DESPITE the recent unseasonably wet and cold weather, outdoor pools are set to be open soon across the south-west.

The Southern Grampians Shire Council has announced the Hamilton Outdoor Swimming Pool has now opened, weather permitting.

The following exceptions are in place:

The pool will be closed when the air temperature forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology at 4pm for the next day will be less than 23 degrees Celsius for all unheated pools and 21 degrees Celsius for all heated pools

The pool will open 12-7pm when the air temperature forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology at 4pm for the next day is more than 35 degrees Celsius (weekends and all of January only)

Patrons have been asked to note that the ground may be soft underfoot due to the wet weather and are advised to stick to the paved areas until it improves.

Also, Moyne Shire have announced their outdoor pool season is about to begin.

The official season opening for the Macarthur, Hawkesdale and Mortlake swimming pools is Saturday, December 3.

Moyne mayor, Karen Foster, said staff have been working hard over the past few months to prepare the pools for a busy summer ahead.

“All our local pools are looking their best for yet another big outdoor pool season,” she said.

“Our outdoor pools are a safe and welcoming place for the community, whether you’re looking to gain confidence in the water and develop a love of swimming or looking to spend some time outdoors with family and friends.

“Make sure you head down to the Macarthur, Hawkesdale or Mortlake swimming pools this summer season – they’re the perfect place to cool down and have some fun, right in our own backyard.”

The Moyne outdoor pools will open following Moyne Council’s temperature-based guidelines, which include:

During peaks of hot weather, opening hours will be extended to 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays

For days where the weather is forecast to be lower than 19.5 degrees at 6pm for the next day, the Mortlake pool will not open

Pool operating hours may vary on public holidays, school holidays and depending on weather conditions

Council advises residents to contact their local pool or visit the pool’s Facebook page for opening times

For relevant up-to-date information for both shires, follow Southern Grampians Shire Outdoor Swimming Pools on Facebook and also visit moyne.vic.gov.au/Our-Services/Swimming-Pools