Major work is about to start on upgrading the Waitaki Aquatic Centre in Oamaru, meaning it will have to close for three weeks at the end of April and into May.
The Waitaki District Council is spending up to $1.5 million on the complex, which was opened in January 2000 and cost$3 million to build.
Some of the work is needed to meet health and safety requirements, replace plant, reduce maintenance and make the centre more efficient, resulting in annual operating savings.
The work will be paid for by a loan of up to $685,000 and from reserves and depreciation.
Already some preliminary work has been done, including installing pool covers on the main and learners' pools, reducing heating costs.
Tenders for the work are due to be called next month, with some of the work starting on April 1.
