PIERRE, SD – A swimming pool consultant has completed an initial technical analysis of Pierre’s outdoor pool and determined a malfunctioning recirculation system is a primary cause of recent problems with pool operations.
Burbach Aquatics, a nationally recognized engineering firm that specializes in swimming pools, delivered the preliminary report to city staff today.
“At this point, it looks like there’s a restriction in the filtration system which is hindering water circulation,” said Tom Farnsworth, Parks and Recreation Director. “This causes issues with water clarity.”
Farnsworth said that staff is taking immediate action to correct the problem and is working now to get the materials necessary to fix it. The solution is expected to cost less than $15,000. Until then, the City is working to keep the pool operational.
“Our goal is to keep the pool open as much as possible this season,” said Farnsworth. “We have a water clarification technique that we will continue to use until we can eliminate the issues we have identified with the recirculation system.”
Late last month, the City hired Burbach Aquatics to conduct the technical analysis of the pool. Burbach Aquatics will return to Pierre at the close of the season to collect additional data on the swimming pool and review the repairs the city is already planning. The City expects to have the final report and recommendations from Burbach by early this fall. If additional repairs are deemed necessary, they will be considered during the off-season.
-30-