Cool pools to stay closed

PUBLIC swimming pools on Tasmania’s West Coast will only open during summer if the forecast temperature hits at least 16C.

The West Coast Council yesterday announced the annual swimming pool season would open today but the forecast temperature would govern opening hours.

Mayor Phil Vickers said the cold weather policy would be triggered by the Bureau of Meteorology’s afternoon forecast.

“As per previous seasons, the cold weather policy will be implemented,” Cr Vickers said.

“Should the forecast be a maximum less than 16C for Queenstown and Zeehan and a maximum less than 18C for Rosebery the pools will not be open for public recreational swimming.

“The trigger for changes to opening hours are based on the Bureau of Meteorology after- noon [approximately 4.30pm] weather forecast.”

The council said extensive works over winter had fixed major issues at the Queenstown swimming pool.

The pool at Zeehan was closed last season for maintenance works and improvements, including adopting a temperature-based opening policy.

“These works are now complete, and the pool will be open during the 2018-2019 season,” the council said.

“The Rosebery pool will also be open for the 2018-2019 season, however there has been a slight reduction in operating hours, due to patronage figures recorded last year.”