The pool at the Salem Community Center sits empty, with part of a new blue PVC membrane and gray felt underliner visible, along with the old pool plaster that was starting to deteriorate. The pool has been shut down since the end of July for resurfacing and installation of a new ultraviolet light disinfection system. SCC Director of Aquatics Shane Harding said the pool is scheduled to reopen Sept. 5. (Salem News photo by Mary Ann Greier)
SALEM — The man in charge of Salem Community Center aquatic operations said he’s more excited about what people won’t see when the pool reopens Sept. 5 with a new look and a new PVC membrane surface.
Director of Aquatics Shane Harding explained that in the basement, hidden away in a stainless steel chamber, ultraviolet light bulbs will work their magic, eliminating chlorine-resistant pathogens and by-products, resulting in less chlorine use and water that’s healthier and easier to maintain.
“Huge investment in the public’s health and safety. I’m just so appreciative of something of that stature being installed,” Harding said.
The new UV disinfection systems in the main pool, the training pool and the spa will free up the chlorine to do a better job.
According to a description on the Spectra Light website, “Ultraviolet pool sanitizers emit a high intensity germicidal light ray that alters or disrupts the DNA or RNA of targeted organisms such as algae, bacteria, viruses, cysts and protozoa. The highly concentrated electromagnetic energy also destroys organic matter, eliminating the formation of dangerous chlorine by-products.”
Harding said one pathogen in particular that will be eliminated is known as cryptosporidium, a microscopic parasite.
Work on the pool began last month with the draining of the water July 30. The pool plaster surface was starting to come up in spots with concrete showing through and a sandy/silty feel. One of the options for resurfacing besides using the pool plaster was the installation of a PVC membrane that would be watertight and anti-microbial. Plus it cost less than the pool plaster.
“We felt that this was the better option,” he said.
A gray felt underlining levels the membrane and fills in spots on the current surface, giving the PVC a little bit of a cushion. The new race lanes on the bottom of the pool will be black. Modifications were made to the gutter system and a new stainless steel skirt will be around the entire pool length and gutter.
He said they’re also cleaning up the pool deck and doing maintenance on the pumps and filters.
He’s hoping to start filling the pool next week so it’s ready to reopen the day after Labor Day. The main pool holds 200,000 gallons of water and measures 3,400 square feet with a depth of 13 feet 4 inches at the deep end and 3 feet 4 inches at the shallow end. He said it takes a day and a half to fill the pool and three to four days to get the temperature up to the proper level.
Harding said the work on the pool surface is mostly cosmetic and not the result of a major problem. He said they had some minor leaks here and there.
“This is going to be beautiful,” he said, adding that he’s “more appreciative of the UV system.”
The work on the pool surface is being done by RenoSys based in Indianapolis.
SCC Executive Director Heather Young said it’s estimated that they’ll save 50 percent on chemical costs for the year because of the new UV system. The total cost of the project, with the new liner and UV system, is $131,305 and is being funded by the Salem Community Foundation. SCC redid the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system for the natatorium last year and redid the deck in 2014.
“I know it’s an inconvenience for everybody to be shut down for a month, but (with) the benefits all members will receive, it’s well worth it,” she said.
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