Pardubice is preparing repairs for the Cihelna swimming pool, which is in poor condition

Pardubice – The Cihelna swimming pool in Pardubice urgently needs a complete renovation, otherwise it will have to be closed over time. Petr Kvaš (ODS), the Deputy Mayor, told ČTK. The city has prepared a proposal for repairs amounting to 135 million crowns. The representatives will vote on the proposal on Thursday.

"There is technical obsolescence. Even the outdoor pools are starting to become dangerous because there have been injuries, people have cut themselves on the tiles, they are cracking because they are old. The swimming pool will need to be repaired or closed," Kvaš said.

The Cihelna area covers more than four hectares. The area of the water surface of the swimming pool is 3,500 square meters. According to the Ministry of Health's recommendations, it has an immediate capacity of up to 4,000 people. Major repairs have not been done there for 20 years. During exploratory works, fundamental defects were revealed: the pavement is damaged due to frost, and the structure of the pools is compromised, said Mayor Martin Charvát (ANO).

The representatives are to approve the proposal, and it will later become clear whether there will be enough funds left in the budget for the project, Kvaš said. "We will vote to repair the swimming pool, or rather we will support the proposal. Soon, during the preparation of the budget, we will see if we can afford it. It must not limit other necessary investments next year. I believe the repair of the swimming pool will be possible if we have a grant for the renovation of the summer stadium," Kvaš said.

Mayor Charvát believes that the work will begin next year; the swimming pool will be closed during the summer season and will reopen in the 2023 season. The proposal includes laminated panels made of stainless steel and hard PVC for the walls of the pools, a bottom made of PVC foil, and ceramic edges. Entire stainless steel tubs would cost much more. Other facilities of the swimming pool, such as cabins, showers, toilets, and buffets, are also to be repaired, the mayor said.

The amount of 135 million crowns includes a reserve of 15 million crowns. "Because we do not know how construction prices will develop. But on the other hand, it is a necessary investment; after 20 years of care by the current operator, it is noticeable on the outdoor pools," Charvát said.