WTF: Kardinia Aquatic Centre’s green algae in pool has swimmer worried

A “carpet of green” on the bottom of one of the lap pools at the Kardinia Aquatic Centre has had keen lap swimmers on a red health alert this week. Plus more in this week’s WTF

WTF???

They’re the little – and sometimes not so little – things that can really irk us. We’ve asked the people of Geelong to point out the problems that irritate and exasperate and have us all saying, woah, that’s frustrating!

WATER WORRIES

A ‘carpet of green’ on the bottom of the Olympic pool at the Kardinia Aquatic Centre has alarmed lap swimmers.

Going green has taken on a whole new meaning for keen lap swimmers who spied an unsightly “carpet” on the bottom of the Olympic pool at the Kardinia Aquatic Centre this week.

“I’m no scientist, but it looks like green algae to me,” said one swimmer who quickly exited the water.

While lifeguards and the pool receptionist insisted the pool water had been tested and given the all-clear, not all swimmers felt so confident.

“It’s just a carpet of green at one end of the pool,” the swimmer said.

“It looks dirty and certainly doesn’t encourage you to jump in. I hope kids who’ve swum there this week haven’t swallowed too much water.”

Queried about the state of the pool, a senior staffer said it was cleaned “regularly”.

The City of Greater Geelong (CoGG) confirmed green algae had indeed been identified in the pool but declared it was safe to swim.

“Staff have begun removing the algae from the pool following a response plan in line with Department of Health regulations,” executive director of city life Anthony Basford said.

“This type of algae is not harmful and does not present any safety risks at the current levels.”

Bizarrely, a pool employee said the vacuum-cleaning system didn’t always work effectively so management had to resort to using scuba divers to scrub the bottom by hand.

Yep, you read that correctly, scuba divers.

Green algae gives the Olympic pool at Kardinia Aquatic Centre a green tinge.

However the CoGG disputed that divers were part of the cleaning team.

Wayne Sobey, of Algae Control Australia, said 99 per cent of surface algae was harmless.

He said green algae could be fixed with chlorine and water tests would ensure the algae was not toxic.

With summer due to start this weekend, let’s hope the cleaners get a wriggle on before too many other wrigglies are floating around.

DECORATION DEBATE

Geelong’s world famous Christmas tree was erected in November.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – for those who like to get annoyed over petty grievances.

Christmas isn’t the time for joy, for family, for gratitude, it’s the time to take to social media outlining in depth your outrage that a major supermarket chain has decided to begin selling plum puddings on a date you deem to be “too early”.

A lot of people appear enamoured with dates around this time of year.

To many, December 1 is the earliest the C-word should even be uttered, let alone for the tree to be brought down from the top shelf of the back cupboard.

Geelong council, however, may have finally put this debate to bed.

Punters travelling down Moorabool St may’ve noticed the city’s famous Christmas tree (more on that later) was put in place on Monday.

That decision would’ve surely had the December-only diehards furiously checking their calendars.

Like clockwork, we’ll soon be hearing how the woke mob is trying to cancel Christmas after someone is told to have a “happy holiday” by a minimum-wage retail worker.

Brace yourself for the silly season.

GOD’S ON MY SIDE

Eddy and Stretch Kontelj at Geelong council's recent swearing-in ceremony. Picture: Facebook.

It wasn’t so much Grinch-like behaviour, rather personal preference, when four councillors opted against a religious reference at City Hall’s recent swearing-in ceremony.

But like it or not, Christmas is celebrated to remember the birth of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the son of God, so it was only fitting that God still came out on top, seven votes to four.

They do say politics is all about the numbers.

As dictated Section 30 of the Local Government Act, a councillor is not a councillor until they have taken the oath or affirmation of office.

The oath sees councillors “swear by Almighty God” that they will always act in the community’s best interests, while the affirmation is more about “solemnly and sincerely” declaring.

In God’s corner were new Mayor Stretch Kontelj and deputy Ron Nelson, as well as Anthony Aitken, Andrew Katos, Eddy Kontelj, Trent Sullivan and Rowan Story.

While they didn’t swear by him, God will no doubt forgive Emma Sinclair, Melissa Cadwell, Elise Wilkinson and Chris Burson.

THE BIG REVEAL

Helipad floating Corio Bay

OK, here’s a little treat for the real WTF fans.

In September, this column undertook an in-depth investigation into what a mystery floating helipad was docked in North Shore.

Elstone Diving Services, who own the helipad, revealed to us its true purpose, but on the condition we make a vow not to tell a soul until that purpose had been realised.

Well, those who have paid attention walking along the waterfront, or while reading this week’s column, might already know the truth.

Once somewhat of an eyesore, it has received a makeover and now proudly holds up our city’s Christmas tree.

Fair glow up.

Fair glow up.

Originally published as WTF: Kardinia Aquatic Centre’s green algae in pool has swimmer worried