The pools on the Riviera in Brno will receive new stainless steel tubs

Brno - The Brno city company Starez is preparing a major renovation of all three outdoor pools in the recreational area Riviéra. To solve the ongoing problem of water leakage from the concrete pools for many years to come, a stainless-steel liner will be installed in them. Its lifespan is 30 years and the maintenance costs are minimal, said Starez director Martin Mikš to ČTK today. The first pool could receive the new liner as early as this year. The study estimates the total cost at 150 to 160 million crowns.

The project, which will refine the cost, should be completed in March. "There were still options for ceramic tiles or special foils, but these measures have significantly shorter lifespans and will be more expensive in the long term," Mikš said.

The middle largest pool could have a stainless-steel liner by the end of this season, with work potentially beginning in September. "The project will be processed in three variants. The basic one will be the most economical, one will include various attractions, and the last will be something in between," said Mikš. For this year, 20 million crowns are allocated for repairs. "One pool costs around 50 million, so we will still discuss financing with the city leadership once the board selects one of the three variants," added Mikš.

Starez also considered shortening the season or possibly skipping one season. "But it would be a pity. And since it will involve demanding work and heavy machinery will need to enter the area, it's not possible to install the stainless-steel liner while in operation," Mikš said.

The stainless-steel liners will solve a long-standing and escalating problem of water leakage. Last year, it was up to 200 cubic meters a day. Operating costs due to water refilling increased by up to 800,000 crowns per season. For this season, the management chose the traditional approach of protective coatings at critical places. "We were lucky with the weather. If we had done it after winter, the damage would have been greater," noted Mikš.

The Riviéra swimming area, with a history dating back to the 19th century, is one of the largest natural swimming areas not only in Brno but also in the entire republic. The pools measure approximately 400 meters in length, and up to 7,000 people can visit daily. Last year's tropical heat recorded a record attendance at the swimming area.