Temporary Closure of Bluewater Pool Hall

Published on 26 June 2020

Colac Otway Shire Council has temporarily closed the pool area of Bluewater Leisure Centre while urgent maintenance is completed, however the gymnasium and childcare services are unaffected and will remain open with the current booking system.

Council’s Infrastructure & Leisure Centre General Manager Tony McGann said Council had been monitoring the condition of the ceiling over the past six months and was aware that a partial or full replacement of the ceiling would be necessary within 12 months.

“The pool ceiling is part of the original aquatic building constructed in 1991-92 and was not part of the Bluewater redevelopment completed in 2017,” Mr McGann said.

“We have had regular checks of the ceiling and the most recent advice received this week is that we should close the pool to the public until necessary maintenance is complete to prevent any risk to pool users and staff.

“Council has commenced seeking quotes for the removal of the ceiling and the pool can reopen as soon as the removal is complete.

“COVID restrictions have limited the number of people using the pool at any one time to 20, with a booking system regulating use.

“Council has advised patrons who had booked to use the swimming pool this week of the necessary closure and no further bookings will be taken until the ceiling work is complete.

“Council is disappointed that the pool must temporarily close again but safety is our number one priority and we needed to act immediately on the engineer’s latest advice,” he said.

“Council looks forward to welcoming swimmers back to pool as soon as possible.”