Over 3000 people have used the outdoor pool in Alexandra this summer, but the Central Otago District Council could soon be consulting the public on whether to close it.

The Molyneux Aquatic Centre was built 20 years ago replacing the popular outdoor pool in Thompson Street in downtown Alexandra, that attracted hundreds of users every day during the summer months.

In its Long Term Plan consultation document going out to the community in mid-March - once finalised by council, council said the community chose to include an outdoor swimming pool when it built the new indoor one, due to the popularity of the old decommissioned pool.

“However, over the years council staff have noticed a steady decline in the outdoor pool’s use, despite admissions increasing year on year at the Alexandra facility.”

But a tally of users from November 27 to January 27 this summer showed 3529 users of the outdoor pool.

The original Alexandra Pool in Thompson Street back in the day. FILE SHOT

Council said while a rough estimate, and due to people frequently moving between different pools within the facility, getting precise numbers was challenging.

The exact number may also not account for repeat entries by the same individuals.

Council said pool’s ageing operating system which was nearing end-of-life, was costly to run ($200,000 a year), and estimated to be around $500,000 to replace. 

On top of this was the $10,000 monthly water heating costs during the summer season (December to March).

Alexandra mother of four Lena Peterson said her children have been using the outdoor pool for many years.

She noticed last summer it wasn’t heated and didn’t have as many users, but this summer it had been very popular as it was much warmer.

“It has brought a lot more people to it who would rather be outside in the fresh air than sitting sweltering inside - especially the parents sitting pool side. It’s not always pleasant watching inside as a mum and you can even feel the chlorine stinging your eyes.”

She said it would be sad to see the outdoor pool close, “we live in one of the most summery, warmest places in Central.  

‘’The old pool was so busy and we lived at the pool when we were young. It would be a shame to get rid of it.”

The cost of decommissioning the outdoor site was estimated at $50,000. 

That would see the plant disassembled and used elsewhere and the ground filled in, which in turn could open possibilities for re-purposing the site for other activities.

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