Cardiff International Pool, which attracts more than 700,000 visitors a year to its leisure centre, is saving thousands of pounds in water charges by using a simple new invention developed by Chemex International, the hygiene and cleaning products franchise.
In the first six months of usage the centre has used 2,507 less units of water, which equates to a saving of £3,098, or the equivalent of more than £6,000 a year. Even the most efficient urinals use 1,000 litres of water a week, costing around £150 a year, but the majority are poorly set-up increasing this cost to £500 a year.
Chemex is supplying the leisure centre with biological cleaning devices, which drop into gents urinals that drastically reduces water usage. The devices use natural bacteria and enzymes to keep urinals smell free and blockage free, eliminating flushing needs. They are also completely ‘green’ as they harness nature’s technology rather than traditional harsh, carbon intensive chemicals.
The pool is operated on behalf of Cardiff City Council by Parkwood Leisure – one of the UK’s leading leisure management companies with a portfolio of more than 80 facilities.
John de Maid (left), general manager of Cardiff International Pool, said: “To shave £6,000 a year off one utility bill is pretty impressive. It is saving money as well as helping the environment by reducing demand for water.
“As a company we are constantly looking at providing best value for our clients and this device from Chemex has provided a simple way to save money without reducing service levels. All venues providing toilet facilities for large numbers of people should consider this device especially in the current difficult economic climate.”
The device has also attracted the attention of professional football clubs and is currently in use at Premier League club Stoke City’s Britannia Stadium.
Sean Derrig, scientific director of Chemex, said in addition to sporting and leisure venues, the device was also saving money for hotels, restaurants, pubs, schools and colleges.
“It’s not just big businesses that can benefit but smaller ones too. The whole thing works through natural enzymes and there is no need for any plumbing changes, simply drop the block and cage into the urinal and start saving water and money,” added Derrig.