Installed and owned by former Wauchope Memorial Olympic Pool management contractor Brad Holt, the waterslide is in the process of being dismantled and removed after negotiations for its purchase by pool owner Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and/or new contractor Swimwell Pty Ltd fell through.

Mr Holt said he had given the council the option to purchase the waterslide, which it had not taken up, and negotiations with Swimwell's Michael and Cindy Mullens, after looking promising, had broken down.

The council had then instructed him to remove the waterslide from the pool venue before the start of the swimming season later this month, he said.

The slide had been a popular attraction at the pool, Mr Holt said, with some families travelling by train from as far as Kempsey and Taree to make use of it, and family groups often coming from Port Macquarie for waterslide rides.

It would be great to keep the waterslide in the area and it is now for sale if anybody wants it, said Mr Holt, whose company lost the contract to operate and manage the Wauchope, Laurieton and Kendall pools to the Port Macquarie pool operator Swimwell in May.

The new Wauchope pool managers, Mr and Mrs Mullens, said they had been hopeful that the existing waterslide could be incorporated into the ongoing operation and were keen to open negotiations to purchase the slide.

Mr Mullens said that they had even approached council with a view to cost sharing of this equipment, however this was not possible.

He said that after inspecting the condition of the slide they had "concerns as to its safety and effective lifespan".

"Refurbishment options, as advised by an independent repairer, indicated that the cost necessary to recoat and fix the slide would be substantial," Mr Mullens said.

"We made allowance for this cost, and the ability to recoup costs over the life of the contract in our offer.

"Unfortunately, this offer was rejected, and given the impending pool opening it seems time has run out."

Swimwell has purchased inflatable play equipment for the Wauchope pool and is assessing other options for recreational activities.

"Our development application for the inclusion of our new indoor pool facility is progressing through council and we hope to be able to begin work soon. The new pool will be heated and will allow for an expansion of our learn to swim classes," Mr Mullens said. "As well we will look to improve our squad programs, and continue the diving program."