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City hears plan to upgrade Forest Hills pool filtration, pumps and controls
Summary
Contractors presented a second-phase plan to modernize the Forest Hills (city) pool’s filtration and mechanical systems, including surge tanks, variable-frequency drives, new valves and an auto-fill system; staff will return with cost and funding recommendations.
Contractors presented a proposed second phase of improvements for the Forest Hills City Pool at the Sept. 11 Floresville City Council meeting, outlining work the presenter said would replace aging filtration components, add variable-frequency drives to pumps and improve the pool’s ability to maintain water clarity and safe operation.
The project presentation, led by Dino Cantu with an assisting presenter identified as Alec, described converting the existing filter arrangement to surge tanks, installing modern valves, flow meters and gauges on suction and return lines, adding a variable-frequency (VFD) drive for the pump motor and providing an automatic fill system so staff do not need continuous manual monitoring. The presenters said those changes would simplify maintenance, improve operator safety and bring equipment up to current code requirements.
Why this matters: the upgrades are aimed at improving water quality and reducing the risk of equipment failure that can close the pool. Updated controls and an auto-fill would reduce the need for manual monitoring during operations and help protect the new pump motors from cavitation, the presenters said.
Details discussed in the meeting included: - Mechanical scope: build a filtration “surge bins” structure over existing filter basins, replace laterals and some large plumbing later; install new valves, flow meters, gauges and supports; add VFD for motor control and an auto-fill system. - Maintenance and safety: presenters said current valves and flow-control devices are outdated, tend to jam and make backwashing and other service tasks difficult; new equipment would simplify those tasks. - Scope limits: the presenter said replacement of certain visible pool-deck pipes, lighting and other pool-area features are planned for a later phase, not the equipment-only package now under consideration. - Cost: the presenter stated a project estimate of roughly $501,884 for the equipment-and-installation package as described; council members and staff acknowledged the number as a planning estimate to be refined.
Council members and staff asked several clarifying questions. Councilmembers raised concerns about lighting and cosmetic fixtures used for events at the pool and asked whether certain rusted or worn pipes in viewing areas would be replaced now or in a later phase; presenters and staff said those items were planned for a subsequent phase to keep the immediate equipment work within budget. A council member asked about next steps; staff said the proposal had been submitted to Dino’s team and would be brought back at the next meeting for consideration and action.
Ending: Staff will place the proposal on a future agenda with cost details and funding recommendations so the council can consider formal approval and contract award.
