Just days after the toddler pool at the Orange Aquatic Centre was reopened following maintenance it has been closed again – for painting.
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Orange City Council spokesman Nick Redmond said the pool would be closed for five weeks to ensure sufficient curing time for the paint.
“Pool staff tried to avoid this inevitable closure during the school holidays and summer season but unfortunately that hasn’t happened,” he said.
“The toddler pool was closed recently to replace filter media, that closure was expected to take a couple of weeks but it was longer.
“At that time, while the paint on the pool wasn’t the best aesthetically, it was still functional and was not due to be repainted.”
We understand the closure is frustrating for pool users, especially at this time of year.
- Orange City Council spokesman Nick Redmond
However, he said dust and debris particles that settled on the painted bottom of the floor during the maintenance work had needed vacuuming clean, but that had damaged the paint and led to the repainting happening “sooner than expected.”
Mr Redmond ruled out any financial compensation for pass holders.
“We understand the closure is frustrating for pool users, especially at this time of year,” he said.
He said council would look at other improvements to the pool.
“While we have the pool drained we are looking into completing a range of improvements such as repainting the mushroom and replacing the blue Softpor flooring and grinding off the Pebblecrete on the beach area,” he said.
“But given this closure is unexpected, this work will depend on budgets and contractor availability.”
The news led to a strong response from people on the Central Western Daily’s Facebook page.
Robyn McCarthy asked why the painting was not done with the maintenance.
“Not a good look for those on council, who are working for ratepayers,” she said.
Nicole Doble said she was fed up with the inconvenience.
“I got a three month pass which I have barely used as dressing on the deck in a pop up is less than ideal. I’d say very uncomfortable,” she said.
“These upgrades are nice to have but the constant inconvenience is really wearing thin on our patience.”
Ray Chamberlain said he would be taking his children to the Blayney pool.
“Lost faith in this pool being available for my kids to swim,” he said.
Matt Macdonald said the junior area was “pretty sad.”
The toddlers pool has also had issues with contamination from children having accidents.
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