Gilgandra mayor Doug Batten says in the long term the local pool needs replacing.

Council has been challenged by major increasing maintenance issues at the swimming pool over a number of years.

But it will be open for the community this season.

‘’Leaking water and chemical costs to fix it is frustrating,’’ Mayor Batten says.

‘’It's 85 years old and it has served the community well.

"It will be ok for this season but we are looking at funding options to give it a makeover and eventually have a new pool."

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The mayor said Council engaged NSW Public Works to undertake inspection of the pool David Watson, Manager Clients and Project Delivery of NSWPW Riverina Office at Dubbo engaged Water Resource Management (WRM) for condition assessment of plant and equipment and Engineering Emergency Management for structural condition assessment.

At the 19 July council meeting a detailed report by staff outlined the next steps.

It will include inspecting and recording the current structural condition of the swimming pools, concourse areas and amenities.

They will also conduct a condition and safety assessment of the mechanical equipment installed in the swimming pool centre before making recommendations for further action.

Any forward plan will also involve discussion with staff responsible for maintaining the facility.

Upgrading the pool to meet current standards would mean a new ramped entry, upgrade pool water circulation and install pool covers.

However, to begin Cr Batten says it is recommended to replace the joint sealants and broken tiles in short term and continue using the pool until funding for a major upgrade or new pool is available.

"Council is looking to other councils like Cobar and Bourke about eventually getting a 50metre long lap pool in the longer term," he said.

"Families and kids are loving the pool, and it's safer than the river.

"Community feedback may also be sought for the type of facility required by the residents."

In its strategic plans and associated Long Term Financial Plan, Council has included the intended replacement of the Gilgandra Swimming Pool complex with a modern fit for purpose complex including a “splash park” experience, as part of the Hunter Park recreational precinct.

However, this project is dependent on receiving around $14 million in grant funding. 

Cr Batten says the interim maintenance works to replace the joint sealants and broken tiles can be achieved within the 2025/26 pool maintenance budget allocations.