Upgrading and modernisation of Cobar’s 1960s-era Memorial Swimming Pool is currently on schedule with the popular facility expected to be re-opened for the summer season in early October.
When work is completed, swimming patrons will be able to enjoy an extended season and additional innovative features including a revamped heated toddler’s pool, plus a colourful splash pool incorporating sprinklers and water toys for the youngsters.
Shade sails will also be provided over the new multi-function area and solar panels mounted on the clubhouse and filtration plant will be used to partly heat the 50-metre pool allowing an extended swimming season,
Ongoing work at the facility was inspected last Thursday by Cobar Shire Council’s Works and Swim Pool Advisory committees which were informed of the current progress and future plans by pool architect Stephen Johannson.
“The colour, vitality and liveliness of the new complex should attract lots of people and especially youngsters with their mums,” Mr Johannson told the inspection party.
“The entry and amenities will remain but the area encompassing the present toddlers pool will be covered by extended shade sails.
“A ramp into the re-configured toddler’s pool will allow disabled access into the new heated pool where the temperature will be a constant 30 to 31 degrees under shade sails.
“It will add a real piece of colour and innovation to the Cobar landscape.”
Mr Johannson says the new heated lap pool, which will be about 4 metres wide by about 17 metres in length ,will provide a warm water exercise place for people needing to do therapy or just warm water exercise. Variations in weather conditions, he says, won’t give an overall even temperature but solar panels and heat blankets placed over the pool at night will help maintain a comfortable temperature.
Where possible the most water sensitive technologies will be used including the installation of water harvesting system collecting rainwater to be used to refill the pools and collection tanks for backwash water from the 50m pool. The water will be treated and used on the grounds.
The use of cartridge filters in the multipurpose pool will reduce the need for backwash and the loss of water. Total cost of the upgrade is estimated at $1.5 million.