Work was needed to fix leaks and stabilise the area around the pool that had deteriorated according to Armidale Hospital’s acting general manager Catherine Death.

The pool had been closed for five weeks for the refurbishment.

“We made a decision about what was important at the hospital and so we didn’t want to hold off,” she said.

Ms Death said young and old will benefit from the variety of programs available at the pool .

Two swimmers who use the facility regularly for physical therapy are Addy and Micah Oxley.

Their grandfather Phil Oxley said the service was vital for children with disabilities.

“They are both disabled, Addy can’t walk and Micah won’t be able to by the time he is three, so they both need wheelchairs,” he said.

“It allows them freedom of movement that they wouldn’t be able to have otherwise and it strengthens the body.

“[It is] good for strengthening the immune system which helps because breathing can be an issue for them.”

Ms Death said hydrotherapy was also excellent for senior citizens as a great form of impact-free exercise.

“It is very important for their mobility,” she said.