Project Details

CLIENT

Belfast Zoo / Belfast City Council

YEAR

2021

COST

£400,000

CONSULTANT

Doran Consulting

Main Contractor:

FME

Sub-Contractors:

Complete Water Treatment Ltd, LMP

OVERVIEW

FME was awarded the contract to refurbish and upgrade the water treatment process for the Sea Lion Pool at Belfast Zoo. This essential project was commissioned to support the transition of the pool from freshwater to saline water, while ensuring the system continued to meet the highest standards of water clarity, hygiene, and disinfection—crucial for the health and well-being of the Zoo’s three resident sea lions.

The upgrade represents a significant investment by Belfast Zoo and Belfast City Council, modernising aging infrastructure with a focus on sustainability, animal care, and long-term performance.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

  • Transition the pool to saline water
  • Ensure crystal-clear water quality for visual display and animal well-being
  • Upgrade and futureproof the existing water treatment infrastructure
  • Reduce long-term operational costs through energy-efficient and automated systems

SCOPE OF WORKS

FME, supported by key subcontractors, delivered a comprehensive upgrade that included:

Refurbishment of Existing Pressure Filters

  • Abrasive shot blasting and respraying
  • Replacement of all internal pipework
  • Upgrade from sand to AFM® (Activated Filter Media)
  • Installation of new backwashing valves and pneumatic

Installation of Saltwater Chlorine Generation System

  • Replacing the previous Sodium Hypochlorite dosing system
  • New Hyprolyser® Compact 960, complete with water softener and day tank
  • On-site chlorine generation using salt, softened water, and electrical energy

New UV Disinfection System

  • Installed downstream of the pressure filters
  • Designed to reduce chloramine levels and improve disinfection

Pump and Control System Upgrade

  • Two new 22kW circulation pumps
  • Modernised control panel, automated flowmeter, and system controls

PERFORMANCE AND RESULTS

  • The upgraded system recirculates and filters the pool’s 500m³ of water every 2 hours during operational hours, ensuring a consistently high standard of water clarity and hygiene.
  • Night-time filtration is reduced, minimising energy consumption while maintaining safe conditions.
  • The Hyprolyser® system generates a low-strength disinfectant solution on-site, eliminating the need for bulk chemical deliveries and improving safety.
  • The UV system supports chemical reduction efforts by breaking down organic chloramines that form in the pressure filters.

COLLABORATION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The project was successfully delivered on time and within budget, with all systems fully commissioned and operational. The result is a modern, energy-efficient, and sustainable treatment system that aligns with Belfast Zoo’s high standards of animal care and public display.

FME is proud to have played a key role in supporting this landmark upgrade and contributing to the long-term health and sustainability of Belfast Zoo’s aquatic life.