A number of people, some who have been travelling to Gisborne while the bathhouse underwent renovations, have contacted The Advocate over the past week to express their disappointment.

Hepburn Springs resident Ruth Bray said the public pool, at a depth of 1.4 metres, was no longer viable for frail or elderly people or those with disabilities.

"We need to be doing weight bearing exercises and the depth of the pool excludes that for safety reasons,'' she said.

"The structure of the bathhouse building and its fit-out actively discriminates against people with disabilities, the frail, elderly, the young, non swimmers, and people with a short stature.

"This is not the place for parents to take their young children.

"This is not a place for warm water exercise.''

Ms Bray said before the bathhouse pool was renovated about 40 residents including many pensioners with a wide variety of mobility and rehabilitation needs attended two regular hydrotherapy sessions run by the Hepburn Health Service.

"The bathhouse has, since its inception, been a place of health and healing,'' she said.

Meanwhile, Belgravia Leisure chief executive officer Adrian Johnston said the bathhouse was not a single purpose-built facility and was "not necessarily ideal for any one group''.

Mr Johnston said Belgravia had "come on board'' well after the bathhouse was designed but was keen to work with all users.

Another pool in the public area was just 0.95 metres and could be suitable, he said.

Mr Johnston said the bathhouse had received "sensational written feedback'' and many compliments.

Hepburn Shire Council chief executive officer Kaylene Conrick said the relaxation pool catered for exercise classes, aquatic classes and relaxation, but had not been specifically built as a stand-alone hydrotherapy pool.

"Float mats and a range of other aides are available for those using the pool for therapies,'' she said.

"There are also steps/benches that can be used for sitting/standing.''

Ms Conrick said the council had funded the Gisborne pool visits, with the bus provided by Hepburn Health Service, while the bathhouse was closed.

That funding had ended, she said.