With some major expenditure looming on pool equipment, and a dwindling band of volunteers to operate it, the Vincent Community Board has decided it is time to reconsider the future of the facility.
The issue came up as part of the board's estimates meeting this week when Central Otago District Council district aquatic centre manager Gary Easthope said the pool's filtration unit needed some major work, which would be costly.
"I guess the board will soon need to decide if it is willing to throw more money at it," he said.
The outdoor pool, which is next door to the Clyde Holiday and Sporting Complex, closed for a year in 2006.
The facility was in need of maintenance work and the committee of volunteers which ran the facility had gone into recess.
It reopened late in 2007 after a public meeting was held to gauge support for keeping the amenity open.
At that time, Earnscleugh-Manuherikia ratepayers were told they would each be charged $17 annually for pool operation and maintenance costs.
The pool has been open to the public throughout December and January since then.
A group of volunteers has been managing the day-to-day maintenance, with the assistance of Molyneux Aquatic Centre staff.
The Clyde School rents the pool in February and principal Doug White said the school used the pool "flat out" for swimming lessons.
"It's a great asset and it would certainly be a shame, from the school's point of view, if the pool was to close again," he said.
Mr Easthope said the number of volunteers on the pool committee had dwindled to one or two.
"We'd always said we'd review the operation of the pool every year, so it's time to go back and talk to the community again," Vincent board chairwoman Clair Higginson said.
Board member Tony Lepper said once it was known how much needed to be spent on the pool, residents could be asked for their reaction.
