Brighton and Hove paddling pools closed as heatwave strikes

The children’s paddling pool in Kings Road, Brighton, is closed due to a national chlorine shortage.

It is the second outdoor site managed by Freedom Leisure to close because of dwindling chlorine supplies, with the pool at Saunders Park in Lewes Road also shut.

Only seagulls have been able to use the pool since its closure

The paddling pool at Hove Lagoon, also run by Freedom Leisure, remains closed as last week its flooring began to peel away.

Freedom Leisure put up a notice at the Kings Road site saying it understands customers will be disappointed, but that it needs to prioritise chlorine supplies for its main pools.

The leisure group runs the city’s swimming facilities, including Brighton’s Prince Regent leisure complex and the King Alfred leisure centre in Hove.

Speaking after the closure of the Saunders Park pool, Councillor Robert Nemeth said that he is investigating whether the situation could have been prevented.

Hove Lagoon's paddling pool is closed after its flooring peeled off

“I have submitted an urgent question to tourism, equalities, communities and culture committee on this topic that will shortly be answered publicly,” he said.

“While it is true that there is a shortage of chlorine, it is key that we understand what steps were taken to limit the effects on residents and our tourism industry locally. I would be very upset to hear that we have ended up worst affected.”

Freedom Leisure has been contacted for comment.

A spokesman for the city council said: “The chlorine shortage is a national issue that is affecting paddling pools and swimming pools across the country – and has resulted in the closure of our Saunders Park and Kings Road paddling pools.  

“The Hove lagoon paddling pool is undergoing refurbishment due to a failure in its surface.   

“We’re really sorry that these closures have had to happen. But ensuring public safety has to be our top priority. 

“We are prioritising the city’s swimming pool facilities at the Prince Regent swimming complex, King Alfred leisure centre and St Luke’s swimming pool at this time. 

“This is so that they can be kept open for schools swimming, learn to swim lessons, public and club swimming for as long as possible.  

“Water play facilities are still open at The Level and at the Peter Pan playground on Madeira Drive."

Saunders Park paddling pool. Picture: Tony Wood

The closures come as Sussex is hit by a heatwave, with the mercury set to hit 27 tomorrow, while parts of the South East could see 35 degrees.

The current record for June is 35.6 degrees, set in Southampton in 1976.

Thousands of sunbathers were seen to line Brighton beach this week, as the Met Office issued a level three heat-health warning.

It prompted further warnings from the NHS, saying that dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke can affect anyone.

Kings Road paddling pool remains closed

“We are reminding people to take extra care of themselves,” an NHS spokeswoman said.

“For some people, a heatwave can pose a serious health risk, especially older people, children and babies and those with long-term health conditions.”