Tuapeka Aquatic Centre Inc chairman Garry McCorkindale said community fundraising was "well on track" to meet the $400,000 target.
The pool project is capped at $2.5 million, a figure which includes landscaping and contingencies.
The "Splash Out" centre will have a large amenities room attached which can be used as a gymnasium. It will be built in the Lawrence Area School grounds.
"We had to be confident of our local share before approaching grant fundraisers. It's a big project for a small community," Mr McCorkindale said.
The group was waiting for the outcome of several large funding applications over the next few months before a construction date could be set.
In the Clutha District Council's Long Term Plan, a grant of up to $1.1 million was allocated to the project - capped at 55% of the total project cost.
The grant will be repaid from Lawrence/Tuapeka Community Board rates (60%) and Lawrence community services rates (40%), beginning the year after the grant is made. This means an increase of about $50 on the community board rates and little or no change to the Lawrence community services rates, as it will be offset by the removal of costs of the old council pool.
The council also agreed to provide a short-term, interest-free loan of up to $150,000 to cover pledged funds.
Last week the proposed new pool received a boost of $40,000 from the Lawrence Lions Club.
Lions club publicity officer Peter Cummings said the club had also promised a further $20,000 towards the running costs of the aquatic centre over the next five years if needed.
The donation was one of two made by the club last week, totalling $75,000.
On Friday the Otago Rescue Helicopter visited Lawrence, landing at Simpson Park near Lawrence Area School to receive a cheque of $35,000 which was raised by the Lions Club.
The money was raised through a "Stars in Your Eyes" event held in June.
Sharon and Bill Bazley created the event six years ago, and this year handed over the running of the event to the Lawrence Lions Club.
The club also gave $19,000 to the Clutha Gold Trail to pay for a bridge over the Tuapeka Creek, $8000 to St John towards a defibrillator, and the Lawrence rugby club received $5000 to help pay for a van to transport club members.
