The pool has been out of action since May 20, after the machine which superheats the pool water to 35degC broke down.
The SDHB, which leases the pool building to the trust, has approved $50,000 towards the repairs and agreed to a rent waiver while the facility, which has about 33,000 attendances a year, is out of action.
The trust is also seeking a waiver of $100,000 of its $140,000 operating costs.
Otago Therapeutic Pool Trust secretary/treasurer Neville Martin said while the pool was not open its costs were reduced, but the waiver was about ensuring its ongoing viability.
‘‘We are still in discussion about this,’’ he said.
‘‘The trust not being charged while closed [by the SDHB] is a different issue to the waiver.’’
The waiver and rent relief would enable to the building to return to operation after the machinery repairs, he said.
However, the building has multiple structural and fabric issues which would cost an estimated $1.3 million to fully repair, and as the trust’s lease runs only until 2028, doubts remain it can continue to operate from its current location.
‘‘We would like to keep the pool open,’’ Mr Martin said.
‘‘Whether it’s that pool or another pool on the campus, we’re open to discussion, but that could be years away ... it all has to fit into the hospital master site plan.’’
The delays in getting the pool open were disappointing for the trust but a great sadness for its many users, Mr Martin said.
