Marysville discusses aquatic center sand-filter repairs and approves flexible staff swimwear policy

The Marysville City Council on a voice vote approved a change to the Aquatic Center staff dress-code policy and heard a detailed staff update about clogged sand filters that have impaired water flow at the municipal pool.

City staff and Aquatic Center personnel described the primary operational problem as a solidified layer inside the pool’s sand filtration system, which staff say developed because of improper chemical use before 2024. Audrey Pilsell, who identified herself as assistant manager at the pool, told the council the pump and heater are currently working but that flow is limited because “there is a layer of sand mixed with solid chlorine” clogging the filters. Pilsell said the pool has backwashing capability but the solid layer prevents normal backwash cleaning. She said Manhattan Energy has proposed a chemical treatment to break up the layer and restore normal filtration; if that fails, staff would need to replace the filter sand, which they described as fine and expensive. Pilsell said Tony (a staff member) expects to try the chemical treatment within about two weeks and that staff would monitor whether sufficient flow returns.

Council members asked about backup plans if the chemical treatment fails and about the cost implications. Staff replied that, if the treatment does not restore filter function, the pool can still operate with higher chemical use but with reduced efficiency and that a full sand replacement would be more expensive. No formal funding decision for sand replacement was made at the meeting.

The dress-code policy change drew substantial discussion before a motion to approve. Miss Fizzle (Aquatic Center staff) presented a written policy change that would allow lifeguards to select an appropriate athletic-style suit rather than requiring a single city-issued model. Supporters said the change accommodates different body types, allows rash guards or lifeguard-cut two-piece suits, and improves staff comfort and retention. Some council members recalled past problems when looser rules allowed inappropriate swimwear; managers acknowledged that consistent enforcement and pre-shift inspections would be needed. Miss Fizzle and other staff suggested on-the-spot remedies (towel or shorts over noncompliant suits) and manager discretion for corrective actions or sending staff home if a suit violates the policy.

Councilmember discussion emphasized safety and staff-management responsibility. One member said safety would take precedence and managers can require a T-shirt or shorts for coverage if needed. After discussion, a councilmember moved to approve the aquatic center staff dress-code policy change and the motion was seconded. The council approved the policy by voice vote; the motion was recorded as carried.

The council did not take further formal action on the sand-filter chemical treatment or on replacement funding at the meeting. Staff said they will proceed with the proposed chemical treatment, report results, and return to council if additional funding or policy changes are necessary.