SIR JOHN DEANE’S HAS ‘GOT A LOT OF BOTTLE’

MORE than 12,000 beer and wine bottles have been put to good use – helping keep the waters clean and clear at Sir John Deane’s College swimming pool.

The recycled bottles and jars have been specially processed to make a filtering material called EGFM, Eco Glass Filter Media – used to keep swimming pool waters crystal clear.

Andy Crewe, from Chester-based Total Pool Chemicals, said: “Keeping a swimming pool in good condition is an involved process using special water filters filled with a filtering media – usually sand.

“But because silica sand is a finite resource, EGFM which is made from recycled glass bottles and jars, is a more environmentally-friendly option. We’ve calculated in Sir John Deane’s swimming pool filters there are approximately 12,000 beer and wine bottles!”

Lesley McLaughlin, Leisure Centre Manager at SJD added: “Since the filter media was replaced with glass there has been a marked improvement in the pool’s water clarity. And because the filters are working more efficiently, we are saving on energy and water replacement and disposal costs, again another plus point for our carbon footprint!”

Sir John Deane’s College Leisure Centre, in Northwich, Cheshire, serves the local community with general public swimming facilities, swimming lessons to local schools and swimming clubs.

The College approached Total Pool Chemicals to help overhaul its plant equipment room over the summer.

Andy Crewe added: “EGFM is not only suitable to commercial pool applications, but can work just as effectively in domestic sand filters.

“So next time you’re having a nice relaxing drink, just be aware that using EGFM conserves natural resources, reduces land fill, as well as saves time, resources and money into the bargain.”