that's b'ham parks dept for you,
Before the Gov't brought in the compulsory tendering (late 80's i think), there was enough money in the pot for more recreational facilities (i.e boating) this in turn led to the upkeep of the pool's .
When i worked for b'ham parks dept, i was head groundsman at brandwood park sports ground, i was also baliff at lifford res ( charging people to fish while i fished for free ) i was responsible for keeping the lake/pool clean, tidy and attractive.
When all the parks work went to tender the upkeep of the pools was left by the way side,(not cost effective) sad but true