New Waterworld pool divider a first for New Zealand

An innovative buoyant barrier, the first of its kind in New Zealand, has been installed at Hamilton City Council’s Waterworld swimming complex.

The new barrier, or bulkhead, is made of stainless steel, fibreglass and balsa wood, and is positioned in the 50-metre indoor pool with a pulley system. It weighs approximately four tons.

Hamilton City Council’s Swimming Facilities Manager Matt Horne says the new divider means the 50-metre pool can be separated into sections so it can be used by people and groups involved in a range of swimming activities.

“Our fixed pool will soon be fully multi-purpose. The new divider will enable us to cater to various customers and user groups at the same time. For example, we’ll be able to divide the pool into areas for Aqua Jog and Aqua Fit classes, or school children who just want to splash about and have fun, and also allocate lanes for serious swimmers or members of swimming clubs who want to do lengths,” Mr Horne says.

The divider’s pulley system also means less heavy lifting for Waterworld staff: it took four staff to move the old seven-ton bulkhead.

Mr Horne says Council was also pleased to commission the manufacture of the divider to Hamilton company Auto Leisure and Marine.

“They have been a great partner to work with on this project,” he says.