Katikati’s Dave Hume Pool will have a longer swim season, better accessibility and more space for swimming lessons when it reopens for the 2025/26 summer season.
The main 33.3m pool is being reconfigured to create two pools – a 25m pool and a new 7m learn to swim pool, which will run at a warmer temperature.
The existing, separate learn to swim pool will also be upgraded to meet current pool safety and water standards, and a new disability hoist is being added to the main pool to enhance accessibility.
“By adding a bulkhead to divide up the main pool, we will be able to offer more learn to swim programmes, which are at capacity each year,” explains Peter Watson, Western Bay of Plenty District Council Reserves and Facilities Manager.
“Learn to swim programmes are vital for building water confidence and ensuring safety in and around water – especially when we live in a District where rivers, the harbour and beaches are a part of everyday life. By creating more learn to swim space and extending the season, we’re creating more opportunities for tamariki to develop these essential skills.”
The pools will also be relined with a PVC material and a new, safer sand filtration system will be installed.
Other improvements include heating and insulation in the changing rooms and reception area, new entrance and changing room doors, new pool covers and upgraded CCTV cameras.
The improvements will enable the pools to run for an extended season, from September through to the end of May each year.
This follows many years of the Dave Hume Swimming Pool Trust developing the concept of an enclosed pool, with a new liner system to reduce painting costs and frequency.
The roof project to enclose the pool was factored into Council's 2021-2031 Long Term Plan, but due to escalating costs Council agreed in October 2024 to focus their attention on a bulkhead, pool upgrades and a new liner system.
The improvements are being funded through existing budgets from the 2023/24 financial year and Dave Hume Pool Trust funding. The Trust will be fundraising for 30 per cent of the upgrade work, while Council will fully fund the renewal work, such as the liners, pool covers and fixing the existing learn to swim pool.
“The Dave Hume Pool Trust has played a crucial role in driving this project forward. Their commitment and community fundraising efforts have been instrumental in making these upgrades possible,” says Peter.
“These improvements will help future-proof the facility, ensuring it remains a safe, welcoming and sustainable facility for the next generation of swimmers.”
To minimise disruption, construction will start the week after the swim season closes and will be completed prior to Christmas 2025 (weather and material dependent).
