Swimmers can use the pool, which will open for the summer season from Saturday morning.

With 25 degrees forecast on Saturday and 31 on Sunday it has come at the perfect time for people wanting to beat the heat.

Save the Outdoor Pool Committee member Ambrose Cashin said he was ecstatic to have arrived at the historic occasion.

“For five years the small committee has work tirelessly to overcome all the hurdles, but it is the community that has come together to ensure this has happened,” he said.

“Without their involvement, it would never have occurred, this is something the Ararat community has got to be extremely proud of because where else could this occur?

“Other communities must look with envy at what we have been able to achieve here in Ararat.”

To coincide with the pool opening the Gardens Lake Cafe has also opened and is serving customers from 6am seven days a week.

There are also more plans for further development, with the committee still working to install a waterslide, complete landscaping and add shade cover to the pool.

Mr Cashin said it was an important community asset that would help teach Ararat children how to swim.

“Drownings in Victoria are up eight per cent on last year,” he said.

“With the opening of the outdoor pool, and government implementation, all primary school students have to swim at 50 metres.

“It could not have come at a better time.

“Children will learn lifesaving skills – parents can take the opportunity to ensure their child becomes safe in the water as they grow up.”

There are five members of the save the outdoor pool committee, with Sandy Laidlaw, Rhonda Holtz, Kylie Walker and Maddie Vernon joining Mr Cashin as part of the group which led redevelopment efforts.

Premier Daniel Andrews officially opened the pool’s new changerooms and kiosk in April.

A season pass for families will cost $90.