Plans for heated swimming pool complex in Crookwell

ULSC director of infrastructure, Mursaleen Shah, recommends the councillors support: an upgrade to the present outdoor pool, the concept of a new indoor heated pool, demolition of change rooms, and $40,000 for planning. The total cost of development for a heated complex is not known.

The present outdoor pool would be reduced to a standard size of 25 metres and the depth reduced. This would mean water temperature could be increased and the swim season extended by two months. A new indoor pool with entry ramp, new entrance, reception area and new change rooms are part of the recommendations.

The council hired RMP & Associates to assist with the proposed concept.

'Get Heated' campaigners began looking into hydrotherapy and heated pool complex ideas last year, similar to aquatic centres at Cootamundra and Junee.

They proposed a heated complex adjacent to the present structures, near the shallow pool for children, and upgrades to the change rooms.

The recommendation for councillors by RMP & Associates is for an alternative group, such as a commercial senior living provider, to instead build a hydrotherapy pool.

Results of an online survey by the Get Heated campaigners showed that 91 per cent of respondents strongly supported an indoor heated pool complex. About 30pc supported a complex with an indoor hydrotherapy pool and more than 20pc supported an indoor heated lap pool only.

Campaigners also support a business model where the heated facility would be managed externally. They say interest had already been shown by a physiotherapist to hold treatments at the proposed centre. However, they are concerned a hydrotherapy pool could not be retro-fitted.

Hydrotherapy pools can be used for rehabilitation, physical therapy, low-impact fitness, and injury recovery for athletes, and are significantly warmer - set at an average 34 degrees Celsius - than typical swimming pools.

ULSC would also investigate upgrades to the Gunning swimming pool facility.