A HIGHLY-anticipated structural scan of Nuriootpa pool has been completed, with Barossa Council now awaiting further clarification before deciding on the facility’s future.

A ground penetration radar scan at the Nuriootpa War Memorial Pool was recently taken by FMG Engineering.

The move came after the integrity of the concrete shell was identified as a pivotal issue in understanding its long-term sustainability.

In November, Barossa Council’s elected members backflipped on a decision to close the pool at the end of the 2020-21 swimming season, opting to undertake a significant community consultation process into the region’s aquatic needs.

Council engaged consultants to independently review the pool plant and pipework to update the condition assessment report carried out in 2015.

The results of the FMG scan were presented at last week’s council meeting, revealing a possible area of corrosion in the pool flooring, about 42 metres from the shallow end.

Council’s report notes there is
no known crack in the identified
area.

Meanwhile, the wall scan has come back as inconclusive. FMG recommends further “destructive testing” of the walls to determine the extent of corrosion, cover and concrete depth.

“Officers note the consultant’s suggestion that this destructive testing be completed to obtain the most accurate advice on the condition of the wall structure and close this avenue of investigation,” council’s report states.

“Especially where the intrusion leaks have already been experienced in recent years.

“Given that the pool is still empty, if this additional investigative work is going to be done it should be done straight away so that the pool can be refilled as soon as practicable.”

Council has sought further clarification with FMG around any necessary upgrades to the pool, with the aim of bringing a further report back to elected members as soon as practical.

“Officers had hoped that if a more definitive position on the condition of the concrete was obtained via the GPR scan report it would guide further decision making on the cost/benefit of further investment as per prevailing council resolutions, ie if the pool was deemed structurally sound or not,” the report states.

“...at the time of writing this update report, officers are seeking additional clarification from the pool consultant to provide more guidance for council’s decision making and will provide a further, urgent update report as soon as practicable.

“The subsequent report will also provide details and recommendation on minimum works to maintain current service levels during the 2021-22 season.”

A similar scan has also been carried out at the Williamstown pool, but council is still awaiting the results.