Last month it came to light the disused Tahakopa School pool could face demolition, failing the successful resolution of long-standing health and safety issues.
Although neither the school nor members of the community wished to see that occur, blockages, stagnant water and a ramshackle surrounding fence left the pool an unacceptable risk to pupils and visitors, principal Katrina Hampton said.
However, she said "community efforts" had now fixed the fence, and unblocked and drained the pool so it would remain empty.
"We're pleased with the outcome. The pool is now there as an existing asset if my board of trustees wants to do anything with it, or if the school roll grows in future."
The pool would require a new lining, filter and pump to bring it back into working order, which was not possible within the school's current budgetary constraints.
Tahakopa resident and former pool technician Don Sinclair, who alerted the Otago Daily Times to the potential demolition, also expressed satisfaction at the outcome.
"Demolishing it just didn't make sense to me. Now it's fixed so the kids can't get in, it can still be brought back to life in future.
"Teaching kids to swim safely is vital for rural communities, and should be easily accessible for every school."
