Background

The Malabar Ocean Pool, situated at the intersection of Bay Parade and Howe Street, holds a special place in the hearts of the community, being both extensively utilized and cherished. However, the pool faces a challenge with its outdated pumping system, which has been in operation for over 30 years. The system relies on a submersible pump to transfer seawater from the ocean, serving as the primary means to fill the pool.

The existing pump incorporates cathodic protection to guard against corrosion and features an automatic controller, ensuring the pump operates twice daily. Unfortunately, the aging infrastructure and design have led to an increase in both scheduled and reactive maintenance. The pump now requires up to eight services annually, posing a financial burden and logistical challenge due to its challenging location.

Addressing these concerns is crucial to sustaining the pool's functionality and ensuring its continued enjoyment by the community. Upgrading the pumping system is a pressing need, necessitating a comprehensive approach that considers modern technology, energy efficiency, and streamlined maintenance to enhance the overall operational effectiveness of the Malabar Ocean Pool.

Key features

A thorough qualitative assessment has been carried out, revealing that the optimal option in the establishment of a pump house equipped with duty-standby arrangement for self-priming centrifugal pumps. This strategic choice enhances accessibility to the pumps for maintenance purposes, leading to a reduction in downtime and the need for reactive maintenance. Additionally, the pumps will not be located away from the ocean and not subject to constant immersion in seawater, which should assist in minimising external corrosion effects.

The purpose of the redesigning of the pool pumping system is to:

• Provide a reliable and robust pumping system that will keep the pool filled with seawater all year round
• Reduce the number of pump maintenance
• Provide better/safe access for planned and unplanned pump maintenance/replacement activities
• Provide a system that will turn over the pool water effectively
• Deliver sustainability and economy of operation through reduced lifecycle costs

Scope of Works and Timeline

The scope of works included but was not limited to;

• Construction of a pump house containing a duty standby arrangement for self-priming centrifugal pumps.
• Supply and installation of underground and aboveground pipe works
• Supply and install power and communication conduit and cable
• Minor civil works around the pool area

The proposed construction start date is set for June/July 2024, with works expected to be carried for 3 to 4 moths.

Further information

Zaman Shamsuz
Environmental Engineer/Project Manager
Randwick City Council
02 9093 6712
zaman.shamsuz@randwick.nsw.gov.au