Prahran Aquatic Centre closure: Swimmers pack out Harold Holt Swim Centre

The closure of a popular Melbourne pool has forced swimmers to flood other aquatic centres, clogging up already busy lanes and angering the regulars.

The closure of the Prahran Aquatic Centre has caused major issues for swimmers in Stonnington.

The longer-than-expected closure of a major inner-city swimming pool has forced fitness fanatics and slow-lane paddlers to clog up other pools in the area.

The popular Prahran Aquatic Centre has been closed since May 4 for “much-needed improvement works” was originally expected to be closed for three months.

The works on the pool include: “Emptying and repairing the 50m and toddler pools, upgrading the pool surrounds, making minor repairs to the grandstand seating, upgrading the tiles, upgrading the change room fittings and improving the spa and sauna areas.”

But the closure has been extended to November 1, angering regulars.

Malvern resident Hugh Fitzpatrick said the Prahran pool closure has had a knock-on effect at Harold Holt Swim Centre, with rising prices and congested lanes.

“It’s around $8.50 now (at Harold Holt), and it’s no doubt having a flow on effect (on swimming traffic).” Mr Fitzpatrick said.

Anger has been expressed on social media, particularly Facebook, with how “busy” Harold Holt has been.

East Malvern resident and swimmer James Fish said between 4.30pm-6pm “it’s crazy”.

“They have squad (training) as well, and they use all the lanes and it ends up being around 20 people in one lane,” he said.

Harold Holt regular Neil McMahon voiced his annoyance on social media platform X.

“Prahran Pool has just closed for renovations for five moths and frankly Prue, it’s not greash because they’re all swamping the pool in Malvern.” Mr McMahon said.

Regulars at Prahran have taken to swimming at Harold Holt Swim Centre, clogging up the lanes, regulars say.

Fellow swimmer Harvey Hooper, who also captains VFL side Port Melbourne, said he had been impacted by the closure.

“I miss the Prahran pool.” Mr Hooper said.

“I went to the Fitzroy pools for a bit (for a sauna and a spa), but I’ve stopped swimming since it’s (Prahran) has closed.”

Swimmers have been left annoyed at the extended closure of the Prahran Aquatic Centre.

Swimmers on the Prahran Aquatic Centre Facebook page are desperate for the pool to reopen.

Another Prahran swimmer, India Rofe, found an alternative by swimming at the Richmond Recreation Centre.

“It’s so good, it’s indoor.” Ms Rofe said

Carnegie Memorial Swimming is also closed, as well as the Kew Recreation Centre

The Carnegie Pool is scheduled to reopen in late 2024, while there is no timeline on when Kew Recreation Centre will reopen.