CGRC Approve Repair Strategy for Coota Outdoor Pool
At Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council’s June meeting, they voted on a staged repair strategy for the Cootamundra Outdoor Pool.
It was voted that the Cootamundra Outdoor Pool carry the following series of scheduled repairs over the next three years, with the amount Council has proposed to spend and the priority of the works:
1. Year 26/27 Stage 1 – $250,000 (High priority works)
2. Year 27/28 Stage 2 – $100,000 (Medium priority works)
3. Year 28/29 Stage 3 – $50,000 (Lower priority works)
Keep in mind those years are referring to the financial year.
The Leisure and Recreation Group, which is the manager of the Cootamundra Aquatic Centre, notified Council in April 2025 of a significant increase in water consumption at the facility.
In response to this, Council undertook an internal review of the pool’s daily operations to determine whether the increased water usage was attributable to operational practices or underlying infrastructure issues.
As part of this investigation, a specialist contractor was engaged to conduct a visual inspection of the outdoor pool to identify what could be causing this water loss.
Council also reviewed CCTV of pipework extending from the pool pump room through to the return lines.
No cracks, leaks or other defects were identified within the pipe network.
The inspection wasn’t fruitless, however, as it was identified multiple defects in the lining of the pool gutters on both sides of the pool, which required replacement. Cracking was also observed along the pool wall beneath the starting blocks, necessitating repairs and waterproofing works to mitigate water loss.
Council said all recommended remedial works were subsequently completed, but daily water consumption monitoring, which has been in place since the commencement of the 2025–26 summer pool season in November 2025, continues to indicate a large loss of water.
Council then sought to investigate the water loss by obtaining quotations and engaging a structural engineer to undertake a comprehensive structural condition assessment of the outdoor pool following the conclusion of the 2025-26 summer season. The pool was drained to allow full access for the assessment and enable a detailed inspection of the pool structure and associated infrastructure.
In a report that was reviewed during the same Council meeting, it indicated some findings of a visual structural condition assessment of the Olympic-sized swimming pool, surrounding concourse, children’s pool, and balance tank. The assessment aims to identify observable structural defects, determine the likely causes of deterioration, and provide recommendations for remedial works and any further investigations required to support the long-term operation and sustainability of the facility.
The structural condition report identified a number of defects that could contribute to water loss. Where appropriate, recommendations have been provided for:
• Immediate remedial maintenance works,
• Further detailed investigation,
• Monitoring of structural movement and deterioration, and
• Specialist repair methodologies for affected structural elements.
The highest priority repairs requiring immediate attention relate to defects identified within the 50-metre Olympic-sized swimming pool. During the inspection, significant deterioration and voiding were observed within the mortar and grout joints of the tiled pool finish. Evidence of water ingress through the tile joints was noted at multiple locations.
A continuous line of defective tile joints was identified approximately 3.9 metres from each side wall of the pool.
To facilitate further investigation, selected tiles were removed along the full length of the affected alignment and correspond with the location of the cracked and deteriorated tile joints observed at the surface.
Based on the inspection findings, the substrate defect is considered to be the likely cause of the ongoing deterioration and water seepage evident within the overlying tiled finish.
The observed condition suggests that movement or discontinuity within the underlying concrete substrate/joint interface has transferred through to the tiled finish, resulting in the opening of the tile joints, debonding of the grout material, and subsequent water ingress.
The proposal is to rectify defects in accordance with the highest-priority repairs requiring immediate attention related to defects identified within the 50-metre Olympic-sized swimming pool. During the inspection, significant deterioration and voiding were observed within the mortar and grout joints of the tiled pool finish. Evidence of water ingress through the tile joints was noted at multiple locations.
A continuous line of defective tile joints was identified approximately 3.9 metres from each side wall of the pool. To facilitate further investigation, selected tiles were removed along the full length of the affected alignment and correspond with the location of the cracked and deteriorated tile joints observed at the surface.
Based on the inspection findings, the substrate defect is considered to be the likely cause of the ongoing deterioration and water seepage evident within the overlying tiled finish.
The observed condition suggests that movement or discontinuity within the underlying concrete substrate/joint interface has transferred through to the tiled finish, resulting in the opening of the tile joints, debonding of grout material and subsequent water ingress.
The Proposed Scope of Works is to:
• Remove tiles and grout along the full extent of the affected defective joint line and adjacent deteriorated areas, which is the full length of the pool zone 3.9m from both side walls,
• Remove loose adhesive, deteriorated mortar, and defective substrate material to expose the underlying joint condition,
• Possibly cut and reinstate the portion of the concrete along the full length, if it is required to install a water stop or create a waterproof joint in the case the joint is found to be not properly built previously to accommodate a waterproof structure,
• Undertake a detailed inspection of the continuous substrate joint/crack to determine the extent of movement and deterioration,
• Carry out full-scale repair as necessary along the full length of the pool structure at both locations,
• Reinstate or upgrade waterproofing membrane systems across the repaired area using pool-grade waterproofing materials suitable for submerged conditions. Consider engaging a waterproofing specialist and pool repair contractor experienced in submerged tiled structures for detailed repair design and implementation,
• Provide appropriate movement joint treatment along the identified joint line, including backing rod and flexible sealant or water stop as required.
• Reinstall tiles using high-performance flexible adhesive suitable for swimming pool applications,
• Regrout tiled joints using waterproof and chemical-resistant grout,
• Conduct flood testing and watertightness inspection following completion of repairs to verify system performance, and
• Implement periodic inspection and maintenance of tiled joints and movement joints to minimise future water ingress and deterioration.
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