Orange City Council spokesman Nick Redmond the outdoor pool usually opened to coincide with start of daylight savings, around the time of the October long weekend.

However, as staff began to prepare for the opening, a fault in the fibreglass footings of one of the three outdoor pool filters came to light.

“In order to replace the footings and other supports, the nine tonnes of sand inside each filter, which acts as the filtering media, had to be removed and replaced,” Mr Redmond said.

“These three filters are around 10 to 15 years old and the opportunity was taken to replace the sand in each. 

“This maintenance will cost around $36,000 and is expected to operate for many years to come.”

Mr Redmond said the maintenance work had begun and had to happen in stages. 

He said the work would be completed in coming weeks, ready for the outdoor pool to open on Saturday, October 17.

“Learn-to-swim classes had been scheduled for the coming weeks in the 25 metre pool and the lack of an outdoor pool will add to the pressure on those lanes,” Mr Redmond said.

“Council apologises for any inconvenience and asks pool users to be patient while this work is completed.”

tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au