Divers to fix East Devon pools

Underwater experts will grout tiles

Three Devon swimming pools are set to undergo repairs by a specialist underwater team.

The pools – in Exmouth, Honiton and Sidmouth  – need various repairs which have been identified during routine surveys by the company.

Overnight work at the trio of swimming pools will involve maintenance work including underwater grouting of pool tanks, replacement of some underwater tiles, repairing expansion joins, replacement of grilles and diffusers, and cleaning of balancing tanks.”

“This is highly specialised work requiring a two-person diving team,” a spokesperson for East Devon District Council said.

“The three pools will continue to operate as usual and disruption will be kept to a minimum, as the work will be carried out overnight.”

East Devon District Council’s cabinet will be told about the extent of the works this week, and be told about an exemption to a common requirement for the council to seek more than three quotations.

That’s because the amount being spent is seen as relatively low, and securing more than three quotes for the type of work involved would be extremely difficult, if not impossible.

“Due to the specialist nature of the works, there is a limited number of contractors that can do the work, which involves teams of divers undertaking underwater repairs to the swimming pool tanks and accessing underwater confined spaces,” a report prepared for the cabinet meeting this Wednesday states.

“Market availability is further restricted by the need to undertake the work outside working hours to minimise disruptions to the services and loss of income to the operator.”

The report adds that securing more than three quotations for the work “cannot be fulfilled”.

“The current specialist contractor undertaking cyclical underwater compliance surveys has provided a quote for the works,” the report states.

“The contractor is well familiar with each site and the work, which is a key consideration in terms of the health and safety risks involved.

“In addition, it will allow for the work to be done in a shorter timeframe, reducing costs. The quote for £46,344 is considered good value and represents a considerable saving on the allocated [£60,000] budget, approximately £13,000 saving.”