The city’s two operating community pools, the St Clair Hot Salt Water Pool and Port Chalmers Pool, both close today as the summer season ends.
Mosgiel Pool remains closed while a new pool facility, featuring five indoor pools and a spa pool, is built. The new complex is expected to open in mid-next year.
Dunedin City Council aquatics manager Heath Ellis said the summer season had "definitely been quieter for both the Port Chalmers and St Clair pools".
The Port Chalmers Pool had about 4500 visits this season and the St Clair Hot Salt Water Pool about 31,500 — both down on previous years.
This could largely be attributed to the impact of Covid-19 restrictions, as under Alert Level 2 restrictions only lane swimming and aqua jogging were possible, Mr Ellis said.
"We saw an increase in numbers once we changed to the traffic light framework, but then a large drop-off once Omicron was confirmed in the community."
The effect of the pandemic was similar for Moana Pool.
"Visitor numbers in January were only slightly down on last year, but in February we had about 10,000 less visits than in February 2021, which coincided with the community outbreak of Omicron," he said.
March visitor numbers were similar to March last year.
- Daylight savings also ends this weekend. New Zealand clocks will go back one hour from 3am on Sunday.
