Swansea Swim Centre's 50m pool is set to be replaced over the next two years, extending the site's life by at least 50 years.
Crews drained the existing pool in April to allow for structural investigations, with plans to install a new pool liner.
However, those investigations revealed extensive corrosion within the 65-year-old pool's concrete structure.
Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Assets Dayne Harris said the corrosion made it unviable to simply reline the existing pool.
"Expert engineering advice concluded that installation of a new fibreglass liner wouldn't stop the structural corrosion, and would produce high risks of defects within the next 5-10 years," he said.
"We've thoroughly investigated all options and the most sensible path forward is to replace the 50m pool with an entirely new structure in the same location."
"That is unfortunately going to mean the swim centre is out of action for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 swimming seasons."
"We understand this is a major inconvenience to people in the community who use Swansea Swim Centre, but we will do everything within our capacity to expedite the pool's replacement.
"There is simply no practical alternative, given the condition of the current structure."
Council staff have met with user group Friends of Swansea Pool to outline the situation and discuss alternative locations and arrangements for pool users.
"We are committed to working directly with all pool users to find alternative venues during the upcoming swim season," Mr Harris said.
"We have already started planning to accommodate programs at other Council aquatic facilities, including Charlestown, Speers Point and West Wallsend swim centres."
"The good news is, a new concrete pool is expected to last 50-100 years - far longer than the lifespan of a new liner, had we been able to pursue that option."
A cost estimate of the Swansea Swim Centre Stage One works, including the pool's replacement, will be available once the new pool's design is finalised and the tender process is complete.
Stage Two works will include construction of a new learn-to-swim pool, water play area and car park.
Further proposed stages feature an amenities upgrade and grandstand replacement.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said Council would continue to work with pool users and other stakeholders to address concerns and find workable alternatives until the replacement project was complete.
"We know this is disappointing for pool users, but we are committed to delivering a facility that will serve the community for generations to come," he said.
"Now that the 50m pool at Swansea - a 65-year-old asset - is set to be replaced, I'll work with Council to investigate whether there are opportunities to fast-track delivery of the learn-to-swim pool."
Go to lakemac.com.au
