The contract for the works to renovate the air conditioning of the indoor swimming pool at the Sports Palace is now open for tender.

The Local Governing Board of the Torrevieja City Council has approved the contracting of the works to renew the air conditioning system of the indoor swimming pool of the "Tavi y Carmona" Sports Palace and improve the ventilation of its boiler room.

The project has a base budget of €134,947.56 (VAT included) and a three-month execution period, starting from the signing of the site handover report, once the contract has been awarded and formalized. The Department of Sports aims to shorten the execution time of these works so that the service can be offered to users of the Torrevieja indoor swimming pool as soon as possible.

The project addresses the need to replace the existing network of pipes following the collapse, on May 14th, of one of the sections suspended beneath the roof and located above the pool basin. Subsequent studies, conducted in a short period, revealed that the deterioration is not limited to the affected pipe, but rather that there are widespread deficiencies caused by the passage of time and the environmental conditions typical of a heated pool. During May, the Department of Sports began working intensively to resolve this problem as quickly as possible.

The Councillor for Sports, Diana Box Alonso, has stated that “the objective of this action is to offer a complete and lasting solution, which reinforces the safety of the facility, facilitates its maintenance and allows the indoor swimming pool to be put back into operation with the maximum guarantees.”

COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF METAL CONDUITS

The technical analysis has ruled out a partial repair because this alternative would not guarantee the definitive elimination of the detected problems nor prevent the appearance of new issues in other parts of the system. For this reason, the project includes the complete dismantling of the existing metal air supply ductwork, including its suspension and fixing elements, and its replacement with a new network of circular-section textile ductwork.

This material offers significant advantages in a facility of this type, as it is not subject to the same corrosion processes as metal pipes, weighs less, reduces the load on the building structure, and allows for easier cleaning, inspection, and replacement.

The new network will have perforations distributed along the ducts to achieve a more homogeneous diffusion of air, avoiding annoying drafts and helping to maintain adequate temperature, humidity and comfort conditions for users.

The textile ducts will be installed on a continuous aluminum track, suspended by stainless steel cables. This system will allow for easier dismantling and reinstallation when cleaning or maintenance is required.

A NEW LAYOUT AWAY FROM THE POOL BASIN

One of the main new features of the project will be the relocation of the pipes. The new route will run along the area closest to the pool's perimeter beach and will avoid passing over the water. This will reduce the risk associated with having elements suspended over the bathing area and will facilitate access for maintenance workers to carry out inspections, repairs, and routine upkeep.

The return air duct will be made of AISI 316L stainless steel, which is particularly resistant to corrosion in humid, marine environments and those containing chlorinated compounds. Its route will run outside the enclosure to reduce its exposure to the pool's interior environment and increase the installation's lifespan.

Diana Box emphasized that “it is not simply another duct that will be placed in the same location, but rather a different solution has been designed that avoids its passage over the pool, improves air distribution and makes the entire installation more accessible and safe.”

IMPROVED BOILER ROOM VENTILATION

Finally, it should be noted that the project also includes the installation of a new air extraction system at the top of the boiler room, which currently has a turbine that introduces air through two branches near the floor. The project envisions the installation of a second turbine on the roof to extract air and achieve complete air renewal throughout the boiler room, thereby improving the safety, hygiene, and operational conditions of the facility.