However, board chairman Pete Hodgson warned that the money would only buy time for the trust which runs the pool to make some tough decisions about its future.
The pool, which is closed while awaiting the unit which heats its water to 35degC to be replaced, also needed the $50,000 in immediate repair work approved yesterday.
A report from SDHB corporate services executive director Nigel Trainor said at least another $1.3 million needed to be spent on the building.
Issues with leaks and peeling paint due to high lime levels also needed to be addressed.
‘‘It is not our job to run the physio pool,’’ Mr Hodgson said.
‘‘But it would be a shame if the trust wasn’t able to make progress on its future and to be given some time.’’
Mr Trainor said it would take the trust some time to assess whether it wanted to persist with the rundown central city pool or consider relocation to a more modern building.
‘‘They do have community funds available to them but they can’t unlock them unless they have a long-term lease available somewhere, so it is a case of continuing to work with them.’’
Before the heating unit broke down, the pool was recording about 33,000 attendances a year. mike.houlahan@odt.co.nz
