Pool building closure will continue for weeks

WASHINGTON — The YMCA of Washington County said on social media Monday night that its nearly century-old indoor pool in Washington would remain closed for “at least three more weeks” after pipes in the building burst, damaging both the facility’s heat and running water systems.

“All aquatics programs at the YMCA of Washington County are postponed until further notice while we continue to gather information on the necessary repairs on the building,” the Y said on its Facebook page. “We estimate this will take at least three more weeks and we will provide further updates on resuming aquatics programs when the information becomes available.”

An unrelated equipment failure earlier this month closed the pool on Jan. 2, before the latest damage shut the building down entirely starting Jan. 17.

In a phone call Tuesday morning, Washington County Y CEO Amy Schulte said the organization was waiting to hear back from an insurance provider and on contractor availability and prices to repair the water pipes, boiler, and preexisting damage to pool equipment. She added that heaters had been placed around the swimming area to keep the water from freezing without a dedicated heater, and that the pool had lost about a third of its water when the pipes burst last week.

Schulte said the building would reopen to tenants and non-aquatic uses no matter what, but said a permanent closure of the indoor pool — which turns 100 years old on May 24 — was “a possibility,” albeit one the Y would prefer to avoid.

“We won’t know until we have numbers … we have to weigh out the cost versus the length of the use that we’re going to still have in that building,” she said. “I don’t think that the board is leaning in that direction by any means. We’re still in the gathering information stage, and hopeful that we can get it restored.”

Construction continues on a new indoor pool at the Y’s more modern building in northwest Washington. Earlier this month, staff said the construction crews had started pouring the building’s floor, calling the step a “major milestone.” The new facility is expected to open in fall of this year.

Community members expressed their disappointment about the continued suspension of Aquarobics, Joint Exercise and swim team programs that rely on the facility.

“The swim team is missing the pool and being with their team and coaches at practice,” said Cindy Johnson, a member of the Washington Water Sharks board. “Hope that they are able to get it up and going soon.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com