New 25m Link pool is almost complete (From This Is Wiltshire)

BRIGHT lights and sparkling water will welcome swimmers back to the Link Centre swimming pool next month with a major refurbishment having reached the final lap.

The 25-metre pool was the focus of a massive grouting effort this week after contractors laid 15,000 new tiles alongside other work, including replacing pipes and filters.

A six-week closure for repairs began in July but new problems, involving the ducts and internal concrete walls, meant the re-opening did not take place.

However, the work should improve the pool’s overall appearance and water quality as well as correcting faults hidden from public view.

The reopening is planned for February 11, with an open weekend taking place across the centre in April once other structural repairs, including work to the roof, are completed.

Dave Rogers, site manager for Swindon Commercial Services, is overseeing the final phase of grouting in the empty pool.

“The amount of work which has taken place is phenomenal considering what was originally intended,” he said.

“It certainly puts grouting a kitchen into perspective when you consider the vast area involved.

“It’s the same process but not as fun. Once it’s finished though there will be a new pool which will improve the quality of the experience for the people coming in.”

New pipework, ducts, seating, lighting and steel steps have been installed, with new paintwork added to freshen up the pool and its surroundings.

The pool took three days to drain and will take a week to fill.

Once the grouting is finished, a clinical clean will take place before the new lane ropes, turning boards and starting blocks are installed.

The first swimmers will be lifeguards taking part in staff training, before the public are welcomed back under the brighter overhead lights which have replaced the yellow glow of the old fixtures.

Centre manager Di Milner said: “All the lights have been replaced so the pool will be a different colour. The pool will look completely fresh and the water will have a sparkly appearance.

“The water will also be of a high quality because the piping and internal fittings have been replaced.

“The Link opened in 1985 and this is the first major work in that time.

“A lot of money has gone into the centre and this will mean it won’t have to close again in the foreseeable future, which is important because we have the Tiger Sharks training here and hold galas most weekends.

“Swindon is fortunate to have facilities like the Link and we look forward to welcoming back the public.”