PORTISHEAD Open Air Pool has become a hive of activity as trustees and volunteers prepare for its April opening.

Supporters of the pool are determined to see the sea front facility at its best when it reopens on April 21 and trustees say extensive improvements and general maintenance currently underway are all on schedule.

Earlier this week, workers cheered as the new biomass boiler, which will help reduce the pool’s carbon footprint and cut heating costs, was craned in to the site. The new water heating system will be in operation next month, leaving the 40-year-old oil-fired boilers redundant, but kept as a backup system.

Work is also underway on the refurbishment of the toddler pool.

Trustee Andy Thatcher said: “Before the trust took over the running of the pool in 2009, one of the major complaints from pool users was the lack of facilities for young children, as the original toddler pool, constructed with the main pool in 1962, had been taken out of service and covered with a fixed deck. The trust then pledged to get the pool back up and running again.”

The toddler pool was reopened in 2009 but trustees acknowledged it needed investment to transform the facility in to the attraction that pool users wanted.

Now that investment is being made and a new toddler pool, complete with a range of water play toys is expected to be unveiled prior to the Easter opening.

Other work underway includes the construction of a brand new entrance to the pool and plans are progressing for the improvement of disabled facilities.

Mr Thatcher added: “So many volunteers have worked and are working tirelessly to ensure the pool is ready for the new season, they are a credit to the community.”

Anyone wishing to volunteers to help at the pool or wanting to become a trust member can visit www.portisheadopenairpool.org.uk for further information.