Pool Boiler Repaired
UPDATE APRIL 14, 2025
Replacement parts for the boiler have arrived. Installation and testing has been completed. The main pool is now fully operational.
Pool Boiler Failure
MARCH 26, 2025
The boiler for the main pool at the Nicola Valley Aquatic Centre failed last week. Community Services maintenance workers found evidence of fire damage and scorched, disintegrated firebricks in the boiler. As the boiler cannot operate safely without firebricks, crews had to shut it off.
The high-temperature refractory bricks were cracking, falling apart onto the heating elements, and ultimately disintegrating. The extreme heat caused damage to sensitive parts of the boiler system, including electrical wiring. Evidence of large orange flames scorching the bricks was seen.
This boiler is relatively new, having been installed in 2019. These bricks were replaced last year because they were showing signs of deterioration and cracking.
FAILED FIREBRICK IN THE MAIN POOL BOILER SHOWS SCORCHING, CRACKS, AND DISINTEGRATION
The City has ordered a supply of replacement bricks. As of April 2, the bricks arrived in Brampton Ontario, and are enroute via ground transportation. Due to the fragility of the bricks, they cannot be flown by air. The arrival date and planned repairs are expected to occur around April 11, with full operation expected the week of April 14, 2025.
Currently, the large boiler that heats the main pool is non-operational. The boilers for the leisure pool and hot tubs remain functional, maintaining operational pool temperatures. To partially compensate for the main boiler failure, staff are interchanging Leisure pool water with Main pool water to maintain a relatively comfortable temperature. While the operating temperature for the main pool is typically 82°F, the current holding temperature is 78°F at this time.
Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
The City thanks pool patrons for their patience as staff work to resolve this issue.
Director of Community Services Dave Zakall says, “I want to give a big shout-out to our City of Merritt maintenance staff, who work hard day in and day out to provide a safe and clean facility for the citizens of Merritt.”
City staff are expecting to look at alternative, more energy-efficient measures of heating our pools in the future.
COMMUNITY SERVICES MAINTENANCE WORKER GRAHAM HARTMAN DESCRIBES HOW ORANGE FLAMES HAVE EXITED THE BOILER CASING THROUGH THE VENTS, DISCOLOURING AND WARPING THE COVERING, IN A PREVIOUS INSTANCE OF BOILER FAILURE.
