metung hot pools history
In 1996, the hot pools as everyone knew them were closed to the public.
The question many people have asked is if the pools were so popular, then why were they closed?
According to a report by Fletcher Meredith – Thematic Environmental History / Utilising Natural Resources – “the pools were defined as a public swimming pool, which under the health regulations, required disinfection normally with chlorination. Under EPA regulations, prior to the water being discharged to the lake, chemical de-chlorination was required.”
Concerns were raised that the use of chlorine would detract from the existing attraction of the pools, which were supplied by a natural artesian water supply system.
Another issue was the discharge of chlorinated water from the pools to the adjacent wetlands or directly into Chinaman’s Creek.
There were issues with vandalism and security and as the hot pools were a free public activity, the increased cost involved with having to chlorinate the water and then treat the waste water before it could be distributed back into the natural environment proved all too challenging and the pools were closed.
With development of the Metung Hot Springs getting closer to commencement, there are bound to be many locals with fantastic stories to share. People are encouraged to visit the Metung Hot Springs Facebook page and share their memories and photographs.
Visitor, Debbi Douglas, contributed to the page “I remember going here in January 1981 on my honeymoon. The hot springs back then were a concreted round pool in the bush with amazing hot water bubbling out of the ground. We found it by accident driving north of Lakes Entrance. It was amazing to discover it and it’s amazing that it’s coming back to life”.
Michelle Sandison recalled visiting from Sale “I used to drive there with my friends in the late 70s and early 80s. We loved it.”
