Taradale Community Pool

Hawkes Bay | Commercial Pool Project

Taradale Community Pool needed a major upgrade to support its transition into a dedicated swim school, while working within the constraints of an ageing pool, limited plant-room space and a tightly controlled budget. Taylors Pools and Spas developed a custom solution featuring a new wet-edge overflow, balance tank, high-performance filtration and variable-speed pumping, while making just one penetration through the existing pool shell. Despite a strict construction window and an unexpected earthquake during the project, our team delivered the upgrade on time, creating a modern, efficient facility for the local community.

Project at a glance

Project:	Taradale Community Pool
Location:	Hawkes Bay
Year:	2024-2025
Project Type:	Commercial Pool Renovation
Pool Type:	Existing Concrete Pool

The Challenge

Taradale Community Pool needed a significant upgrade to support its transition into a dedicated swim school. The existing facility relied on outdated circulation, with just two skimmers and two return jets managing the entire pool. The filtration and pumping equipment also needed to be replaced to cope with the increased demands of learn-to-swim programmes and school swimming.

The project needed to work within the existing pool structure, with minimal modifications to the pool shell and only limited changes possible to the existing equipment shed. Funding was also a major consideration, with the project relying on external funding. Every decision therefore needed to balance performance, cost and long-term sustainability.

Timing was critical. The pool needed to be operational again in time for the new swimming programme, making careful planning and project management essential from the outset.

The Taylor-Made Solution

Our team developed a custom solution that significantly improved circulation while preserving the integrity of the existing pool structure. Rather than cutting down the original pool shell, we raised the pool level by 125mm using prefabricated concrete plinths to create a new wet-edge overflow. A custom balance tank was installed in the car park, with just one 150mm penetration required through the pool shell.

The filtration system was completely upgraded with two 1400 x 1.9m media filters using glass media and a 5.5kW variable-speed pump. The system was designed to provide more than 30 litres per second of flow into the wet edge while allowing the pump to operate efficiently according to the pool's changing requirements.

The restricted equipment space made installation particularly challenging. With only 20mm clearance around the filters and no crane access, nine team members manually manoeuvred each filter into position before loading approximately 2,500kg of glass media by hand. When unexpected solid concrete plinths were discovered during excavation, our team quickly redesigned the pipework and pump layout while maintaining access for ongoing operation and maintenance.

The Process

Site Assessment

On site visit to determine the issue and develop a solution that would significantly improve circulation while minimising changes to the existing pool shell.

Design the Overflow

The pool was raised by 125mm using prefabricated concrete plinths to create a new wet-edge overflow, with a custom balance tank designed and installed in the car park.

Upgrade the Plant

The outdated filtration system was replaced with two media filters and a 5.5kW variable-speed pump designed to deliver the required flow efficiently.

Adapt & Problem Solve

Unexpected challenges, including hidden concrete plinths and earthquake damage to the pool, required rapid adjustments and repairs to keep the project moving.

Paint the Pool

The pool was professionally repainted with new swim lane lines applied to complete the transformation.

Commission & Reopen

The completed system was commissioned, tested and brought into operation ready for the community to return to swimming and learn-to-swim programmes.

The Result

Despite an extremely tight construction window and an unexpected earthquake that caused cracking to the pool during the project, the upgrade was completed within the original timeframe. The team quickly identified the damage, drained the pool, completed the necessary repairs and refilled it, ensuring the project stayed on schedule.

The new wet-edge overflow, balance tank, filtration and variable-speed pumping system dramatically improved the pool's circulation, water quality and efficiency. Replacing the previous hazardous DE filtration system with glass media also created a safer, more sustainable and easier-to-manage solution for the pool operators.

The result is a modern, high-performance community pool designed to support increased daily use for years to come. The quality and innovation of the project were recognised with Gold Awards in both the Commercial Renovation and Commercial System categories, recognising the design, engineering and execution of the completed upgrade.

Most importantly, the facility was ready to reopen on schedule, providing the local community with a reliable and efficient home for learn-to-swim programmes, school swimming and community use.