In preparation for the opening Cootamundra Shire Council employees have been undergoing general maintenance works.

The decision to introduce free entry was adopted by Council last season after Council was unable to attract someone to run the kiosk in the early part of the summer.

Earlier this year the kiosk was taken over by Wendy Van Kerk Oerle who will continue to operate the kiosk this season.

Cootamundra Shire Council Manager of Facilities and Services, Barry Turner said last season’s free entry saw user numbers skyrocket.

“Some of the hot days late last year and through to January saw numbers reach 300,” Mr Turner said.

He said new signage, currently being made to state the free entry and pool hours, will be erected next week.

Mr Turner said this year will also see the return of the extended hours for the month of January, which proved popular last season.

The extended hours will see the pool open continuously from 6am to 8pm seven days a week.

Mr Turner said Christmas Day is the only day the pool is closed over the summer period.

Initially the pool will be open from 2pm to 7pm until November 22.

From November 23, the pool will be open from 6.30am until 8pm and then from 11am until 7pm on weekdays with the weekend hours being 11am until 7pm.

These hours will be in effect until January when extended hours kick in.