Algae is behind the recent closures of Huddersfield’s new swimming pool, the Examiner can reveal.

The green slimy growth – more commonly seen on old waterways or at the docks – has been found in the 25-metre competition pool at Huddersfield Leisure Centre in Springwood.

The £35m state-of-the-art centre, which also boasts a holiday resort-style Splash Park, is about to celebrate its first anniversary.

But, the Examiner understands, staff have been battling a build up of the algae for several months.

Read more:

Read more:

Though the algae is harmless to swimmers, the build-up has often become so bad that the pool has had to be closed to the public for a time.

A full clean of the competition pool has failed to cure the problem and the algae was still visible to swimmers who attended sessions this week.

Pictures from the opening day at the leisure centre below

A spokesman for Kirklees Active Leisure, which runs the centre, said: “We inspect the pools regularly and have noticed some small amounts of algae in the grout between tiles on the base of the competition pool.

“While it looks unpleasant, it is completely harmless to swimmers, so we have kept the pool open while we try to remove it.

“We operate the pool in line with industry best practice, testing the water quality at least six times per day. If there is ever an unacceptable result, the pool is closed immediately until the matter is rectified.

Read more: Examiner readers regard Huddersfield Leisure Centre as the town's best new building

Read more: Splash pool closed for urgent repairs at Huddersfield Leisure Centre

“We are continuing to work with our pool contractor to find out the cause of the algae and establish a permanent solution.”

Around 900,000 visitors have gone through the centre since it was opened by then Mayor of Kirklees Clr Ken Smith on May 18 last year.

Algae facts:

Algae is typically a slimy green growth that clings to rocks and walls.

It is defined as an organism similar to a plant.

Algae is crucial for the earth’s eco-system and releases large amounts of oxygen into the air.

Watch over 50s partygoers enjoying the splash pool below

Video Loading