New pebblecrete lining for Hervey Bay heated pool

The pebblecrete lining of the 25-metre pool at the Hervey Bay Aquatic Centre is being replaced as part of a renovation of the indoor pool area.

“The surface has reached the end of its working life,” Fraser Coast Deputy Mayor Darren Everard said.

“We anticipate that the project will be complete by mid-August.”

The pebblecrete surface was laid in 2007 and has a 10 to 15-year life expectancy.

“In the past couple of years, 12 sections of the pebblecrete lining have been patched with the largest patch about five square metres in size. There were several spots needing repairs now and signs other sections were failing.

“As the surface deteriorates, water is able to get under the pebblecrete coating which causes more coating to flake off.

“A report by independent engineers recommended the entire surface should be replaced rather than undertake further patching.”

The heated pool is very popular all year around, Cr Everard said.

“The ramp allows easy access for our mature residents as well as those undergoing rehabilitation programs. It also allows the swim squad and lap swimmers to swim all year,” he said.

The process to replace the surface requires the pool to be emptied and dried, a two-day process. The existing surface is then removed and sub-surface cleaned.

The new pebblecrete surface is then laid and allowed to cure for two weeks.

It will then take three days to refill the pool and a further four days for the water to be warmed and chemicals re-balanced.

At the same time Council has also replaced a section of the 32-year-old pipework that was leaking; and replaced the starting blocks and cracked, chipped and broken tiles around the 25-metre pool.