the bottleneck at the bottom of the main stairwell, and upgrading the changing and family rooms.
Suggestions from users included retaining the sauna, improving the outdoor barbecue area and ensuring there were sheltered, sunny areas for pool spectators to sit if the roof was removed.
Remedial work on the indoor leisure pool is due to start next year, while repairs to the 25m indoor pool building have already started and are expected to be completed by March. If the indoor leisure pool building work starts shortly after, it is likely to be completed by the end of 2013.
Following the community consultation, detailed design will begin this month.