Youngsters throng swimming pools as heat soars

Owners have increased the charges at these coveted hotspots

MULTAN: As temperatures in Multan and other suburban areas begin to soar past 40 degree Celsius, citizens and youngsters take to swimming pools in a last-ditch effort to stay cool.

A large number of people, especially younger individuals, can be seen rushing to swimming pools, the majority of which are located outside the city as only a handful are located within the city.

As a result, the owners of swimming pools have increased the charges at these hotspots. Almost all of the swimming pools are charging entrance fees between Rs300 and Rs500. Just last year, these charges were between Rs150 and Rs250.

Speaking to APP, Muhammad Adnan said that bathing in pools provides them with relief during the scorching heat. Splashing about in pools not only cools us down but also gives us a recreational activity to indulge in with our friends, he said.

Another young man, Safdar Hussain, said that they use their pocket money to pay the entrance fee at the swimming pools. He explained that some of his friends cannot afford to spend between Rs300 and Rs500 just to swim in a pool.

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The owner of a swimming pool, Muhammad Hasnain stated that he had invested more than Rs1 million in constructing the facility. I earn majority of my income in two to three months of the entire year. However, I have to pay electricity charges, salaries and other expenses for the entire year, he maintained.

Another owner Farhad Haider said that he had leased his swimming pool on a contract for three months at a cost of Rs150,000. He claimed that the water in the pool is replaced with fresh water on a daily basis and the drainage system has also been introduced.

He stated that comfortable seating arrangements and clean drinking water facilities are also being provided at the pool. Defending his fares, Haider said that Rs500 was not a large amount to spend for a whole day at the pool.

He revealed that there were also special discount packages for families and students. On the other hand, the sports department has also planned on constructing pools in Multan and Dera Ghazi Khan to provide recreational spots.

Divisional Sports Officer Rana Nadeem Anjum said that a swimming pool will be established at Chenab Club near Bagh Langay Khan. He added that the PC-1 for the project had been prepared and initial funds would be allocated in the upcoming annual development programme.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 30^th, 2019.