Tori Sutton
Staff Reporter

Every summer, hundreds of swimmers soak up the sun at the Lions Pool. Now the city is considering harnessing the sun’s power to heat the pool itself.

At a recent meeting, council agreed to move forward with an evaluation of the facility to determine its ability to accommodate solar heating.

There are two options for the pool – to install a solar-powered heating system, or to install the heating system along with a shower water pre-heating system.

The pool heating system is expected to cost about $16,000, but once anticipated cost savings are calculated in, the final cost is just over $12,000. The system would pay for itself in just under 18 years.

However, installing both systems would cost significantly more at the outset – about $78,000 – and once anticipated cost savings are deducted, the total project would likely cost $16,200. The cost would be recouped within 13 years.

“The preferred option would be a pool heating system,” stated a staff report. “The pool heating system is the logical choice due to its relatively inexpensive cost.

“Also, it is not reliant on fluctuating provincial incentives and provides an opportunity to enhance the city’s green sector image.”

The solar panels would be installed on the roof of the pool house, which would need to be replaced before they are mounted.

While council agreed to have the building examined to determine if the project is feasible, the project itself won’t be considered until the 2011 budget.

Additionally, the Festival Hydro board of directors will be taking a look at the solar study to determine the potential of ground-mounted solar panels. The city-hired consultant that completed the study said a system could be installed on city land, such as the industrial lands adjacent to the Downie storm pond.

Though the installation would be about $3.5 million, the panels would have the potential to generate 960,000 kilowatts per hour, bringing in revenues of over $400,000. It would cost about $32,000 per year to operate.