Byron Council reopens Mullumbimby’s Petria Thomas public pool while mystery surrounds water problem

Mullumbimby’s Petria Thomas Swimming Pool has reopened – but mystery still surrounds the closure of the much-loved Byron Shire landmark.

Mullumbimby’s Petria Thomas Swimming Pool has reopened. Picture: Facebook

Mullumbimby’s popular Petria Thomas public pool has reopened – but Byron Shire Council cannot say what caused the “cloudy” water that resulted in its closure.

The pool closed on September 14, after workers noticed the problem.

Chemical and mechanical treatments were undertaken and the pool reopened Tuesday, but the council states it does not know why the water became cloudy.

“But pool users can be assured that it is safe to swim in the pool and the water quality issues have been resolved, including any cloudiness,” a council spokesperson said.

Council workers will continue testing to attempt to determine the cause.

The popular public pool. Picture: Facebook

Mullum’ swimmers call for ‘clarity’ on ‘cloudy’ public pool closure

September 27: Mullumbimby’s popular Petria Thomas Swimming Pool remains closed as Byron Shire Council staff and pool managers work to solve water quality woes.

The public pool closed on September 14, after the water became “cloudy” for an unknown reason. Chemical and mechanical treatments have not fixed the problem.

The outside of the Mullum’ pool. Picture: Facebook

Malcolm Robertson, the council’s acting director of infrastructures services, has apologised to the community on behalf of council for the “hiccup” at the start of the swimming season.

“We are doing our best to get the pool open as soon as we can,” he said.

The council said it was unsure whether the pool would reopen by the weekend.

While the clarity of the water has been slightly improved, the issue remains, the council said.

Residents with passes to the pool can also use them at Byron Bay Swimming Pool.

Byron woman Jenny Shiels. Picture: Supplied

Byron resident and pool club member Jenny Shiels said she loved swimming at the Mullum’ pool and she was unhappy about its closure.

She was hopeful more information about the problem would be forthcoming “from either pool management or council”.

Ms Shiels said she swam in the pool the day before the problem began. She was grateful she could still visit the Byron pool.

Residents have taken to the Mullumbimby Petria Thomas Swimming Pool Facebook page to express their grievances.

The pool closure notice. Picture: Facebook

One woman said there needed to be more “clarity” around the problem.

“They need to be more clear and transparent about what’s going on/reopening dates etc,” she wrote.

One man said he was concerned about his health after a recent visit to the pool.

“Okay, so those of us that swam in it a couple of days ago, we shouldn’t have? The man at the counter was not friendly or helpful about it being cloudy,” he said.

The council has been asked for another update and commenters who raised concerns have been approached for comment.

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