Cambridge City Council in partnership with GLL, the charitable social enterprise, has invested £73,660 of Section 106 developer contributions to improve the water quality and enhance the swimming experience for users of Parkside Pools.
A cutting-edge ultraviolet (UV) disinfection technology and a hyprolyser system have been installed in the pools. The UV system works by breaking down harmful microorganisms in the water, reducing the need for high levels of chlorine, while the hyprolyser system produces chlorine on-site from salt, streamlining chemical usage, storage, and deliveries.
Key benefits of the investment include:
- Improved water quality – the UV system effectively destroys bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, ensuring safer and cleaner water for pool users. This is particularly important for residents with allergies or sensitivities to high chlorine levels, as the new system has reduced the pool’s dependence on traditional chemicals. This provides a more inclusive swimming environment for all members of the community.
- Reduced environmental impact – by significantly reducing the need for bulk chemical deliveries (over 70% reduction in deliveries annually), the new system has significantly reduced the carbon footprint associated with the transportation and packaging of chlorine and other pool chemicals. This aligns with the councils ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability.
- Cost effective – the integration of the hyprolyser system will help the council and GLL achieve long-term savings. The system uses salt to produce chlorine on demand, reducing the need to purchase pre-manufactured chemicals. Additionally, the more consistent water quality achieved by this new system will help reduce the wear and tear on filtration systems, helping to lower overall maintenance costs.
Councillor Cameron Hollway, Executive Councillor for Community Safety, Homelessness and Wellbeing said, "This investment in Parkside Pools is a fantastic example of how we can use developer contributions to improve essential public services and facilities for our residents.
“The new water treatment systems will ensure that the pool remains a safe, healthy, and welcoming space for everyone, while helping us meet our environmental and cost-efficiency goals."
