A strategic business review of both swimming centres completed in March this year found the pools cost more than $1.2 million a year to run, but between them return less than $480,000 in revenue.

Muswellbrook Shire mayor Martin Rush said the rest of the money came from the council’s operating budget.

“Since the (Muswellbrook) indoor pool opened in 2003, operating costs increased by $400,000 per annum, to around $1.2 million (a year),” Cr Rush said.

“Council recognises the important social, recreational, health and fitness benefits of the pools, but also has a responsibility to make the level of service financially sustainable.”

Among the changes, Muswellbrook’s outdoor swimming pool will be closed until November.

During November and March the outdoor pool will be open in the early morning and late afternoon, mainly for lap swimmers and swimming club activities.

Schools and booked events will have access to the pool as required.

The indoor pool will operate as normal, however will be closed in January for maintenance and repairs.

At Denman, which the council describes as a “low patronage pool”, weekday opening hours will be 12 noon to 7pm and on weekends from 10am to 6.30pm.

Denman pool will close for winter on March 15, two weeks earlier than last year.

The changes have already met with some community concern, with Muswellbrook swimmer Stephen Thatcher asking for a refund on his season ticket for Muswellbrook pool.

“A lot of people bought tickets in good faith, and people are still buying tickets and I think they should be informed of the pools opening hours,” Mr Thatcher said.

“I think there has been a lack of consultation with the public.

“It’s the same every year, but this year they’ve gone too far.”

Cr Rush said the past situation at the swimming pools was not sustainable, so some fundamental changes were required.