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Smith Park pool remains closed as heater replacement faces manufacturing delay; spring lessons canceled
Summary
The city says Smith Park’s commercial pool heater required full replacement and the ordered unit is reportedly out of production; spring swim lessons were canceled, users were notified, and staff said a $500,000 LA County grant will support future construction-related work but does not cover full pool construction.
City staff told the Community Services Commission that Smith Park’s pool heater suffered repeated failures and required a full replacement. Public Works procured a replacement after City Council approval on Feb. 3, but staff said the commercially manufactured heater is out of production and the vendor has not provided a firm delivery date. Staff said delivery and installation remain the gating items; installation itself is expected to be a short workday once the unit arrives.
Because of the uncertainty, the city canceled spring swim lessons and paused registration rather than risking a rapid, last-minute turnaround for lessons that might not be deliverable. Staff said user groups have been kept informed: the San Gabriel Seagulls have temporary practice arrangements through the end of April and the Gabrielino swim team is using Rosemead’s pool for practices.
Stevens said staff has explored alternative vendors and rental options but found none feasible for the community’s needs; he added the vendor selected was the lowest responsive bid at procurement and that the manufacturing delay appears to be with the heater manufacturer rather than the local vendor. He said staff has been regularly pressing the vendor for a delivery timeline and will notify user groups and the public when an installation date is confirmed.
On a separate note, Stevens announced the city received a $500,000 grant from Los Angeles County to support construction-related work (docks and permit-level readiness) that will help the city pursue larger construction funding in the future; he emphasized the grant does not fund full pool construction. Staff also said summer programs typically start in June and the city is monitoring whether it must adjust summer swim registration and programming depending on the heater delivery schedule.
The commission asked whether refunds occurred and what outreach was used; staff said there were no registrations for the canceled spring lessons, and communication was sent through the city e-newsletter and other channels. Council-approved procurement and vendor-selection materials were referenced; staff said they will update the commission when a delivery and installation date is confirmed.
