H2-Go: Coffs Harbour’s Olympic pool to be heated
Published on 12 March 2024
The water at Coffs Harbour’s War Memorial Olympic Swimming Pool will soon be splash-tastic even on the coldest of days.
The City has resolved to install a heat pump in the 50-metre pool which will deliver a temperature of 27 degrees Celsius.
The 25-metre pool has also been improved, getting a replacement heat pump late last year.
“Pool users, whether they be recreational or competitive, will be delighted by this outcome,” City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Cr Paul Amos said.
“We enjoy an unenviable climate across the seasons, and this heating project will deliver greater amenity for the Olympic pool even in the depths of winter.”
The upgrade will result in an extended swimming season at the War Memorial facility, which will flow through to programs such as learn-to-swim, squad training, therapy sessions and aqua fitness.
The expanded window for the Olympic pool will also take the pressure off the indoor 25-metre pool in the traditional ‘off-season’.
“The War Memorial facility complements the natural water opportunities at our magnificent beaches, and it’s a major step forward to have the Olympic pool on tap for the community throughout the year,” City of Coffs Harbour City Planning and Communities Director Chris Chapman said.
The Olympic Pool heating project will see some short-term disruption with public parking restricted in the area between the pool and Fitzroy Oval. A traffic control plan will be in effect for about three weeks from the start of work on 18 March.
The laneway adjacent to the doctor’s surgery will be blocked off from 19-22 April to enable underground cabling for the transformer.
The project has been funded by City of Coffs Harbour ($200,000) and a grant from the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund ($797,308).
The freshly heated Olympic pool is expected to be operational in July.
A heat pump will be able to deliver a temperature of 27 degrees Celsius in the Coffs Harbour War Memorial Olympic Swimming Pool.