Price hike a problem for some pool users
RISING prices at the Dunedin Physio Pool have forced some longtime users to stop using the facility.
Pool operator the Therapeutic Pool Trust has defended admission charges, saying the increases were well signalled and reflected the cost of keeping the pool running.
In June a single swim at the pool increased to $9. A 10visit concession card costs $70.
A single swim at the Dunedin City Counciloperated Moana Pool costs $6.70 and a 12swim pass $66.30.
However, the water at the Physio Pool is heated to 35degC — a cost which the trust said largely accounted for the price rise.
The Phoenix Club — an exercise and rehabilitation club for heart patients — is a longterm user of the pool.
Club president Russell Gillions said Phoenix would con tinue to use the pool, but the rising cost was difficult for some members.
‘‘The number of members who regularly go to the Physio Pool has reduced because of the cost,’’ Mr Gillions said.
‘‘The price did have to go up because there had to be repairs to the pool, we absolutely understood that . . . but it is about twice the price of going to Moana Pool.’’
The club was obliged to stay at the Physio Pool as it operated under clinical supervision, but was keen for uncertainty about the pool’s future to be cleared up, Mr Gillions said.
Therapeutic Pool Trust secretarytreasurer Neville Martin said with running costs rising, admission costs had to increase too.
Mr Martin said Phoenix had been supportive of the Physio Pool, and he believed the trust had worked hard at communicating pricing issues with Phoenix.
‘‘We are running a pool under a situation where we are stymied by the new hospital development before we can achieve any sort of cost savings, and therefore we have to increase prices to increase revenue.’’
Mr Martin had hoped the trust and the Southern District Health Board would be able to resolve a longterm lease for the pool after confirmation the new Dunedin hospital would not be built on that land.
He was philosophical about the SDHB’s response that discussions on a lease had to wait until next year, after master site planning was complete.
‘‘It’s a case of letting the process take its course, and we’ve got to be patient in the meantime.’’