¶ LIGHT was shed on the costs required to maintain the Mineworkers’ Memorial Pool during its forced shutdown and over the winter months at Collie Shire Council’s June meeting.
Councillor Gary Faries questioned March-to-April and April-to-May running costs of $17,737.65 and $12,420.09, respectively.
Director of development services Alex Wiese explained that the filtration system needs to be run at all times, preventing algae and deterioration of the water.
However, during the off-season the heater is turned off, in part accounting for the reduction in costs over the two months, Mr Wiese added.
The pool was closed early for the season in March following a chlorine gas leak that led to the hospitalisation of a staff member and the closure of a section of Throssell Street.
A specialist team was flown from Perth to deal with the incident, believed to be the first of its kind in the state, which was brought under control hours later.
The shire recently confirmed it expects the pool to open as normal in October for the summer season.
A WorkSafe investigation into the leak is ongoing.
A WorkSafe petroleum safety and dangerous goods spokesperson said the investigation will not prevent use of the pool.