Koons Pool inching toward opening

I talked with two Koons Pool officials Tuesday to get the lowdown on plans to open the pool this summer.

Pool board spokesman Chuck Barto gave me a nickel tour of the pool facility. Water in both pools has been treated with chemicals. The lap pool is about halfway cleaned and the diving pool, the smaller of the two pools, hasn't been touched yet.

The pool will be opened as soon as the cleaning is complete and the state health department approves the pool water as being safe for swimming. It’s possible opening day could be this weekend or sometime next week. “You’ll know we’re open when you see kids in the pool,” said Barto.

Barto has lined up enough workers to open the pool and snack bar but continues to be on the lookout for a few more lifeguards. Anyone who is certified to lifeguard and is looking for some work should e-mail Kristen Shatto, the pool manager.

Shatto told me that she has mailed membership applications to individuals and families on last year’s membership list. Prospective members can pick up a form when the pool opens, she said. Also, Kristen is willing to field questions about the upcoming swimming season via e-mail.

Membership rates are the same as last year for both renewals and new members: Family $235, Individual $155, Senior Individual $120. The day-rate for nonmembers is $7 per person.
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Pool notes … The pace of work at the pool has picked now that a couple lifeguards are able to spend time during the day cleaning the pool. If the weather stays dry today, a volunteer is supposed to do weed-whacking. … Gail Reece posted a comment under the “Koons Pool watch” blog entry (June 16) with a suggestion for the pool board about membership rates, and she volunteered to help get the word out about volunteer help needed to open the pool. ... Pictured is a lifeguard cleaning the lap pool early this afternoon.