The new surface of the splashdeck and toddler pool at EA Networks Centre is not up to scratch and will be replaced by the contractor who installed it, at no cost to ratepayers.

The recycled rubber surface was laid in January but has become discoloured and in places it has disintegrated.

Ashburton District Council people and facilities group manager Sarah Mosley said the splashdeck surface was recommended by the contractor, who would replace it with a different product.

“That work will happen in the next couple of months and the splashdeck and toddler pool will be out of action for two weeks during the repair.

“It’s disappointing, but the recycled rubber has not performed as expected in our facility.”

Mosley said the area could still be used until its repair.

“The discoloured and faded areas are pretty obvious and the whole surface has lost its vibrancy, so it needs to be replaced. There’ll be no disruption for users of our other pools during the repair period, and we’ll keep the community informed about when the work will happen.”

The repair period will be scheduled outside of school holidays.