In an effort to make one last splash, Glenorchy War Memorial Pool has opened its doors to dogs and their humans for the first time.
The outdoor pool is closing for the winter and, with keeping the pool sanitary no longer essential, four-legged swimmers had a chance to dive in.
Dog owner Colleen Hassett said it was a no-brainer when it came to booking a spot for her pup.
"I just thought it was a good idea for the dogs to have a good exercise … and not let the water go to waste.
"I'm sure they've had an enjoyable afternoon. Hopefully, they'll go home and just leave me alone for the rest of the night and that's my goal every day — exhaust them so that they sleep," she laughed.
Her young son, Riley Tybell, was happy the dogs would not have to be cooped up inside for the day.
"Instead they're actually enjoying themselves with other people and other dogs," he said.
"It's been loads of fun. The dogs enjoying themselves makes me enjoy myself, which means the dogs enjoy themselves and the humans enjoy themselves."
Not all dogs were interested in the pool — Jo Bird's dog was there to socialise.
"He has swum before but he's more interested in playing with other dogs," she said.
For staff at the leisure centre, it was as good as a dogs' day out.
Ean Pool did the opening shift in the morning. He stuck around until midday just to watch the dogs play.
"I love all of it, absolutely love it. [It] looks like so much fun, I wish I could have brought mine."
During the off-season, the pool sits unused for six months. The pool is not drained until a month or two before the new season starts.
Due to the age of the pool, sitting empty could cause it to crumble inwards. Instead, it is drained, cleaned and filled closer to re-opening time.
Charity event sells out
Glenorchy pool venue manager Taylah Lucadou-Wells usually works at the leisure centre's Devonport site, which runs the same event every year.
When she came down to Hobart, she knew she would have to bring the tradition south.
"All of our sessions booked out overnight, basically. We've got, I think, 100 dogs in total booked in," she said.
It is also an important fundraising event.
"Each dog was charged $10 entry ... we're hoping to raise about $1,000," she said.
"It's super fun and it's good to raise money for a local charity as well … Glenorchy, they love their dogs here as well."
And it is as much about getting wet as it is having a good sniff around.
"We didn't really get many dogs in the water in the first session [in Glenorchy], but it's just more so a social thing for a lot of the dogs as well, it's just a fun environment and everybody enjoys it," Ms Lucadou-Wells said.
"It's just a really fun, happy, environment."
