Eketahuna pool upgrade

The Eketahuna Pool pool in use, before the start of upgrading work. PHOTO/FILE

GIANINA SCHWANECKE
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Work on the Eketahuna pool upgrade is nearing completion as the summer heatwave continues.

The $500,000 upgrade, which includes a new pool, storage shed, shelter and expanded reception area, is being overseen by the Tararua District Council.

Originally built in 1938, plans to upgrade the pool were announced in 2014.

Work was expected to be completed by mid-December, in time for the summer swim season, but it was delayed by the late delivery of reinforcing rods and December’s bad weather.

The pool is unlikely to be open this summer.

Residents in the meantime have kept cool by swimming in the river or heading to the Pahiatua pools.

Community assets and property manager Colin Veale said that most of the concrete work on the pool had been completed.

“When finished, the complex will benefit the community by providing swimming facilities in a safe and pleasant environment for another 50-100 years,” he said.

The pool had been painted, except for the lane lines, and needs to be tested for leaks.

Extra insulation in the new pool will keep the water temperature slightly warmer for swimmers.

“We are in the process of finishing off the sealing around the outside of the pool and putting in the lane rope holders,” Veale said.

Foundations for the storage shed and shelter at the western end of the complex have been laid and the buildings had been ordered.

Plans for the addition to the reception area at the complex are still to be finalised with work expected to be completed in the coming months.