The idea
Our aim is to repair the surfaces of the 120-year old concrete and brick warm-air outlets / seats that surround the Atlantic Pool at Chester City Baths. These are badly cracked, and in places have crumbled away to expose sharp edges of steel or concrete. One large piece of concrete broke away to land alongside the showers, where bare-footed swimmers were washing themselves prior to entering the pool, while cracks in the concrete provide sharp-edges that can easily cause cut skin. Apart from providing seating, these structures are the means whereby warm air is blown into the pool-hall. We would like to make these fully safe and ensure that the warm air can continue to circulate around the Atlantic Pool. Having taken expert advice, our options were -- 1) Replace the whole of the concrete. 2) Cover the concrete with a layer of epoxy-resin. 3) Purchase specially-moulded fibreglass sheets to overlay the concrete. Options one & two would have caused great disruption and possible closure.
What we'll deliver
- The project will ensure the safety and comfort of our swimmers, coaches and instructors while they are pool-side.
- It will preserve the original brickwork and seating area.
Why it's a great idea
Keeping our swimmers warm and safe is a prime concern, so repairing these structures is a high-priority to our charity. The benefit of this project is to prevent injury and maintain a comfortable temperature while our swimmers are alongside the pool, while preserving the original construction. We cannot allow the Atlantic Pool to become unsafe, cold and inhospitable, as we have a long history of school, youth, multicultural, leisure and competitive swimming, as well as water polo, sub-aqua diving and triathlon at our home in Union Street, Chester, where a very large portion of Chester’s community has learned to swim. Apart from schools and public swimmers, our main user-groups are Chester Swimming Club, Chester Water-polo Club, Chester Triathlon Club, Chester Sub-Aqua Club, the Noontide Club and many others. Since 1978, these amateur, enthusiastic clubs have relied on Chester City Baths, previously known as Chester Swimming Association, to ensure that they continue to flourish.
Steps to get it done
- Have the mould created professionally.
- Have one fibreglass sheet made.
- Fill in cracks in the concrete.
- Prepare the concrete to receive the fibreglass sheets.
- Fit the first sheet.
- Make adjustments if required, then fit the remaining sheets.
