ARV releases guidelines for managing outdoor seasonal pools

With the support of Sport & Recreation Victoria, Aquatics and Recreation Victoria (ARV) has recently released guidance to assist Councils navigate their way through the myriad of options pertaining to the ongoing planning and operation of outdoor seasonal pools.

Released at the inaugural Victorian Country Pools Conference, the Guidelines for Outdoor Seasonal Pools: Operation, Maintenance, Retrofitting, Refurbishing & Rebuilding Considerations cover operations, maintenance, retrofitting, refurbishing and rebuilding seasonal pools and have relevance for pool operators in all states.

The introduction to the guidance explains the challenge of Victoria's stock of often ageing outdoor pools, stating "during the period between 1950 and 1980 Victorian communities built approximately 200 swimming pools.

“Most were outdoor seasonal pools, operational only in the summer months. These pools were commonly 25m, 33m (100 feet) or 50m straight rectangular, ‘L’ shaped or ‘T’ shaped pools. Nearly all pools were unheated at the time of installation. Separate toddler pools and dive pools may also have been part of the facility.

“For many Local Government authorities the cost of building new or refurbishing existing community aquatic and recreation facilities is one of the largest capital investments they will make.

“Community aquatic and recreation facilities are used by a large proportion of the population for a broad range of recreation, sport, education and leisure activities. When designed thoughtfully these facilities contribute to users health and ftness and provide opportunities for the development of social connections and community engagement."

The guidance highlights the range of issues these pools commonly face:

• Ageing infrastructure;
• Poor accessibility;
• Rising operational costs;
• Inability to meet needs and expectations of the community;
• Building, facility or plant that does not comply with current Building code, Occupational Health and Safety or industry guidelines; 
• An increase in the number of private swimming pools;
• Increasing capital investment required; and;
• Many Councils have multiple seasonal pools sites spread out over large geographic areas.

Click here to view a copy of the guidance.

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4th May 2015 - OUTDOOR SEASONAL POOLS UNDER ONGOING THREATS