Hauraki District Council has approved funding to replace the ageing gas chlorinator at Waihī Swimming Pool with a salt chlorinator, addressing an immediate health and safety risk and allowing the pool to continue operating for the community.
A salt chlorinator uses salt water and electricity to produce chlorine, which disinfects the water.
Mayor Toby Adams said Council had carefully considered both the value of the pool to the community and the cost to ratepayers.
“The Waihī Swimming Pool has served the community for around 70 years, and it continues to support public swimming, learn-to-swim programmes, school swimming education, club activities and summer recreation,” Mayor Adams said.
“We know how important local access to swimming is for wellbeing, confidence in the water, and community connection. This decision means Waihī can continue to have access to a local pool while longer-term planning for the facility is worked through.”
The report notes the upgrade will result in a $100,000 increase in debt and an estimated 0.03 percent increase in non-water rates, equivalent to around $1 per district ratepayer. Council also noted the investment enables the pool to continue operating in the short term, but does not resolve wider questions about the ownership and long-term renewal needs of the facility.
Council will continue to consider the future of aquatic services through its longer-term planning, including affordability, asset ownership, community need and the best way to support water safety and recreation across the district.
