It was all hands on pool deck yesterday as staff began the process of preparing the pool to meet swimming regulations before the weekend opening.

The outdoor pool at AquaZone is usually open to the public for 17 weeks each year, but this season will be extended by one week after The Lady Bay Resort Apartments donated more than $5000 to cover the cost of opening the pool for seven extra days.

The Warrnambool City Council spends $100,000 each season on operating the outdoor pool which includes the costs of heating, lifeguards, chemicals, ground maintenance and other operational expenses.

With the temperature forecast to hit 28 degrees tomorrow, AquaZone manager Brett Worrall said he believed swimmers would welcome the early opening ? the first in the centre's seven-year history.

"We've had an increasing number of inquiries about the outdoor pool," he said. "We've had bumper crowds this last week, particularly in peak times after school hours."

Lady Bay Resort Apartments manager Jon Watson said the sponsorship deal was prompted after this week's unseasonal burst of warm weather.

"We wanted to give something back to the community and it will be nice to have the outdoor pool open a bit earlier. What spurred it on was the fantastic weather we've had this week," he said.

"It's going to be hot for the next week and I think it's going to be well received by the kids, but also the swimming clubs who will get to train out here."

Mr Worrall said the early opening would give Warrnambool and other swimming clubs the unique opportunity to get some outdoor training ahead of their carnival at the pool on Sunday.

He said because of the carnival, the pool would be closed to the public on Sunday but would operate continuously from November 16 until March 21, except for Christmas Day.

The pool has been filled for testing after work was done to seal leaks. Mr Worrall said initial investigations showed the repairs had reduced water loss, but a full assessment wouldn't be possible until the end of the swimming season.

Warrnambool City Council chief executive Bruce Anson said council was unable to extend the season any further because of financial reasons.