Pool work on track

Horsham’s War Memorial Swimming Pool is on track to re-open next month.

The outdoor pool at Horsham Aquatic Centre has undergone a $1.5-million overhaul in the past eight months.

And while an official re-opening date is yet to be announced, Horsham Rural City Council said residents could expect to dive in from the first week of December.

Infrastructure director John Martin said stage two of renovations, including landscaping and erection of shade structures, would finish this month.

He said the pool would then be filled with water over five days before it started its new life as a ‘modern and reliable community asset’.

“Filling of the pool is anticipated to occur from November 22 to 26,” he said.

“A period of one week has been allowed to ensure the commissioning of the upgraded pool runs smoothly, and at this stage we anticipate the public opening can happen by the end of the first week of December.”

Since the start of refurbishment, the pool has seen many changes, including the maximum depth decreasing from three metres to two metres, and the shallow end, previously 0.9-metres deep, rising to 1.1 metres.

Ramp access for all abilities will also be a feature, as well as improved filtration for water quality.

Mr Martin said installation of the pool’s liner marked a significant milestone in the project.

“Up until recent months, much of the work was below ground level, including upgraded filtration systems, pipework and alterations to the pool’s depth,” he said.

“But progress has now become obvious to see with the pool’s concrete hob around the perimeter making way for a new wet deck, and the liner is now being installed on both the floor and walls of the concrete shell of the pool.

“The PVC liner was rolled out and plastic welded together to provide an impermeable layer, and it’s protected from abrasion on the underlying concrete by a fleece.”

Mr Martin said Sport and Recreation Victoria contributed $200,000 towards the project for the inclusion of the wet deck around the outside of the pool.

He said the wet deck created a seamless edge to the pool, replacing an older style of guttering system.

“It is slip resistant and makes entering the water easier,” he said.