Wombarra pool closed after pollution scare

Wombarra ocean pool. Photo: Google Streetview.

SWIMMERS are warned to avoid Wombarra ocean pool after it was choked with seaweed, turning it a translucent blue, and causing a foul odour to waft across the area.

A sign placed at the beach by Wollongong City Council on Thursday read “pool closed due to environmental factors”, and “swim at own risk”.

The Council said while its crews have emptied the pool of a significant amount of seaweed that washed into the pool last weekend, sea conditions have prevented its safe flushing and cleaning.

In the meantime, the Council is asking people to avoid the pool and beach area, where large amounts of seaweed have been deposited, and instead visit rock pools at Coledale or Coalcliff.

The pool will remain closed over the Easter long weekend.

Last year major refurbishment works were undertaken by the Council at the pool, including the restoration and reconstruction of sea walls.