Ta' Qali swimming pool

For the second year running I paid my membership at the Ta' Qali swimming pool. Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise and should be encouraged. Swimming clearly provides an opportunity for good physical activity - it's great fun. The Ta' Qali pool gives me all that.

The facilities at Ta' Qali are all there. There is a large pool, adequate changing area with private shower cubicles and toilets. I reckon it was one of the best kept pools on the island. But, alas after just two years, if one were to carry out an inspection, one finds that these same facilities are not being kept up to standard. The water quality and hygiene standards are inadequate. The water should look clear, bright and sparkling and kept at the right temperature to enable its use all year round.

Lately the water is always cold and I have heard many members complain. The pool bed at Ta' Qali needs constant cleaning. Hair residues are visible and this irritates many swimmers. The passageway around the pool needs a good scrubbing and so do the huge apertures now filthy and full of cobwebs.

Don't let this criticism put you off swimming. All I am trying to do here is to raise awareness and make the people in charge understand what the issues are. It is a pity that such an important sports facility is not being cared for as it should be.