John Houston Memorial Swimming Pool

Hay is fortunate to have a free of charge pool complex located in Lachlan Street at the John Houston Memorial Olympic Pool, and has two pools for all ages. Orginally  constructed in 1967, the full refurbished pool complex was opened in December 2025. 





Officially opened in 1967, after ten years of fund raising and work towards its establishment. Named after John Houston, the President of the Hay Swimming Pool Committee for the whole 11 years the Committee existed.

In 2022-2023 the original entrance, Men's and Women's toilet blocks were demolished. A new entrance, staff facilities, swimming club rooms, and modern patrons amenities including change rooms and showers were built.  

It is now run by the Hay Shire Council, with Free Entry for all patrons. There are two pools in total: an Olympic size swimming pool, and a toddler / Learn to Swim Pool.

The pool complex hosts the local school swimming carnivals as well as district carnivals. Private swimming lessons by accredited teachers are also conducted at the pool as well as lessons under the Austswim program. The Hay Amateur Swimming Club also operate out of the Pool complex, with their own meeting room.

The grounds include large lawn areas, both in and outside the pool complex, children’s play equipment, basketball court, yarning circle, a number of shade structures, and free barbeque upon request to the pool supervisor.

The pool is open from 19 December 2025 through to April 2006 please find the supervised hours below:


Supervised Hours
Tuesdays - 3:00pm to 6:00pm
Weekdays - 3:00pm to 7:00pm
Weekends - 12pm to 7:00pm

Splash Park
7.00am - 7.00pm everyday

Supervised School Holidays 
Tuesdays - 12:00pm to 6:00pm
Weekdays - 12:00pm to 7:00pm
Weekends - 12pm to 7:00pm

All visitors to the pool must comply with the Conditions of Entry

Birthday Parties, Group Bookings,  Private Swimming Lessons

If you wish to hold a birthday party, group booking, or private swimming lessons, please contact  Hay Shire Council, on 02 6990 1100 or email: mail@hay.nsw.gov.au, stating the estimated number of children and how many adults will be supervising. Council staff will contact you for further information if required.

Council would like to remind all pool users that applications to use the pool for parties, group bookings and swimming instructors must be made minimum 7 days prior to hire. This is to ensure that the application is approved prior to date of hire and includes adequate supervisors, certificates, insurance and requirements are met.

Links

Pool Booking Application 2025 Form
John Houston Memorial Swimming Pool Complex Masterplan
Pool Reopening Booklet December 2025