Hove paddling pool closed due to unsafe flooring

The rubber crumb surface of Hove Lagoon paddling pool, which is managed by Freedom Leisure, lifted from its position, creating a “trip hazard”.

Brighton and Hove city councillor Robert Nemeth said the closure was “disappointing”, but said he is keeping a “close eye” on the situation.

“There do seem to be underlying issues in the city with these sorts of surfaces whereby there are problems year after year and no real resolution,” he said.

“Councillor Garry Peltzer Dunn and I are querying various elements of the problem here, such as repair times and costs.

“The Lagoon is an incredibly popular spot for kids and parents alike, so it is imperative to rectify the situation quickly.”

The unsafe surface

Cllr Nemeth said that “there appears to major issue” with the surface.

Residents expressed their anger via Cllr Nemeth’s social media post, with one mother saying that their autistic son regularly enjoys using the pool, and that there are very few other places she can take him.

Another said “buy cheap, buy twice. You unfortunately get what you pay for”.

Responding to the pool closure, Darryl Keech, area manager for Freedom Leisure, said: “We took the decision to close the pool for health and safety reasons, after the rubber crumb surface began lifting, creating trip hazards.

“The contractor which carried out the resurfacing in February last year has inspected the pool and has agreed to completely replace the underwater surface at no cost to the council.

“Regular updates and re-opening dates will be posted on the council and Freedom Leisure websites and at Hove Lagoon.”

The pool has now been emptied, and Freedom Leisure said that work on the new floor is due to start in the next few days.

Hove Lagoon paddling pool

The leisure group also manages three large swimming pools across the city: the Prince Regent swimming complex and St Luke’s swimming pool, both in Brighton, as well as King Alfred leisure centre in Hove.