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Atkinson Lap Pool reopens after combined-chlorine closure; UV system installed, renovation planned for summer
Summary
The Atkinson Lap Pool, closed Jan. 8 for elevated combined-chlorine levels, passed a pre-opening inspection after a UV system installation; the pool met state and board pre-opening requirements and reopened. Officials flagged ongoing maintenance needs and a planned renovation expected May–August.
Board of Health staff reported that the Atkinson Lap Pool was closed on Jan. 8 because elevated combined-chlorine levels triggered enforcement. Parks and Recreation subsequently installed a two-foot inline ultraviolet (UV) disinfection unit, and the department completed recalibration and water rebalancing.
A pre-opening inspection on Feb. 7 confirmed the lap pool met the state and the board’s pre-opening requirements, and the pool reopened to the public the following Monday, the health department said. Combined-chlorine levels were reported at 0.2, which the inspector said is within the state’s allowable range.
The health department stressed maintenance and operational changes to prevent recurrence. Staff said Parks and Rec will require a pre-rinse wash for swimmers and will add a signed acknowledgement to rental users. The department also adopted a more precise testing kit (measuring increments of 0.2) and retrained staff on testing and logging procedures.
On longer-term work, the department said a renovation of the pool complex is planned for approximately May–August. The scope identified for the upcoming closure includes redoing the filter room, replacing sand tanks, and upgrading the pool HVAC (the “pool pack”), plus grout and skimmer work in the dive well. Staff said the existing UV system (described as roughly a $50,000 unit) is intended to be salvaged and reinstalled in the renovated filter-room design.
Department staff warned of maintenance risks: the UV system’s bulbs must be changed annually per the manufacturer, and there is no automatic in-place alarm for bulb failure; contract maintenance has been arranged but long-term upkeep must be budgeted. The inspector said the true stress test will come when swim-team season resumes and swim meets increase swimmer loads.
Swim-team activity: staff said swim season had approximately two weeks remaining at the time of the meeting; teams found alternative practice and meet locations during the closure. The board asked to be updated after the next high-use period.
