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Bucksport drains Tim Emory pool after persistent leaks; $27,000 water estimate cited
Summary
Town staff said repeated, unexplained water loss from the Tim Emory Municipal Pool forced them to drain it for safety and sanitation; they recommended hiring a specialist 360-degree camera inspection and core testing to locate the leak and weigh repair costs versus longer-term options and grant opportunities.
The Tim Emory Municipal Pool in Bucksport will remain closed this summer after town staff concluded ongoing leaks pose sanitary, safety and financial risks.
Staff reported that when the pool was refilled it lost roughly 7 inches in the first 14 hours and continued to drain at rates of up to 6 inches a day. After visible patching and roughly 100 gallons of paint to seal cracks, staff said leakage continued when the pool was returned to full levels. "The pool's not going to open this year," the staff member told the board, citing continuing water loss and the inability to locate the problem with on-site inspection.
Why it matters: the pool holds roughly 213,000 gallons; staff estimated that supplying water—if the town attempted to maintain operations while leakage continued—could cost about $27,000 over an eight-week period in addition to more frequent chemical testing and staff time. Staff said repeatedly refilling would create sanitary complications (restricted access to showers and toilets while filling) and safety concerns for summer users.
What the town found and tried: crews traced drain lines, removed drain covers and inspected accessible pipes but saw no visible cracks in the portions they could reach. The perimeter drain had been closed when the pool was filled; when it was opened, visible outflow from the pool stopped, suggesting water might be finding a path beneath the pool shell. Staff also noted asphalt heave near a seam and that the structure is 60-plus years old, making hidden sleeve or subgrade failures plausible.
Next steps and options: the board and staff recommended hiring a specialized camera contractor with 360-degree capability and performing core samples to pinpoint the failing sleeve or pipe. Staff warned that piecemeal "band-aid" repairs risk hiding a larger failure. They also said they would explore grant funding options—such as Land and Water Conservation Fund grants—but noted federal grant rules, required matches and potential impacts on parking or site configuration must be resolved before applying.
Community impacts and budget outlook: board members described the pool as a widely used community asset but said the town currently lacks funds for a major repair. The town will weigh the cost of locating and repairing the leak against longer-term replacement or rehabilitation, and staff will return with findings from any diagnostic work. For now, the pool remains drained and unavailable for the summer.
Quotes: "We have no choice but at this point to shut the pool down," the staff member said. "We're trying to figure out an alternative rather than spending $27,000 on water."
