A picturesque coastal pool has been revitalised, to the delight of locals and tourists.
The Kings Beach Ocean Pool, which is located on the rocks at the northern end of Kings Beach at Caloundra, underwent a $740,000 upgrade.
The pool was closed from April 20 until July 1, when the pool was emptied, the deteriorated surface was removed, and a new surface was installed.
The complete works included: resurfacing the entire pool, including new tiled edging, tiled expansion joint and tiled lane markings; equipotential bonding of the saltwater pool and fountain play area; corrosion treatment and recoating of all shade structures and seating; and full servicing of all pool pumps and filter infrastructure.
A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said the project was crucial.
“This resurfacing will improve safety and user experience, reduce ongoing maintenance and repair costs and ensure the pool is protected for many years to come.”
Councillor Terry Landsberg said the pool was “looking fantastic”, via social media.
There were scores of comments in response, and almost all were positive.
“Looks great. I wish we had more ocean pools along the coast,” Paulo Mendes said.
“Awesome work. Our beach pool looks brilliant,” Jenny Mortimer added.
“Excellent. My favourite place,” Liv Vertigan said.
“That’s a lot nicer than it used to be. Well done,” Josh Bentley said.
The facility is also known as the Sir Francis Nicklin Memorial Pool, named after the late Frank Nicklin, who lived on the Sunshine Coast and was Queensland premier from 1957 to 1968.
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Built in the late 1970s, it is about 25m long and is open daily from 4am to 9pm.
It is believed to be just one of a few ocean pools in Queensland, with others at Townsville and Wynnum.
Some minor upgrades are also on the way.
They include replacing the main seawater pump, which has reached the end of its service life; upgrading the surface of the fountain area, where sections of exposed concrete have deteriorated; and resealing expansion joints across the pool concourse to improve durability and ongoing maintenance.
The pool renewal is among a handful of significant projects in the area.
The Kings Beach Surf Life Saving facility on Ormonde Terrace is being replaced with a new, modern facility. Work started in May and was expected to take a year, weather permitting.
“It will be safer, more accessible and better suited to the needs of our community, lifeguards and lifesavers,” the spokesperson said.
A 200m section of the Caloundra Headland Kings Beach Coastal Pathway will also be upgraded with seating and viewing areas.
Meanwhile, the playground behind the Kings Beach amphitheatre stage, and the play equipment between the Kings Beach Surf Life Saving Club and the water fountain, are due for renewal, as is the Levuka Avenue public amenity.
