In order to maintain water quality within a swimming pool with a balance tank the HSE recognises the PWTAG (Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group) Code of Practice recommendations. These state that balance tanks should be drained for cleaning and inspection at least once per year to help ensure the hygiene of pool users.
Gaining access to the balance tank can often be a challenge from the first step of removing the manhole cover. Traditionally balance tank manhole covers are made from heavy duty steel and concrete with the top tiled to match the rest of the pool surrounding. They are therefore heavy to lift under normal circumstances however, due to accelerated corrosion from constant exposure to the swimming pool atmosphere, the manhole and frame can frequently bond together making removal even more of a challenge. This includes cases in which the manhole cover must be cut free and removed using hydraulic lifting equipment.
Corrosion of the manhole cover can easily be remedied by replacement with a high density polyethylene (HDPE) non-slip cover that will be resistant to corrosion, durable and much lighter. This will help to improve the aesthetics of the poolside areas, as well as allowing reliable easy access to the balance tank for maintenance and cleaning work to be carried out.
