Summer is here and Katikati’s revamped Dave Hume Heated Pool is on track to reopen on December 17.

“As the kaitiaki [guardians] of this beloved community facility, we’re committed to keeping that same warm, local feel – and bringing new energy to the season ahead,” Bay Venues, which is now managing Dave Hume Pool on behalf of Western Bay of Plenty District Council, said.

“We’re on track to open on Wednesday, 17 December! We can’t wait to welcome you back to your favourite local pool – with a few exciting changes!”

Pool party, swim lessons

Katikati residents and visitors alike can look forward to familiar local faces and the same friendly vibes at the facility; fun events and family days including a January Pool Party; plus BaySwim swim lessons in Term 1 will launch for bookings soon.

Dave Hume Pool, Katikati. The new outdoor gym space. Photo / Supplied

Western Bay of Plenty District Council announced in September that it had awarded the pool service delivery contract for Te Puke Memorial Pool and Katikati’s Dave Hume Pool to Bay Venues, a Tauranga City Council-owned Council Controlled Organisation.

The contract was awarded for four years, with a two-year, performance-based extension. The partnership brought new aquatic opportunities for the two communities, while keeping the running of the pools local, Western Bay of Plenty District Council interim CEO Miriam Taris said.

The council owned both the land and facilities at Dave Hume Pool while Bay Venues would be responsible for day-to-day operational expenses, including maintenance – but not capital works.

Improvements first

Following this, the council began an improvement project to reconfigure Dave Hume Pool to increase learn-to-swim opportunities, improve accessibility and enable the pools to run for an extended season, from September through to the end of May each year.

The work included installing a bulkhead in the main 33.3m pool to create two pools – a 25m pool and a 7m learn-to-swim pool. The existing bore water heater exchanger was upgraded for the new learn-to-swim pool, to keep it at a warmer temperature.

All three pools would be relined with a PVC material, instead of painting, to reduce operational costs. A new sand filtration system was to be installed for all three pools.

The existing learn-to-swim pool was to be upgraded to meet pool safety and water quality standards.

Dave Hume Pool, Katikati. The new bulkhead to create the 25m lap pool and new learn to swim pool. Photo / Supplied

The changing rooms and reception area would be heated and insulated to help extend the pool season and all pools would receive new covers.

A disability hoist would also be installed in the main pool. An upgrade of CCTV cameras was also to happen.

According to Western Bay of Plenty District Council, by the start of this month, the remaining work to complete was painting the exterior buildings and the last of the changing rooms; installing the new outdoor gym; putting in the pool liner for the 25m lap pool and new learn-to-swim pool; hydroseeding of the grounds; putting shade sails back up; and repairing the old concrete nib around the pool.

New prices

Meanwhile, Bay Venues pointed the public to a new website at www.davehumepool.co.nz.

Here, prices are listed for the upcoming season, from December 17 to April 2026.

Swim admission is $5.50 per adult aged 16-plus, $4 per senior aged 65-plus, $4 per child aged 5-15, $2 per child aged 2-4, and a family pass is $15 for two adults and two kids or one adult and three kids. A 10-visit pass is $50 per adult aged 16-plus, $35 per senior aged 65-plus and $35 per child aged 5-15. The spectator fee is 50 cents each.

Group entry costs and aquatic membership prices are also listed on the website.