SARC’s pool slated to close for maintenance

Published 1:08 pm Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Sequim Aquatic Recreation Center’s main pool will close Sunday, April 26, through Monday, May 25, for maintenance.

The center’s shallow pool, hot tub, dry sauna and steam room also are scheduled to close temporarily May 5-25. All closures of the pool area are to allow for preventative care and maintenance, including painting the pool.

“It’s more then just painting,” Scott Deschenes, SARC executive director, said. “When you repaint, you’re creating an impermeable shell in the pool that protects its structural integrity.”

Because the pool is made of concrete and is therefore porous, it’s “key” to keep the paint in good condition and it’s nearly been eight years since the pool has been repainted, he said. It also keeps algae from growing in unprotected areas and threatening water quality.

Although, under ideal conditions a pool should repainted about every three to five years, Deschenes admits they’ve been playing catch-up from other priorities also requiring funds and attention.

“Instead of spending tens of thousands to repair the pool if it were damaged, we’re spending a couple of thousand now,” Deschenes said.

For those attending water classes with 30-day passes, a credit will be given for any missed pool use by extending the pass past its expiration. Also, via a partnership with William Shore Memorial Pool officials, annual pass-holders from SARC can attend the Port Angeles pool with their SARC card or driver’s license for verification.

During pool, hot tub, dry sauna and steam room closures, the rest of SARC is to remain open as usual.

For more information about the upcoming closures, contact Leslee Francis, SARC special assistant and KidZone supervisor, at 683-3344 ext. 14.