Last year the pool was given a makeover that saw the number of lanes increased and the facility as a whole improved.

However, following the end of the season it was discovered there was a leak in the 50-metre pool.

Council general manager Jackie Kruger said the leak had finally been located - a cracked PVC branch pipe on the western side of the 50-metre pool, but she said the fix was not as simple as repairing a single small pipe.

"What we have discovered is a slumped manifold pipe under the concrete concourse that has resulted in the smaller branch pipes being compromised," she said.

"While only one branch pipe seems to have cracked, others are showing signs of distress, so our best option is to replace the whole 25-metre section rather than risk a further crack during the swim season."

IN OTHER NEWS:

In response to a question on what caused the leak, the general manager said no conclusive single cause had been determined at this point.

"The actual cause is still being investigated," Mrs Kruger said.

"Our primary focus right now is on solving the issue and getting the pool open in time for summer."

Mrs Kruger explained the task at hand was more complicated than "just replacing some pipes", with hydraulic and structural engineers needing to give guidance on everything from opening and closing the concrete slab to detailing installation methodologies.

She also said COVID lockdowns had added to the complexity of getting some tradespeople back on site.

In the meantime, the pools themselves are starting to be cleaned and prepped for the season.

"Our swimming pool supervisor, Denis Irvin, had an enormous task cleaning the white tiles of an Olympic sized pool and has now turned his attention to the Learn to Swim pool which, under the pool revamp, now has its own dedicated filtration system and balance tank," Mrs Kruger said.

Meanwhile, Mayor Paul Maytom said he and his fellow councillors were fully committed to getting the pool open as soon as is practically possible.

"The countdown to summer has started and, while the slide will not be in place, our community can look forward to enjoying the 50-metre, 10-lane pool, a shaded Learn to Swim pool, a fun kiddies waterpark and two barbecue areas," he said.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: