Computer server the size of a washing machine is being used to heat a public swimming pool

Exploding energy costs have been blamed for the closure of more than 60 public swimming pools across Britain over the past four years. And with the bills for some expected to rise by £100,000 this year, it has left leisure centres scrabbling around for ways to keep the facilities running. It may sound far-fetched, but one leisure centre in Devon is using computer power to heat its swimming pool. The idea works by placing 12 computers inside a white box which is then surrounded by oil to capture the waste heat they produce -- in a similar way to another concept that uses computer servers to heat water in people's homes. Innovative: It may sound far-fetched, but Exmouth Leisure Centre in Devon is using computer power to heat its swimming pool.