Gunnedah Shire Council has noted a community petition calling for the temperature of the indoor pool at the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex to be increased.
In response, the council will install a sign in a prominent location near the pool stating the water temperature of 28C and explaining how it is determined, based on recommendations from Swimming Australia, Swimming NSW and Royal Life Saving Australia.
The council said it had been advised the optimal temperature for swimming is between 25C and 28C to reduce the risk of dehydration, muscle cramps and overheating while maintaining comfort and safety.
It also cited advice from technicians who service the pool’s heat exchanger, saying higher operating temperatures place additional strain on the equipment, shorten its service life and increase the likelihood of breakdowns.
The council said warmer water also raises the risk of water quality issues, including water-borne bacteria.
It maintained the current temperature provides the best balance for lap swimmers and people using the pool for other aquatic exercise, and noted the indoor pool was designed to cater for a broad range of users rather than operate as a hydrotherapy pool.
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