A SWIMMING pool, which was closed for essential maintenance for the final month of the summer holidays, has fully re-opened.

In August, Torfaen Leisure Trust took the decision to close the main pool area, including the hydroslides, after floor tiles were reported to have ‘popped like Rice Krispies’.

An extensive re-fit has taken place at the Pontypool Active Living Centre, and on Tuesday (October 4), the area was once again open to the public.

Swimming manager Michelle Witch said: “Torfaen Leisure Trust are delighted to announce the reopening of the Pontypool Active Living Centre swimming pool.

“The pool closed in August as a result of tiles lifting within the pool.

“Upon investigation it was decided to retile the whole pool rather than just patch up the problem which could have resulted in further closures,” she added.

After an initial planned work period of three weeks to complete the renovation cost, Torfaen Leisure Trust announced that the entire pool floor would be replaced.

Alternative options including the use of divers was mooted but it was decided that the minimal disruption would be caused by closing the pool and slides for a block period.

The trust’s CEO, Sally Church, said: “We are delighted with the results of the work carried out by the contractor Euro Pools. The pool looks brand new.

“We worked in partnership with Torfaen County Borough Council to get the work carried out. The team have worked hard cleaning and painting to make the whole area look great to welcome back our customers. We can’t wait to see our customers back swimming.”

Part of the reason behind the decision to re-tile the pool floor was to increase the longevity of the swimming area at the leisure centre, one of five locations operated by the trust within the borough for sporting endeavours.

Alternative arrangements for the swimming clubs that use the pool, notably Torfaen Dolphins were made during the period of disruption, who will be welcomed back to their regular patterns.

In addition to the pool area, the trust are in the process of carrying out further developments at the leisure centre which will incude two squash court and multi-use area, a refurbished fitness suite and an enhancement to the café area.