The pool at the National Sports Centre will close for nine days from Saturday to remove algae from the water.

A statement from the NSC said that “mechanical and chemical controller issues” have caused water at the pool to become green and murky, owing to algae growth.

Photographs posted on social media over the weekend showed a swimmer looking at bits of sediment and algae in the pool.

The creator of the post claimed that the pool had been getting dirtier “for weeks”.

The NSC said that mechanical and controller issues are believed to have been addressed and that staff continue to “closely monitor the pool’s chemical levels and filtration system” and to “vacuum and remove the algae that has settled on the bottom of the pool”.

The pool will be closed from Saturday until October 26 so that it can be treated and cleaned thoroughly.

The statement explained: “During this closure, we will conduct a major chlorine shock treatment, along with continued vacuuming, filtration and monitoring, to help eliminate the remaining algae and improve water clarity.”

Ben Smith, the Opposition leader and Shadow Minister of Education and Sport, and national swim coach, highlighted the hazards algae can pose to swimmers.

He said: “If you spend hours in the pool, [algae] can get into your ears and mouth and lead to infections — for that reason, we want to make sure it doesn’t get like that.

“The clarity of having clear water allows you to do the training that you always do, so not being able to see too far in front of you is a problem.”

Mr Smith spoke to The Royal Gazette before the NSC announced the pool closure.

His comments came after his recent opinion article questioned how much funding the Government planned to allocate to the NSC facilities.

Part of his article stated: “If Bermuda wants our athletes to perform internationally and sports tourism to contribute more to our economy, the facilities supporting those ambitions must be properly maintained and funded.”

It added: “Our athletes compete against the best in the world. Our facilities are competing for athletes, events and sports-tourism opportunities.

“We cannot demand international standards from our athletes while accepting anything less than proper planning, investment and execution for the facilities supporting them.”

The NSC statement said staff at the facility believe the upcoming closure is “a necessary step to properly address the ongoing water quality concerns and restore the pool to the standard our members expect”.

It concluded: “We will continue to monitor progress throughout the closure and provide updates should there be any changes to the anticipated reopening date.

“Thank you again for your continued patience, understanding and support as we work to resolve these issues.”

In addition to the pool, the NSC North Field and walking track is closed until October 27 so floodlights can be replaced at the facility, and from October 28 to November 19 to prepare for the World Rugby Classic.