Feature image used for inspiration. Pictured: Bondi Icebergs Club.
Community consultations are now open for the long-awaiting seaside pool at Hallett Cove. For the next two weeks, The City of Marion will listen to all questions, queries, and ideas about the proposed saltwater pool.
The public survey will enable the council to create a tangible design that will meet community expectations and be shown to the public and upper levels of government.
A feasibility study was commissioned in 2019, which ruled out that original ‘sea pool’ idea due to Hallett Cove’s topography, but a seawater-filled outdoor pool is still a possibility to be explored.
While a sea pool or tidal pool is no longer being considered, the proposed saltwater pool – which would have a wall between the pool and the ocean – could act as a valuable protective structure for the Heron Way Reserve embankment against coastal erosion.
The wall dividing the pool at the ocean would need to be at least 1.5m, but a higher wall would make the pool safer, more resilient to water level changes and reduce the amount of debris that lands in the pool. Exact height is yet to be determined.
As the Heron Way embankment is already at risk, rock armouring (or another form of protection) will eventually need to extend along the whole embankment if the pool doesn’t eventuate.
The wall would also protect the pool itself from sand and animals. Thankfully, the feasibility study did not highlight any negative impacts on the marine environment as the pool will not need chemicals to maintain water quality.
If residents vote in favour of the project, the seaside pool could progress as early as next year.
The project has been on the cards since 2018 but was only granted funding to develop concept plans in January.
The Hallett Cove pool concept plan and consultation is one of thirteen projects across South Australia receiving funding as part of the latest round of the Regional Coastal Protection Grants.
To learn more about the project and/or participate in the conversation, visit The City of Marion website.
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