Limassol Olympic swimming pool closed for six weeks

The Olympic swimming pool in Limassol will remain closed for approximately six weeks. The facility was taken out of service after a main pipe burst and the underground machinery room flooded during recent severe weather events.

The Cyprus Sports Organization (CSO) reports that this is not a common problem that can be repaired in a few days. The water damaged key electromechanical installations, pipes, connections, and supporting systems necessary for the safe operation of the swimming pool.

Limassol Olympic swimming pool seriously damaged

The problems began when severe weather hit Limassol. A main pipe burst, causing a large amount of water to leak into the underground engine room.

The fire department was called to the scene and began pumping out the water. The facility was then inspected by the technical services of the Cyprus Sports Organization and specialized technicians.

The inspection revealed significant damage to the installation. The problem affected pipes, connections, fasteners, and electromechanical devices responsible for the proper and safe operation of the swimming pool.

According to the organization, this is not a single failure. The flooding affected multiple, interconnected systems, which must be repaired and thoroughly inspected before being restarted.

Repairs began immediately

Repair work began the day after the damage was discovered. The Cyprus Sports Organisation, maintenance companies, and specialized technicians are participating.

The scope of work includes replacing and repairing damaged pipelines and connections. It is also necessary to reconstruct and reinforce the installation's support points.

Electromechanical equipment that has been submerged or exposed to excessive moisture is also inspected and repaired. Some equipment may require replacement if continued use is no longer safe.

Once the individual stages of work are completed, tests and technical inspections will be conducted. Only positive results will allow the swimming pool to reopen.

When will the Limassol Olympic swimming pool open?

The current schedule predicts that repairs and inspections will take approximately six weeks. If the planned pace is maintained, the pool could be back in operation by early November.

However, this is not a definitively confirmed opening date. The Cyprus Sports Organization states that the date is valid provided that no unforeseen technical difficulties arise during the work.

Simply completing the replacement of equipment and pipes will not automatically reopen the facility. All systems must first undergo tests to confirm their functionality and safety.

The most important thing will be to check the installations related to water circulation and treatment, as well as the electrical devices operating in the underground part of the facility.

Problems for children, clubs and players

The closure of the swimming pool disrupts training for clubs, coaches, and athletes using the facility. The problem also affects children and young people participating in regular classes and their families.

The Cyprus Sports Organisation (CSO) announced that it is working with relevant institutions to ensure the best possible use of other available facilities. This will, at least in part, facilitate athletes continuing their training during the repairs.

However, no single facility has been identified that could fully replace the Olympic pool in Limassol. The number of lanes and hours available at other pools is limited, so temporary activity schedules may vary depending on the club.

Parents and athletes should contact their clubs or coaches directly. They will be the ones to provide information about changes to hours, postponements, or temporary training restrictions.

Limassol needs more swimming pools

The outage has once again highlighted the insufficient number of swimming facilities in Limassol. When one of the main swimming pools closes, the remaining infrastructure cannot easily accommodate all the swimmers and activities.

The Cyprus Sports Organization acknowledges the city and the entire district's need for additional swimming pools. Demand is growing, both from clubs and athletes, as well as from residents who use the pools recreationally.

The organization is already in talks with institutions in Limassol regarding the construction of new facilities. However, the location, cost, and timeline for their implementation have not yet been announced.

The priority now remains to safely complete repairs and reopen the Olympic-sized swimming pool as soon as possible.

Sources: Cyprus Sports Organisation, Philenews