Unscheduled closures of pool facilities in the height of summer have left many locals hot and bothered.

Coonabarabran Memorial Swimming Pool was closed to the public again last week, with Warrumbungle Shire Council citing public health regulations.

Council announced the closure on Thursday, 2 February, stating the water was “being monitored” to ensure the safety of pool users.

A spokesperson from Council said they had been alerted to a change in the water colour at the Coonabarabran Pool.

“As a safety measure, the pool was closed and it took several days of cleaning and chemical dosing to balance the water and safely open the pool to the public again,” the spokesperson said.

While the Coonabarabran Times had received a number of reports outlining that vandalism had played a part in the recent closure, Council clarified that this was not the case.

“Council has not received reports of vandalism.”

Water woes

The disappointing news came on the back of several short-term pool closures, in a season already marked by life attendant shortages, restricted timetables and poor maintenance.

The seven-day hiatus last week interfered with scheduled training and events at the pool, including Coonabarabran Public School’s annual swimming carnival, which was relocated to Binnaway Memorial Swimming Pool at the last minute.

Other weekly community activities such as Coona Aqua Aerobics and Swimming Club were also cancelled.

The pool was reopened to season key holders on Friday, 10 February and to the public the following day, however, many patrons remain disheartened by the ongoing interruptions and the state of pool management.

Despite the unusual recurrence of water quality issues at Coonabarabran Pool, a Council spokesperson said that “a reason has not been isolated.”

Council is not offering partial refunds to season key holders at this stage, stating that this would be a question “for councillors to decide at the end of the season.”