The Foster Swimming Pool is off to a great start for the summer season.
Since opening on 16 December the solar heated water temperature has been averaging around 27-28℃, which is perfect for most pool users. (Trivia note: The official range for Olympic competition is 25–28℃)
The Foster Pool is a unique community recreational facility in that it caters for all ages - from toddlers becoming accustomed to water play, to children learning and honing their swimming skills, right through to the more senior citizens keeping fit with lap swimming and aqua therapy for rehabilitation. Morning lap swimming/aqua therapy is a standout feature of the Foster pool, being very well attended from 7am – 10am, although lap lanes are always available throughout the day.
The volunteer Foster Swimming Pool Association is very active in raising funds and applying for grants to improve the facility infrastructure and equipment not within the Council remit.
The FSPA’s first major achievement was the solar heating project in 2017 that ensured reliable water temperature through the most environmentally sustainable method. Since then acquisitions have included a permanent gas barbeque, ride-on mower, new lane ropes, changeroom repaints and maintenance.
In 2026, the FSPA is again embarking on another major project - a permanent shade cover for the shallow end of the main pool. While there is plenty of shaded area around the pool grounds, community feedback suggests that there needs to be some sun protection while actually in the water, especially on those very hot sunny days. The FSPA anticipates that this structure can be funded and installed during the 2026/2027 summer period.
Successful grant applications will be necessary but the project will also require co-funding by the community, so the annual major raffle is on again over January and February. FSPA members will be a regular sight selling tickets and talking about the Foster Pool at markets, the Show and on Main Street. Tickets are just $5 so please show your support for your local pool and the Sun Shade project and go in the running for a $1,250 luxury escapes voucher, a 2.5-hour cruise for two people with Wanderer Adventures – Wilsons Promontory cruises, a $100 dinner voucher from the Foster Exchange Hotel and a citrus tree from Deep Creek Nursery. Thank you to the generous sponsors. Ian Lyon
