Torrevieja Approves €5.5m Heated Pool Project

Torrevieja City Council has given the green light to proceed with the technical design for a new heated swimming pool at Sports City, with a budget of €5.53 million including VAT. While the decision clears the way for project documentation, construction authorization still requires approval from the Local Governing Board. Once the contract is advertised and awarded, the contractor will have 18 months to complete the facility.

The heated pool will be situated behind the Tavi y Carmona Sports Palace, adjacent to the Cecilio Gallego Pavilion, and will seamlessly connect with the existing indoor swimming complex. This strategic location will allow both facilities to operate concurrently, expanding the range of aquatic activities available to residents. The centerpiece of the new pool will be a 25-meter-long, 12.5-meter-wide area designed for training, warm-up sessions, and various water activities.

Spectator seating will be provided to accommodate onlookers. The building will consist of two levels, with the ground floor housing the pool, reception, toilets, circulation areas, and spectator stands. Three changing areas will be available for women, men, and mixed or family use, with the latter designed to facilitate adult accompaniment of children.

All changing rooms will include showers, toilets, lockers, benches, and other necessary amenities. A basement will be allocated for the service gallery, plant and utility rooms, storage areas, and the pool's surge tank. The development also incorporates new landscaping and green spaces, modifications to the existing car park, and a dedicated bicycle area, ensuring that the project harmonizes with the broader Sports City complex.

Accessibility is a key priority in the design, with the facility being designed to cater to individuals with reduced mobility or communication difficulties, in compliance with Spanish National Sports Council standards. Energy efficiency is another crucial aspect of the project. The heated pool will feature its own high-efficiency heating and electrical system, operating independently from the boilers powering the existing pool.

A dedicated dehumidification unit will help control moisture levels and recover waste heat for reuse. Additionally, a 13-kilowatt photovoltaic installation on the roof will generate electricity for equipment and pumping systems, with the project aiming to supply at least 70% of the annual energy needs for hot water and pool heating through renewable sources.

By implementing these measures, the council anticipates significant reductions in conventional electricity consumption, operating expenses, and carbon emissions. The proposal for the heated pool had been initially proposed by the PP-led municipal government in 2020 and 2021, when treasury surpluses were considered as potential funding sources for the project.