Reykjavík Pool Faces Extended Closure Amidst Unforeseen Repair Issues

Reykjavík's Sundhöll swimming pool is slated to fully reopen by the end of September, concluding an extended maintenance period that has frustrated locals and impacted city revenue. The indoor pool will operate at a reduced capacity of 60 guests until then.

Bjarni Guðjónsson, chair of Reykjavík's sports and outdoor activities council, explained that years of postponed maintenance have resulted in more problems than initially anticipated. "The need for maintenance has been postponed for years, leading to more issues than originally expected," he told mbl.is.

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The need for maintenance has been postponed for years, leading to more issues than originally expected.

The pool's male and female changing rooms have been closed for some time, and the indoor pool has repeatedly shut down. This latest closure, following a nearly five-week shutdown for maintenance over the summer, aims to address a cascade of problems. "Instead of trying to finish what was originally planned, we want to try and do it better now and finish the job so we don't end up in February or March having to close again to fix problems we know are there," Guðjónsson stated.

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Instead of trying to finish what was originally planned, we want to try and do it better now and finish the job so we don't end up in February or March having to close again to fix problems we know are there.

This prolonged closure has led to significant revenue loss for Reykjavík City. Guðjónsson noted that the final cost of the repairs is still undetermined, as new issues continue to surface. "We are always facing new problems," he said.

Specific issues encountered include a leak, the need to replace roofing felt, and problems with the concrete structure of the aging building. Despite these setbacks, the city is committed to completing the necessary work to ensure the pool's long-term functionality.

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We are always facing new problems.