Calls for urgent repairs and maintenance on iconic Continental Pool

There are calls for urgent upgrades to North Wollongong’s popular Continental Pool amidst claims it has been neglected and is badly in need of important repairs and maintenance.

Wollongong resident Jenny Bally, aged 73, learned to swim in the historic pool 25 years ago and from that day forward it’s become a huge part of her life.

“It‘s a real community hub,”Jenny said. “The most important thing you get when you visit the pool isn't the exercise, it’s the friendship."

Jenny sent her concerns about the condition of the pool to Wollongong’s Neighbourhood Forum 5 (NF5), representing people living in the centre of the Local Government Area (LGA).

“The pool, its surrounds and the change rooms have been neglected. In 2025, no yearly painting was undertaken and important maintenance work last year didn‘t go ahead."

Jenny says as a result one of the two pumps required to empty the pool for cleaning is out of action and there are problems with other components that are either broken or inoperable.

“The consequence of this neglect is that the pool needs to be closed one full day a week as emptying and refilling takes twice as long. Instead of being closed for just a few hours, it now takes a full day.”

As a result, Jenny and hundreds of other regulars at the Continental Pool are swimming one less day a week.

Jenny believes the iconic pool, which was built by voluntary labour in the 1920s, deserves better treatment.

“This pool will celebrate its 100th year in 2028. Work needs to start immediately to get it back in shape, well in time for its centenary.”

Jenny said the pool has long been a showpiece for visitors to the region and deserves to look its best.

“When the world triathlon titles were here last year there were swimmers at the pool from all over the world. They loved watching the whales and dolphins, saying it’s such a great location.”

Other pool users have also raised issues with NF5, saying Council hasn’t responded to concerns they raised last year about bicycle parking at the pool, after a bike was stolen from the allocated parking area, which is outside the pool with no surveillance.

A lack of shade has also been listed as a problem. A pool user with a disability told NF5 the metal railings which assist people accessing the pool via the ramp are scorching and difficult to use on a hot summer’s day.

A recommendation to Wednesday night’s NF5 meeting is for Council to urgently investigate the concerns raised, with a view to rectifying the problems as a priority well ahead of the pool’s centenary in two years' time.

The Illawarra Flame has contacted Wollongong City Council for comment.

Meanwhile Council is currently seeking public feedback about the future of our pools. The deadline to provide comment for the 20 year Aquatic and Indoor Sport Strategy is Sunday 8 February. Email engagement@wollongong.nsw.gov.au or fill in the online survey on Council’s website.