Final repairs of Gunnedah's 50m swimming pool will be carried out before it is opened for the summer season.
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The main repairs to the movement joint were done by Metz after a leak was identified in 2019 and the pool was reopened on New Year's Day but the council did further testing in April 2020 and discovered further works were needed.
"We are in the process of replacing the sealant layer to ensure there is no further leakage," a council spokesperson said.
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The pool will be drained so the final repairs can be done, then testing will be carried out. When the council is satisfied, the pool will be re-filled and is expected to be open by the October long weekend.
"Over the next month, people might notice the pool is being drained at contractors are at work," general manager Eric Groth said.
"This is part of the planned schedule of works put together by the contractor in consultation with council to ensure the pool has been repaired and thoroughly tested.
"While having problems with the pool so early on has been disappointing, we are looking forward to an extended season this year following a resolution of those problems."
The council is hoping to trial a longer summer season but the hours will be reduced to cover the costs of the extension. The decision was endorsed by councillors at Wednesday's extraordinary meeting.
"A review of numbers of people using the pool in the past years, few years has shown a significant drop in patronage in the final two hours of the day," Mr Groth said.
"Closing an hour earlier will mean cost-savings and in summer, the pool will still be open between 5.30am and 7pm, Monday to Saturday, and 9am to 6pm on Sundays.
"Our first priority is the safety of our community and residents so the council will, of course, be monitoring the latest safety advice and guidelines from NSW Health with regard to COVID-19."
The kiosk will be run by the council after the previous two operators, Gunida Gunyah Aboriginal Corporation and Kinfolk Student Cafes, didn't express interest in renewing their lease arrangements. Daily opening hours of the kiosk will also be reduced by an hour.
