SWIMMERS who fancy in dip in Halesworth's open air pool this summer will have to brave lower than usual temperatures.Pool users have been complaining about the temperature of the outdoor heated pool, which is well below the expected 27C (80F) at just 19C (67F).

SWIMMERS who fancy in dip in Halesworth's open air pool this summer will have to brave lower than usual temperatures.

Pool users have been complaining about the temperature of the outdoor heated pool, which is well below the expected 27C (80F) at just 19C (67F).

Neil Howell, a veteran competitive swimmer who trains at the pool in the summer months, said: “I personally wouldn't swim in water under 23C (74F). I was shocked to be told that it was so cold. It's appalling.”

Mr Howell, who has competed in international swimming competitions including the World Masters in New Zealand in 2002, said: “I feel embarrassed for the staff who have to keep telling people the temperature and watching them walk away. It's such a shame that the resource is not being used to its full potential.”

Last summer swimmers were told that the cool water was caused by a blocked sand filter which affected water circulation, but that problem was fixed before the pool opened for the 2008 season on Saturday.

A spokesman for Waveney District Council: “We have recently experienced a problem with one of the pumps at Halesworth open-air pool, which affected the circulation of warm water.

“The problem has now been resolved and the temperature of the pool, which is checked every day, is on its way up. Factors such as the cold external temperature and a substantial amount of rainwater have meant that progress towards its optimum temperature has been slower than expected.”

The pool, on Dairy Hill, is open until early September. For opening times and prices, visit www.waveney.gov.uk.