Skip to content
ASMedia's Sports Arena — Stay Fit, Be Well — Get Fit, Stay Healthy

Invercargill’s Splash Palace struggles with rising ‘code brown’ closures in 2025

A spike in unsanitary ‘code brown’ events is cutting swim time short for visitors. Why is this problem getting worse, and what’s being done?

,   and  ASMedia
1 min read
In this image in the front there is swimming pool. In the center there are persons sitting and...
In this image in the front there is swimming pool. In the center there are persons sitting and standing and there are empty chairs in the background, there is a flag and there is a railing and there is a board with some numbers written on it and there is some text written on the banners.

Invercargill’s Splash Palace struggles with rising ‘code brown’ closures in 2025

Invercargill’s Splash Palace is facing more unplanned closures in 2025 due to a rise in 'code brown' incidents. These events, caused by faecal contamination, have disrupted pool access for visitors. The problem has persisted for years, with similar issues recorded as far back as 2015.

By October 31, 2025, the facility had already reported 30 code brown incidents, resulting in 58.5 hours of lost pool time. This marks an increase from 2024, when 28 incidents led to 59.4 hours of closures. The leisure pool remains the most frequently affected area.

The rise in code browns continues to impact Splash Palace operations. With each incident requiring thorough cleaning and testing, visitors face extended periods without access. The trend suggests ongoing difficulties in maintaining uninterrupted pool availability.

Related

Latest