Kirkcudbright Swimming Pool could reopen by early next month following round-table talks on Friday.
The popular facility closed on November 28 amid a cash crisis sparked by soaring energy bills.
Since then the hundreds of water lovers have been left high and dry as efforts continue to get it back on an even keel.
Now a potential solution has emerged – funders Kirkcudbright Development Trust could bring the pool fully under its wing.
A key part of that plan would require an interim manager to replace previous incumbent Colin Wyper, who quit last month.
Speaking after Friday’s meeting in the Johnston Centre, pool chairman Brian Matthews was hopeful of a positive outcome.
He said: “We are hoping that the KDT will take over the running of the pool as a separate trading arm – just like they do with Silvercraigs Caravan Park.
“If they do that I think that will secure the future of the pool along with the staff’s jobs.
“It’s a reasonable move by KDT to ride in and rescue the pool.
“We are very pleased to be working with Kirkcudbright Development Trust on hopefully reopening the pool in the very near future.
“They are hoping to get an interim manager appointed by the end of January and at a later date interview for a permanent manager.
“The aim is to open the pool by early February.”
Kirkcudbright Development Trust chairperson Lesley Garbutt confirmed that operating the pool as a trading arm “was the option being explored”.
She said: “We had a very productive meeting with the staff. We are all striving to get the pool open as soon as possible.
“The sooner we can open the doors the sooner we can get income in again.
“It’s not up to people like us who are all volunteers.
“We need to get legal and financial advice.
“We need an independent person who can sit down, look at things and say what’s the way forward.
“And we will probably have to pay for the level of expertise required.”
Mrs Garbutt added: “We are hoping to be open by the beginning of February.
“But we can’t do that until we get the proper advice and the various bodies together.
“Those involved are all working very hard to resolve this as soon as is practically possible.
“It has been a very difficult time.
“The pool is hugely important to the town and has been for many years.
“It is a vital part of our community.”
