Krnov is considering purchasing a temporary covered swimming pool, the existing one is closed

Krnov - The Krnov City Hall is considering building a temporary covered swimming pool. This could temporarily replace the pool that has been closed for several months due to structural issues. The city will either have it repaired or utilize a mobile pool. This will be until new city baths with a new indoor pool are built at the swimming area. Dita Círová, the city's spokesperson, said this today.

The floods of the previous year damaged the building. However, the structural defects are mainly caused by the age of the structure. Structural engineers are currently working on how to repair the damaged building. The repairs will require several tens of millions of crowns. The city hall will choose the option that is more economically viable.

The construction of a temporary pool was proposed to the city by the management of the Krnov swimming club. "As a temporary solution, they suggested that we could build a temporary mobile pool in the location of the existing one, covered with an inflatable dome, and, if possible, connected to the existing technology," said Mayor Tomáš Hradil (Krnov Patriots). Whether this option is technically feasible will be verified by the company, and a presentation will be made to the city by the end of February.

According to the mayor, engineers should develop three variations of the pool differing in size and number of lanes. "Once we have this calculation, we also need to calculate the operating costs because it is not just about how much the repair of the existing pool will cost versus the acquisition of a temporary one, but also about the operating costs. Only then can we compare both options and choose," Hradil said.

The damaged structure has already been inspected by structural engineers. By the end of March, they are to present the city hall with conclusions from the structural assessments and the repair process. According to Círová, the Krnov pool is closed due to structural defects in the supporting structures that bear the pool basin. "After the construction and technical survey and laboratory tests, structural engineers are now working on the static calculation and proposals for remediation. They will submit their conclusions to the city no later than the end of March," she said.

The head of the investment department, Jan Šrubař, added that the next steps should involve commissioning design work and repairs. "In terms of expertise, this will be demanding work. We believe that we could have the pool operational by the end of this year," Šrubař added.

The pool's closure is a problem for both schools and sports clubs. School instruction has moved to a pool in Břidličná, which is 36 kilometers away from Krnov. Commuting leads to significant time losses and increases the cost of swimming lessons. The increased expenses for schools are covered by the founder, which is the city of Krnov. The city also compensates the higher costs for swimming and water rescue service clubs, whose members train at pools in Břidličná, Bruntál, and Ostrava, through subsidies.

The municipal baths facility with an indoor pool was opened in 1973. More than 20 years ago, the then city leadership began considering its reconstruction or the construction of a new one. After years, the latter option ultimately prevailed; the new baths are to be built at the swimming area. The city has a design that won an architectural competition. Design work will begin after the transportation study is completed.