In Haute-Garonne, less energy-intensive municipal swimming pools

While since the start of the school year, many municipal swimming pools have had to close their doors due to the energy crisis,wo towns near Toulouse are experimenting with new installations in order to lower their bills. In the commune of Union in Haute-Garonne, the invoice gas and electric sports equipment increased by almost 50%. The town hall has therefore decided to act on its swimming pool, which is particularly energy-intensive.

In order to replace the neon lights, the city of the Union bet on natural lighting with the construction of skylights. Solar panels have also been installed to heat the water for the showers.

The basins of municipal swimming pools also pose difficulties since they are often heated by gas. To mitigate this bill, the Mairie de l’Union has decided to involve its users by reducing the temperature of the pools of two degrees from this winter. “We will continue to come and swim because it is the good resolution for September and then it will just take a little more effort”says a user.

For its part, the town of Blagnac has decided to use geothermal energy to heat part of its new outdoor pool. Ultimately, the municipality hopes to lower its energy bill by 30%. “It’s deep geothermal energy, up to 1.5 kilometersexplains Christian Bergon, deputy in charge of the works at the town hall of Blagnac. We recover water at 60 degrees and we heat the water in the toilets and basins through exchangers.