Baywave will be closed for about three weeks in June this year.

Significant work is planned at Baywave beginning June 24 where all pools will be closed for a minimum of three weeks, says Bay Venues Ltd CEO Gary Dawson.

Some areas will be closed longer.

Scheduled maintenance closures occur around every three years at Baywave. General maintenance work will include re-grouting and tile replacement of the 25m lap pool.

In addition, structural remediation work on the building will also be completed, along with the installation of some new features including a splash pad and more family changing rooms.

Structural work will fix weather-tightness issues with the main skylight that spans the length of the building, cracks in the building's exterior and strengthening of the hydro-slide platform. Work is also required to the bore which heats the water for the facility.

Gary confirms that while the structural remediation work is not part of scheduled maintenance, Bay Venues is taking the opportunity to fix these issues during the time the facility will be closed to minimise disruption to customers and ensure the structural issues do not worsen.

'We have a duty to act quickly to fix these issues to ensure we get the best out of our Baywave asset for the longest time, and to reduce the likelihood of unscheduled closures being required. We are dealing with these issues now, before they escalate into bigger problems."

Gary says the projected cost of the structural repair work is $2.01 million, noting that this figure excludes contingency and risk, which could bring the total closer to $4m. Funding of $2.01 million was approved at a Council meeting on Tuesday.

All aquatic aspects of Baywave will be closed from June 24 until July 15.

Re-opening on July 15 will be the wave pool, learn to swim pool, toddler pool, and steam, sauna and spa facilities.

The lap pool will not re-open until August 5, and the hydro-slide will remain closed until early October.

The reason for the hydro-slide's protracted closure is good news for the many wanting to see fun amplified at Baywave, says Gary.

The need to 'dial up the fun” has been reiterated in independent customer surveys undertaken by Delve Research and in response LED lights will be added to the hydro-slide, and a splash pad for children aged between three and 12 will be constructed under the slide.

Venue Manager Baywave and Memorial Pool Mike Page says what is now a pitch-black slide interior, will be transformed by a lighting display, which will not only look appealing, but also give a sense of increased speed.

The splash pad, meanwhile, will include features such as water guns, an umbrella jet, tipping bucket, pipe fall, pull ropes, spinning cylinder, floor jets, daisy shower and mini waterslides.

Additional family changing rooms will be constructed by the learners' pool, an upgraded outdoor area with extra public viewing areas will be created, and pool lane-space will be re-configured to benefit recreational users.

Gary says the timing of the Baywave closure is end-of-term so as to cause minimal disruption to learn-to-swim classes and to ensure it is business as usual in time for the AIMS Games in September.

Baywave's Early Childhood Centre will remain open and Clubfit will still operate during the closure although the spa pool, sauna and steam room is closed for three weeks.

The intention is to cater for squad swimmers at another of Bay Venue's aquatic facilities.

Bay Venues apologises for any inconvenience and looks forward to sharing the improved Baywave facilities with the public.