From a sign 'on-site':
"History of the Forster Ocean Baths"
An application was made in January 1935 to the Unemployment Relief Council for the purpose of construction of Ocean Baths and a Casino/Dance Hall at Forster.
In March of 1935, a work schedule was prepared and emergency relief workers, also known back then as "Work for the Dole", were given approval to be used as labourers.
April 1935 saw progress in the removal of rock and preparation of the pool bed.
In May of that year plans were approved by the Public Works Department and the Unemployment Relief Council.
Forster Ocean Baths were officially opened on the 18th January 1936 by the Hon. JM Dunningham, Minister of Labour and Industry.
Total cost of the Ocean Baths and Casino Buildings came to £5,734 with an additional £500 for fittings."
From the current Council website: MidCoast Council
Forster Ocean Baths
"Forster Ocean Baths, also known as The Bull Ring, was officially opened on the 18 January 1936, and since that time there has been little change in the actual pool construction. The pool dimensions are 56 metres along the northern wall (rear wall), 50 metres along the eastern wall and 69 metres along the western wall.
"The baths are located in North Street, Forster and are adjacent to the patrolled Forster Main Beach and a kiosk where you can purchase drinks and food. This well utilised facility is home to the Forster Mud Crabs Swimmers who can be seen training on Sunday mornings during the winter months."
Cleaning of Pool
There is a very informative section on one of the signs near the pool, to explain how the pool is cleaned each month.
* Water from the ocean is gravity fed at high tide through the inlet valve positioned on the eastern side of the wall.
* Water and debris flow through the pipe to the sediment tank where sand, rocks, seaweed and shells collect at the base of the well.
* Water is pumped from the well into the swimming pool, the current flowing from the northern wall, skimming the surface of rubbish through the scuppers and out of the pool.
* The pool is cleaned monthly by opening the outlet valve, which is located on the north western corner of the pool. The pool is completely emptied of water.
* All walls are pressure cleaned and marine growth is removed off the sides of the structure. All sand is removed from the base of the pool and replaced with fresh sand.
* The pool enclosure is then filled with fresh ocean water.
Diagram of Forster Ocean Baths
Cropped section of information sign at Baths, showing dimensions, and flow of water for cleaning of the Baths
How the Ocean Water is allowed to flow into the Baths.
From a cropped section of an information sign
An aerial view of the Forster Ocean Baths
From a cropped section of an information sign
Visited: 1610, Tuesday, 22 September, 2015