In November 2023, the Otago Therapeutic Pool Trust surveyed the public as part of a feasibility study about future options for the Physio Pool. The feasibility study is supported by Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora (which owns the Physio Pool) and the Dunedin City Council. Most respondents to the survey Pool said they preferred a new hydrotherapy centre over redeveloping the existing Physio Pool.
People were asked whether they supported the provision of a hydrotherapy pool in Dunedin and, if so, which of three options they preferred – upgrading the current Physio Pool, building a new like-for-like replacement pool on a different site, or building a new pool on a different site with additional features.
Trust Secretary-Treasurer Neville Martin said about 1,900 people responded to the survey. Over half of respondents were former users of the Physio Pool. One fifth of respondents identified as disabled.
This report, commissioned by the Otago Therapeutic Pool Trust and prepared by Feldspar Associates, examines the feasibility of redeveloping or replacing the Dunedin Physio Pool, which has been closed since May 2021 due to significant mechanical failures.
Feldspar Associates has assembled a team of consultants with expertise in swimming pool design and development to examine the state of the Physio Pool infrastructure, scope the cost of redevelopment, consider alternative sites for a new pool, prepare modelling to assess long term financial viability and supply recommendations to the Trust.
The Dunedin Physio Pool, dating back to 1946 and classified as a Category 2 Historic Place, has provided essential hydrotherapy services, particularly benefiting older adults and those with disabilities.
The study explores options for either redeveloping the existing pool or constructing a new facility. This includes a detailed conditions assessment of the current building, an analysis of operational models, and consideration of alternative sites for a replacement facility.
The existing pool could be redeveloped at an estimated cost of $3.675 million, which would extend its life by at least 30 years but would still leave significant operational and financial challenges for the Trust.
Building a new facility on a different site is projected to cost between $12.8 million (for a like-for-like replacement) and $17.35 million (for an enhanced facility with additional features like a gym and café which would improve financial viability).
The existing pool has been operating at a loss in recent years, and even after redevelopment, it is expected to continue running at a significant deficit.
Health NZ has identified a number of issues that would need to be addressed if the use of the existing Physio Pool is to continue. The DCC is unlikely to support any investment in a new facility until it has completed its city-wide aquatics strategy.
The report makes two key recommendations:
1. That the Trust collaborates with the DCC to include a new hydrotherapy pool in its upcoming city-wide aquatics strategy.
2. That the Trust seeks financial support to re-open the existing pool for a limited time while a long-term solution is developed.
The Physio Pool closed in 2021 due to the breakdown of the heating system. It requires a large investment to reopen. It is owned by Health NZ and had been operated by the Trust for the last 40 years as a public swimming pool. The Physio Pool provided rehabilitation and recreational services and received about 40,000 visits a year. Currently, Dunedin Hospital physiotherapy patients follow a hydrotherapy programme, which they can use at the pool of their choice.
Click the button below to download the full report
Full ReportThe use of warm water to treat medical conditions. The water temperature is usually 33 – 36 degrees Celsius, which is warmer than normal swimming pools. Hydrotherapy is a recognised physical and mental health treatment. The water pressure and movement act as a form of physiotherapy for body and joint pain.
It can help alleviate the symptoms of a wide range of conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, cerebral palsy, and recovery from accidents and sporting injuries. They have accessibility features such as wheelchair access, hoists and a slowly increasing depth. Changing rooms are also accessible.
What are the benefits of hydrotherapy compared with land-based physiotherapy?
Patients with weak and painful joints and muscles tend to find exercise and movement in the warm water much easier and less painful than land-based exercise. This is because water supports the body and the force of gravity is reduced. The warm water has a relaxing effect.
Feedback will help the Trust decide on the next steps. It will go back to the community with the results.
It will look at options to either redevelop the existing pool or build a new pool and consider operating models. The study is funded by Lotteries.
The Physio Pool has provided an essential community service for about 40,000 visitors a year, particularly older people and those with disabilities and long-term health and mobility difficulties. It was a very effective form of treatment, especially for people recovering from surgery.
It closed because the heating system stopped working and the cost to repair was prohibitive.
From community fundraising and grants.
The Otago Therapeutic Trust.
You can email us at dunedinphysiopool@gmail.com or visit the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DunedinPhysioPool/