Retired swimming teacher Helen L’Huillier, who managed the Mount Beauty pool for 15 years, said it was poorly thought out.

“If they want to put in a splash pool, fine go-ahead but it should not be at the expense of the toddler pool,” Mrs L’Huillier said.

“The splash pool is a novelty and if it was down at the foreshore (on Mount Beauty pondage) that would be fine, but it shouldn’t be built to the detriment of swimming facilities at the pool.”

Mrs L’Huillier fears less children will learn to swim, with numbers in the toddlers’ and intermediate pools having fallen because of shade sails lowering water temperatures.

“The pools used to be warm and the kids could stay in for a whole lesson; you can teach them a lot in 30 minutes but if they’re cold they won’t stay in the water,” she said.

Alpine Council has sought feedback on its plan and two splash pad options via social media.

Mayor Ron Janas said the children’s pool was rundown.

“It needs upgrading and rejuvenating that area, we’ve got $200,000 from the Sport and Recreation (Department) in the Victorian government and council is putting in $110,000,” Cr Janas said.

“We’ve it out there for community comment and feedback and we’ll gather that together and see how the community wants us to spend that money.”

Cr Janas said the toddlers’ pool may remain if that was what townsfolk desired.

“Nothing has been knocked out and if there is strong community support to retain it in its current form that’s what we’ll look at,” he said.

The mayor said budget and land issues would complicate the chances of the splash area being built next to the pondage.

Residents have until Sunday to comment through Facebook posts on the shire’s home page or email messages to info@alpineshire.vic.gov.au.

Cr Janas said it was hoped the splash pad, which has been compared to the water play area alongside the Ovens River at Bright, could be constructed by October.

Pool entry fees would apply for Mount Beauty’s.