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Workers race to reopen park pool

2 min read
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Crews are working to replace 500,000 gallons of water in Washington Park pool in time for one of the busiest weekends of the season.

The swimming pool was drained and cleaned after heavy rains Friday resulted in a muddy mess.

“That’s what we’re shooting for – to make sure we’re open for the weekend,” said Washington Park foreman Chris Marshman. “Fourth of July is one of our biggest weekends.”

Marshman said a combination of runoff from a nearby access road and failure of a drainage pipe led to muddy water flowing into the baby pool and Olympic-sized swimming pool.

The pools were drained, starting Saturday, and cleanup efforts began Monday.

Pumps helped remove the heavier material, then Marshman and his crew used hoses and brooms to push the rest through drains.

Because the pool has been closed, Marshman used lifeguards to help with the smaller cleanup jobs.

“I kept them busy. I didn’t want them losing time,” he said. “They’ve been painting walls and cleaning the bathhouse.”

Just after noon on Tuesday, the water – which comes out of a two-inch pipe in the deep end – was turned on to start the three-day process of filling the cavity.

“(Pennsylvania) American Water is going to help out and get us a little more water quicker using a fire hydrant,” said Marshman. “We’re hoping to cut that time in half.”

Marshman expects to add the chemicals – which need a day to circulate – by Thursday in order to have the pool open on Saturday.

City Councilman Joe Manning said it costs about $4,000 to $5,000 to fill the pool and about $2,000 for treatment chemicals. A representative from the city’s insurance carrier indicated to Manning that the cost to clean and refill the pool is not covered.

A water main break in the road outside of the entrance to the pool was repaired by Pennsylvania American Water crews Saturday afternoon.

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