Manuka pool manager Bryan Pasfield is looking forward to welcoming swimmers back to the historic pool ahead of its opening on 30 November. Photo: Michael Weaver.
As Canberrans get set to flock to the city’s six outdoor pools this swimming season, in some cases, pool managers are removing flocks of ducks that have taken up residence over the winter months.
At Queanbeyan, a stealthy black cat cutout with reflective eyes has been employed to keep watch over the pool, which will be the first outdoor pool to open on 14 October ahead of the summer swimming season.
Most pools in the area have taken the chance to undertake maintenance and restorations.
The Queanbeyan pool has extended the soft fall area on the popular wet play area and improved its filtration system.
Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council pools in Braidwood, Bungendore and Captains Flat will open on Saturday, 2 November.
The historic Manuka pool has also had a slight delay ahead of its opening on 30 November after the completion of refurbishment works.
Manuka pool’s extensive works ensure the pool meets modern health standards while retaining and protecting its original heritage design elements.
The works include a new filtration plant, upgrades to the pool structure, new filtered water lines/inlets in the pool, new underground balance tank, retiling the entire pool, new concrete concourse, upgraded poolside seating and repainting of the main building.
To retile the pool, an extensive worldwide search was undertaken for tiles, which were eventually imported from the Czech Republic. The tiles retain the original look and feel and meet modern slip resistance standards.
Manuka pool manager Bryan Pasfield told Region Media he always looks forward to opening the pool for the swimming season, which had a 15 per cent increase in visitors last season.
“We had 40,000 people visit the pool last season,” he said
“I love seeing the Manuka regulars and Canberra people coming back each year.
“We have a lot of regular swimmers here and they keep coming back. It’s always great to see them.”
The Manuka Pool will also have free entry and family activities during opening day on 30 November.
The Erindale Pool will hold their open day on 1 December with free entry and a range of health fitness and aquatic activities.
In 2018-19, the six ACT Government pools saw a successful swimming season with more than 1,050,000 visits.
Dickson pool, which opens on 21 October, also saw a 25 per cent increase in visitation numbers last season.
The ACT Government has invested in a new perimeter fence and upgrades to the retaining wall in the beach volleyball courts at Dickson Pool, as well some temporary upgrades to improve the forecourt.
Mount Stromlo Leisure Centre is coming along with the roof of the main building nearly complete, plastering and concreting underway. It is set to open in the first half of 2020.
The Canberra Olympic outdoor pool opens on 1 November. All other ACT pools have their indoor facilities open year-round.
For more information on pools in the ACT, visit https://www.sport.act.gov.au/aquatic-and-leisure-facilities.
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