The complex's two sunbeds were approaching the end of their operational lives, and the decision had been made not to replace them, Dunedin City Council aquatic services manager Steve Prescott confirmed yesterday.
"With all the information coming out about cancer, it just doesn't seem to be the right thing to be into," he said.
Two sunbeds were installed at the pool about 10 years ago and they were initially extremely popular, he said.
However, interest in obtaining the perfect artificial tan had waned in recent years, as publicity of links to cancer increased, he said.
"I think public knowledge [that] maybe it could cause cancer has seen the interest in them drop quite dramatically. We have seen a big decline."
The comments followed a report by the World Health Organisation's International Agency for Research on Cancer.
It identified a 75% increase in the risk of developing melanoma for those who first used a sunbed under the age of 35, Cancer Society of New Zealand health promotion officer Dr Judith Galtry said in a statement.
Mr Prescott said the pool's beds had been well maintained, and pool staff stressed they were operated in strict accordance with Cancer Society recommendations, including the frequency of use.
The pool's ground floor sunbed room would be incorporated into the main reception area as part of a planned $300,000 redevelopment, details of which were still being finalised, he said.
Today was the last day the pool's sunbeds would be used.
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