Establishment The facility originally opened in 1963 as the Clarence War Memorial Pool, featuring an outdoor Olympic-sized pool, a children's
wading pool, and a toddler's
splash pool. The pool was surrounded by landscaped gardens and included a large uncovered
grandstand. Due to its open-air design, the pool operated only during the warmer months, closing during winter.
Inflatable "Bubble" Cover In 1982, the Clarence City Council implemented a significant upgrade by covering the pool with an inflatable dome structure, commonly referred to as "the Bubble." Constructed from synthetic canvas, the structure provided protection from the elements and allowed the facility to operate year-round. The distinctive white dome quickly became a well-known feature of the eastern shore and was visible from the
Tasman Bridge. During the 1980s and 1990s, the Clarence Pool was the only indoor
Olympic-size swimming pool in Tasmania, making it a central hub for competitive swimming and aquatic sports. The venue hosted the
Australian Swimming Championships multiple times and accommodated various aquatic disciplines, including
water polo,
underwater hockey,
canoe polo, and
fin swimming. Despite its success, the bubble was not initially designed for permanent use, leading to accelerated wear and structural issues. In one notable incident, a seam split during a swimming competition, forcing temporary closure for repairs. By the late 1990s, it became evident that the structure was nearing the end of its operational lifespan.
Redevelopment Following the development of the
Hobart Aquatic Centre by the
Hobart City Council, the Clarence City Council initiated plans to modernise its aquatic facility. In 2002, the inflatable bubble was permanently removed, and in 2003, the centre closed for an extensive 11-month refurbishment project costing approximately
A$2.8 million. The redevelopment introduced a modern, energy-efficient building to enclose the existing pools. Upgrades included new non-slip pool decking, renovated
changing facilities, improved lighting and heating systems, and enhanced
disability access. These upgrades aimed to improve both the functionality and comfort of the facility for patrons year-round. ==Current Operations==