A very frequent problem in golf course lakes

The lakes and ponds that are usually integrated golf courses are complex ecosystems in which bacteria, algae, fish, plants, insects, and other organisms coexist. The biology and visual aspect of the lakes are conditioned by their design, construction methodology, and the quality of the water when sourced. These factors will influence critical aspects of the water quality while being stored, such as oxygenation, temperature, organic matter, sediment accumulation, etc.

Old construction standards for lakes that date from a few decades ago differ greatly from those of today, likewise to those applied to any other element or infrastructure (such as a house). These old lakes usually do not incorporate lining, nor soakaways and spillways. Also, they promote poor water recirculation and do not allow for maintenance operations. In general, these lakes produce ideal conditions for eutrophication, resulting in the appearance of undesired microorganisms that worsen water quality. In these situations, it is very common to observe very poor lake aesthetics that gives off unpleasant smell, negatively affecting the players’ experience.

The Project

The Real Club de Golf La Moraleja, in its plan to undertake global renovation project to improve the sustainability of the club’s facilities, started, at the end of 2.022, the process for the modernization of the lakes at La Moraleja 2 in terms of functionality, aesthetics and water conservation.

During the design and engineering stage of this project, we have provided:

– The definition of all the construction works of the project.

– The construction project documentation.

– The bill of quantities and plans for construction.

– A rigorous set of technical specifications for the bidding and execution of the works.

– A budget of the construction works for its financial planning.

Once the objectives to be achieved were set together with the Club’s Head Greenkeeper, Mr. Anthony Bonnett, the first stage was to carry out a preliminary study to define the technical and economic actions to be taken.

After the Club’s approval of the preliminary study, the second stage consisted in the production of the construction project documentation, that also included the required information to apply for planning permission.

The works

The first stages of the works are currently underway and will be carried out over the next few months, with its completion is scheduled for the end of March 2023.