Marysville seeks contractors after pool filtration failures and leak leave slides inoperable

City staff told the Marysville City Council they discovered clogged sand filters and an active leak at the municipal pool that have reduced circulation and left the slides inoperable. Officials said the issues likely require replacing sand in filtration units, repairing buried piping where water is surfacing under concrete, and resolving chlorination flow problems.

Water and sewer supervisor Ken Bargmann said staff "opened up the sand filters, and they were coated," and that an attempted chemical treatment did not restore adequate flow. Pool manager Courtney Porter told the council, "it's truly at this point replacing the sand," and described water appearing near the six‑foot deep area and a catch basin that was flowing into nearby drainage.

Officials said they are seeing circulation flows well below target. Staff told the council the system needs flows "over at least 1,200 to 1,600" gallons (reported as a target range by staff) but were seeing flows in the 600–800 range after prior repairs. The council and staff discussed immediate steps: find a qualified contractor to excavate and identify the leaking conduit, replace sand and possibly filters, and coordinate with chemical vendors to treat the filters. The city indicated it has reserves available to pay for emergency repairs if needed.

Councilmembers were told the pool could remain open while staff works to repair components, but the slides may be unavailable until the piping and filter work are completed. Staff said they will call contractors immediately to secure excavation and vac‑truck services and will report back on schedule and cost estimates.