The Mount Hot Pools appeared well patronised over the Christmas/ New Year break, with up to 130 people at times which do make the Pools rather overcrowded, particularly since the large spa pool has been closed down permanently. Other than that, attendances seem to have been disappointing and for example, on Wednesday afternoon, 4 January 2012 there would not have been more than 30 people there.
The 2 new large umbrellas (apparently purchased at the obscene cost of $22,000) have now been installed but don't do the job nearly as well as the sail they purport to replace, with limited sun-screening coverage over the passive pool. While the structures seem sturdy enough, it remains to be seen how long the fabric and ribbing lasts in a decent windstorm.
The new concrete concourse around the Pools becomes very slippery when wet and pose a real danger to patrons. It is understood there have already been 2 or 3 nasty falls and this danger needs to be addressed immediately before someone is seriously injured.
The four spouts in the passive pool have suddenly become three and the pressure is still pathetic. On the question of what turned out to be fairly major repairs to the lifting tiles on the entry to the small spa pool, it is asked what the cost of that work was and who paid for it? What is the latest on the Baywave leak and how long has it been going on? Those with genuine concerns over the future of the pools should be asking serious questions about the so-called TCAL repairs and maintenance program and the mindboggling ‘estimated' costs involved recently provided to TCC Council. People need to speak out about the seemingly profligate mindset of Tauranga Aquatics or this state of affairs will continue.

R Paterson, Matapihi.