The Tumbler waterslide at Cockburn ARC has been temporarily closed while the City of Cockburn liaises with relevant parties to begin work to improve ventilation on the popular ride.
The ride was closed following complaints of poor air quality inside the bowl due to the effect of increased ambient temperatures on chlorinated pool water.
Cockburn ARC Manager Brett McEwin said work would include external modifications to the slide to improve air quality, safety and comfort, plus rider experience when entering the slide’s bowl.
“Following extensive consultation with the design team, the City will coordinate removal of the lid enclosing the bowl to allow for improved natural airflow. This will take place in the next few weeks,” Mr McEwin said.
“Issues with ventilation in the Tumbler became apparent in late December 2017 as a direct result of increased ambient temperatures associated with the hotter summer months,” Mr McEwin said.
“The decision to close the slide temporarily while we modify the bowl has been made in the interests of safety for the general public using the slide.
“We aim to reopen the slide as soon as possible because it is one of our patrons’ most loved experiences at the ARC.”
Since opening eight months ago, the popularity of the centre’s three water slides and pool area has exceeded all expectations.
Aquatic entrances alone have exceeded 449,000 since opening, and more than 80,000 patrons have visited the pools during the summer school holiday period to date.
In its first summer since opening last May, the pools’ biggest day so far was 9 January when 3,513 people came through the turnstiles.
Mr McEwin said the Tumbler slide was popular throughout the world and in other nations that experienced extreme heat conditions, the ride had an open top design.
“We believe having the open air experience will add an exciting element to the ride. We’ll keep our patrons informed about the progress of these works and when the Tumbler will reopen.”