Workers began filling the pool Friday afternoon after a new pump and filter system had been installed. The new system is needed to meet health standards. The town also had to build an enclosure for the pumps and filtering system.
Earlier this week, contractors and recently hired lifeguards were cleaning the pool area, getting ready for a health inspector to visit and issue the permit the town needs to open the pool.
On Tuesday, the pool water was continuing to circulate through the new system.
“Our goal is to get open this week,” said David White, assistant town manager in charge of parks and recreation, building and grounds and public works. “There is a high likelihood it’s going to open on Wednesday.”
White’s departments along with private contractors hired by the town have been racing to get the repairs made to the 40-year-old pool so it could open before the end of summer.
The Southern Pines Town Council decided in May to close the pool, primarily because of declining usage over the last few years and because of the extensive repairs that would be needed to meet health and safety standards. That included installing a new pump and filtering system and checking the underground lines to make sure they could handle the increased amount of water being pumped through them.
New safety equipment was also installed to prevent someone being injured by the vacuum and water suction system.
The council reversed its decision in June after a large group of West Southern Pines residents and civic leaders filled the council chambers and asked that the town take whatever steps were needed to open the pool.
They said it is an important asset to the community and provides a place for children and families to enjoy recreational activities.
A Pool Park cleanup has been started by volunteers. Children have been playing in the water from the irrigation sprinklers that the town has been operating for extended hours until the pool reopens.
There was one glitch when workers began filling the pool last Friday afternoon. A faulty part had to be replaced.
Water was circulating and the pool was vacuumed Tuesday, to make sure the water is clean when the health inspector visits.
The town expects to meet current health codes requiring that the water is recycled once every six hours. The old system recycled the water every 10 to 11 hours, which did not meet health standards. The water sometimes appeared cloudy.
The town spent $21,250 to purchase and install new pump and filter equipment and to construct a building to enclose the system.
The town is ready to see the pool reopened, White said Tuesday.
“We already have three lifeguards on staff,” he said. “But we still want to take applications from certified lifeguards who can be available once school starts and a couple of them won’t be able to be on duty during the daytime.”
Anyone interested in applying to be a lifeguard can call the Parks and Recreation Department at 692-2463, he said.
Two lifeguards must be on duty while the pool is open — one to man the admission gate and the other to serve as lifeguard.
White said he didn’t expect the town would charge people to swim. In previous years, the town charged a small admission fee.
“We plan to keep it open into the third week in September, depending on the weather,” White said.
The pool will be open every day except Monday from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. until school opens Thursday, Aug. 25. The pool will be closed on Mondays for maintenance.
After Aug. 25, the pool will be open from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday for after-school swimming. The pool will be open on Saturday and Sunday from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. The lifeguards and other employees work a couple of hours in the morning to check chemicals and prepare the facility, White said.
