Coffs Harbour War Memorial Olympic Pool to have heat pump installed

March 12, 2024

The City of Coffs Harbour has resolved to install a heat pump in its 50-metre x 8 lane outdoor swimming pool at the Coffs Harbour War Memorial Olympic Pool facility which is currently solar heated.

The heat pump will deliver a temperature of 27 degrees Celsius.

The 25-metre pool has also been improved, with a replacement heat pump installed late last year.

City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Paul Amos noted “pool users, whether they be recreational or competitive, will be delighted by this outcome.

“We enjoy an unenviable climate across the seasons, and this heating project will deliver greater amenity for the Olympic pool even in the depths of winter.”

The upgrade will result in an extended swimming season at the War Memorial facility, which will flow through to programs such as learn-to-swim, squad training, therapy sessions and aqua fitness.

The expanded window for the Olympic pool will also take the pressure off the indoor 25-metre pool in the traditional ‘off-season’.

City of Coffs Harbour City Planning and Communities Director Chris Chapman added “the War Memorial facility complements the natural water opportunities at our magnificent beaches, and it’s a major step forward to have the Olympic pool on tap for the community throughout the year.”

The project has been funded by City of Coffs Harbour ($200,000) and a grant from the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund ($797,308).

The freshly heated Olympic pool is expected to be operational in July 2024

The project was initiated in 2021 following a Council resolution on 10th June 2021 on the Cost of installing a heating system at the Coffs Harbour War Memorial Olympic Pool report (BS21/29), following a previous Notice of Motion (NOM21/03) on the same subject in March.

Project timeline (estimated)

June 2021: Council resolution initiating the project (completed)
February 2023: Grant funding received (completed)
July to September 2023: Planning; 25m pool heat pumps procurement (completed)
3rd October 2023: 25m pool heat pumps upgraded and operational (completed)
October 2023 to February 2024: Procurement for mains power upgrade and 50m pool heating system (completed)
14th Decemb 2023: mains power upgrade tender awarded (completed)
8th February 2024: 50m pool heating tender rejected and direct negotiation with suppliers approved (completed)
29th February 2024: Direct negotiations with suppliers for supply and install of 50m pool heating completed – suppliers secured (completed)
March/April 2024: mains power upgraded (will require some temporary disruption to parking for construction and installation works)
May to June 2024: 50m pool heating system installed, based on current expected supply timelines (subject to change)
July 2024: 50m pool heating system operational (ongoing) (assuming no expected delays due to weather or supply issues)

The heat pump is being provided and installed by renewable energy solutions company Magen eco-Energy.

Click here to contact Magen eco-Energy through their entry in the Australasian Leisure Management Supplier Directory.

Image: Coffs Harbour War Memorial Olympic Pool.

5th March 2024 - AUSactive’s ECOactive Pilot looks to reduce fitness operators’ energy and water costs

22nd May 2023 - Sapphire Aquatic Centre heat pump upgrade reduces carbon footprint and energy cost

14th March 2023 - Supreme Heating launches new R290 pool heat pump

20th February 2023 - City of Melbourne awards Carlton Baths heat pump install contract to 3E Group

27th September 2022 - Renewable Energy Agency highlights significance of heat pumps at Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre

13th September 2022 - Webinar to explain energy-saving benefits of heat pumps in aquatic centres

30th April 2020 - Coffs Harbour Council rejects financial assistance request from aquatic facility operator

2nd February 2022 - Magen eco-Energy opens subsidiary in Australia

18th November 2019 - Seminar explains benefits of heat pumps in aquatic centres

6th May 2017 - Council claims $4 million ‘comparative saving’ in new leases for Coffs Harbour pools

4th May 2015 - Swimplex Aquatics’ new marketing initiatives

24th February 2014 - Heliocol Solar opens Melbourne Warehouse

9th November 2010 - Coffs Harbour’s Pool Upgrade Reopens on time and on budget

24th March 2010 - Myrtha Pools Technology For Coffs Harbour Pool

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

Click here to view our subscription options.