Project description

Our outdoor pools have been undergoing significant maintenance, cleaning and upgrade works during the off-season to improve these valued community assets and enhance the swimming experience for our community.  

We’re working towards delivering better outdoor pools for the summer season. 

Cardinia Shire has four outdoor pools at:

• Pakenham 
• Koo Wee Rup 
• Garfield 
•  Emerald Lake Wading Pool 

A number of maintenance and upgrade works are underway at our outdoor pools in preparation for summer including:

🛠️Pakenham Outdoor Pool – UNDERWAY 

• Crack repairs to the pool shell 
• Expansion joint installation to prevent further cracking 
• Central filtered water line and water return tank repairs 
• Safety enhancements 
• Wet deck and tiling repairs 
• Pool shell repainting 
• Removal of the existing chain-link fence and gates 
• Installation of new modern tubular fence panels 
• Native vegetation planting along the southern fence line 
• New picnic area for families to enjoy.

🛠️Koo Wee Rup Outdoor Pool – UNDERWAY 

• Main pool to be drained. 
• Inspections to be completed on main pool to inform future upgrade works. 
• Repairs to shell and underground pipework. 
• Renovations underway in changerooms, including new flooring, shower cubicles, fixtures and painting. 
• Upgrades progressing in kiosk and reception, including new countertops, floor tiling and painting to first aid room and front exterior.

✅Garfield Outdoor Pool – COMPLETED IN 2025 

• New signage. 
• Plant repairs for improved filtration. 
• Tile repairs to intermediate pool. 
• Repair and cleaning of shade sails.
   

✅Emerald Lake Park Wading Pool – COMPLETED IN 2025 

• Improved signage. 
• Plant repairs to improve filtration.
  

Funding

Maintenance works on our outdoor pools are fully funded by Council.

Progress update

Maintenance and upgrade works at Garfield Outdoor Pool and Emerald Lake Park Wading Pool have been completed.

Koo Wee Rup Outdoor Pool 

Maintenance works will be underway in June 2026 on the main pool. 

The main pool will be drained so that inspections and repairs can be completed on the shell and underground pipework.

Pakenham Outdoor Pool 

Maintenance works at Pakenham Outdoor Pool are ongoing. Works have been previously delayed due to weather conditions and construction challenges. 

Council is continuing to work closely with contractors and technical consultants to progress the remaining works as quickly and efficiently as possible. 

Council is working towards completing required maintenance works to reopen for the upcoming summer pool season. During the off-season, residents are encouraged to visit and use nearby indoor facilities at Cardinia Life.  

We will continue to provide updates to the community as works progress, and we appreciate the community’s patience and understanding, while these important works are completed.

Frequently Asked Questions for Pakenham Outdoor Pool

What works are being undertaken? 

• Crack repairs to pool the shell 
• Expansion joint installation to prevent further cracking 
• Central filtered water line and water return tank repairs 
• Safety enhancements 
• Wet deck and tiling repairs 
• Pool shell repainting 
• Upgrades to the toddler’s pool 
• Upgrade to shade sail poles 
• Removal of the existing chain-link fence and gates 
• Installation of new modern tubular flat fence panels 
• Native vegetation planting along the southern fence line 
• New picnic area for families to enjoy.

Why can’t council provide a definitive date for the reopening of the pool?

The continued wet weather makes it hard to determine a firm completion date. Council will continue to keep the community updated on the progress of works and will provide further information as it comes to hand.

Why weren’t works completed during the off-season?

The materials used for sealing the pool require dry conditions and optimal temperatures to ensure proper application, adhesion and curing. Unfortunately, the persistent wet weather has resulted in delays.

Are there plans to permanently close Pakenham outdoor pool?

Cardinia Shire Council has confirmed it has no plans in place to close Pakenham Outdoor Pool. Council recognises that Pakenham Outdoor Pool is ageing, and is undertaking the current maintenance and upgrade works to improve the facility.

Where can we go for a swim?

The community are encouraged to visit Cardinia Life, while these works are being completed.