The aquatic centre was prepared for a planned power outage by SP AusNet but its back-up generator malfunctioned.

The pennant meeting was a last chance for some swimmers to qualify for the O and M Swimming Championships this weekend.

Swimmers have to compete in two pennants to qualify for the championships, with some relying on yesterday’s event to be eligible.

“The club made a ruling that if they were here for the meet and needed to qualify, then they would qualify,” referee Mark Eddy said.

Mr Eddy said it was disappointing for those who had turned up hoping to get a better qualifying time and didn’t get the opportunity.

“There were also volunteers who gave up their time and waited around to see what was going to happen,” he said.

“But it is what it is and it couldn’t be helped.”

The event attracted 170 competitors from across the North East.

The pool was supposed to open to the public after the meeting finished but the technical hiccup could not be rectified.

YMCA technical operations director Graham Watson said at 6pm yesterday the mains power had been restored but a fault in the system meant the centre was still without power.

“We are looking to re-open as soon as possible,” he said.

An electrician and three technicians were yesterday working on fixing the fault.

Mr Watson said it was unplanned and unfortunate.

“We tested the back-up system throughout the week, but something has gone wrong and I am afraid it is beyond our expertise,” he said.

“The swim club members brought a generator on site but it did not carry out the function we needed it to,” he said.

Mr Watson said the pool could not re-open without power.

“We need to ensure the quality of water and the health and wellbeing of the public and so we need the pumps and sanitation system to work,” he said.

The pool did not re-open last night but will be open today.