The Alexandrina and City of Victor Harbor councils appointed developer and builder Candetti to undertake a feasibility study on the design and costing of an aquatic centre at a special meeting on Tuesday night.

It is expected the feasibility study will take up to six months to complete.

The councils have also appointed Wallmans Lawyers as part of the Aquatic Facility process.

The Alexandrina Mayor Kym McHugh said it was councils' preference for the developer to build, own and operate a facility that will meet the needs of the community.

"Candetti will be looking at how a regional centre can be packaged together so that it is financially viable in it's own right.

"This will not be easy but we are confident Candetti are experienced and competent professionals in the field of Aquatic Centre development, which we anticipate may include associated business and health activities," Mr McHugh said.

Deputy Mayor of the City of Victor Harbor Pat Chigwidden said this was an exciting time for the City of Victor Harbor and Alexandrina Council regions.

"Candetti has been given access to a number of reports into an Aquatic facility on the Fleurieu, together with a list of potential sites, which will form part of their full business case study," she said.

The councils called for expressions of interest from private businesses to build, own and operate a pool facility in December 2009.

Three firms registered a written expression of interest and were interviewed by working parties led by Alexandrina Mayor Kym McHugh and Victor Harbor Mayor Mary-Lou Corcoran.

Last week the state Liberal party announced it would commit $2.5 million towards an aquatic facility on the south coast if elected to government, dependent on a feasibility study prepared by the councils.

The proposed facility will include a 25-metre heated, indoor swimming pool, plus a multi-purpose pool including hydrotherapy, additional multi-purpose sports courts, car parking and other compementary facilities.