Study finds Waitsburg pool is significantly damaged

WAITSBURG‚—Summer is around the corner, and Waitsburg residents may be asking if the city’s pool will open this year?

The short answer is that, no, the pool will not be open this year. Not for lack of operating funds or employee shortages, but because of extensive damage. An architectural assessment found that the pool’s structure, plumbing, and outbuildings have ‘far exceeded’ their anticipated life expectancy and should be replaced.

On February 18, architects from Cortner Architectural Company, Spokane, visited the pool, located at the northern end of Waitsburg, across the street from Preston Park. The pool was built in 1925, with significant renovations in the 1970s and mid-1990s, including lowering the deep end to install a diving board, elevating the pool deck to match the pool rim elevation, installation of a linear multiple pool drain, and modifications to the pool skimmer.

The pool has been closed to the public since 2020 due primarily to COVID-19 restrictions. Other obstacles to operating the pool were discussed at City Council meetings over the past two years, including staffing and maintenance

In a letter to City Administrator Randy Hinchliffe, architect James Cortner said the pool has a significant leak issue. In late 2021, American Leak Detection did a dive inspection and leak detection survey. It found the main intake line for the pool was broken, and original piping and fittings were well-beyond their intended life expectancy and most likely leak sources.

The letter also described visible cracking in the concrete pool indicating areas of separation between the floor and the walls. Evidence of spalling concrete, sections that have flaked or peeled away, indicate significant damage just below the surface.

Cortner estimated the cost of repairing leaks and other structural problems might exceed the cost of a new facility due to the extent and inaccessibility of the damaged areas. He noted that a new facility would also allow improvements to accommodate those with disabilities.

The estimated cost for a new pool facility is between $850,000 and $1 million. Cortner estimated a new pool would cost between $350,000-$450,000. A public entrance, shower and restroom facilities, and parking could add up to $450,000. For the pool to be built at the same location, an estimate of $75,000 would be needed for demolition and removal of the current pool. If the new pool were to be constructed at the existing site, an additional $75,000 would be needed for demolition and removal.

Hinchliffe said that the pool is not on the agenda and will not be discussed at the March 23 council meeting since the full council will not be in attendence. The issue is anticipated to come up at future meetings.