University Heights addresses emergency pool repairs, schedules leak detection and maintenance review

University Heights Service Director Alan Pennington told the Recreation Committee on June 18 that the pool’s waterslide motor suffered a “catastrophic failure” and cannot be rebuilt, and staff are seeking quotes to replace it as soon as parts are available. Pennington said he expects pricing from the contractor within days and estimated installation could be a week to two weeks after parts arrive.

The motor is older and “somewhat unique,” Pennington said, after consulting original pool plans to identify the motor brand and impeller size. He told the committee the motor’s impeller is 8.25 inches and that the last rebuild was roughly nine years ago. Pennington said the replacement will likely be treated as an emergency repair and may require a future budget adjustment.

Committee members also pressed for a plan to address a suspected pool leak. Pennington said he has contacted American Leak Detection to schedule pressure testing and leak location work after the pool season; he provided the company’s prior rates from last fall — $995 for the first two hours, $300 per hour thereafter, and an additional $200 for locating an underground leak — and said updated pricing will be requested. He said that the pressure-testing and any destructive work would be done after the pool has been closed for the season, with repairs completed during the fall so the spring opening is not delayed.

Routine and preventive maintenance items were discussed. Pennington listed recent work completed this year: replacement of the ice machine, replacement of two commercial microwaves, painting of men’s and women’s restrooms and the pool entry area, roof leak repairs, locker removal in the lifeguard area, power washing of floors and decks, new exterior clock at the lifeguard stand, and landscape trimming. Remaining planned work in the current budget includes replacing door locks and potentially signage.

Staff flagged additional items that may require attention or replacement: sand in the pool’s sand filter (last replacement date unknown and likely a subcontracted job), repair or replacement of broken laterals in the sand filter (not possible while the system is full), replacing the Hayward “CAT” chlorine/pH control unit and sensors (Pennington gave a vendor quote of approximately $3,289 for a new unit with sensors), and replacement of pool vacuum heads; one working vacuum remains and staff recommended replacement in the off-season or in 2026.

On the diving boards and stairs, Pennington said a visual inspection found no loose hardware that would prevent safe use, but he recommended an official inspection for “peace of mind” before next season. He also confirmed that some routine items (e.g., sand-filter work, broken laterals) can only be done after the pool is drained at season’s end.

Pennington and committee members discussed whether to build a predictable, documented preventive-maintenance program for major pumps and impellers; Pennington said the city has not historically scheduled regular replacements for major equipment and that spares for every component may not be cost-effective, but the city will “look into” prioritizing critical impellers and pumps for off-season replacement.

Committee members asked Pennington to return to the finance committee with firm cost estimates as they become available. Several members emphasized the risk of deferring repairs — repeated small fixes can become larger, more expensive problems — and urged scheduling the leak-detection work and follow-up repairs in the fall so next season is not disrupted.

Ending: Pennington said he will obtain updated pricing from American Leak Detection and parts pricing for the waterslide motor, review the capital plan for replacement options, and report costs to the finance committee as soon as he has them.