Veterans Memorial Park Pool closed until July 11 due to 'catastrophic' mechanical failure

By Katrease Stafford Ypsilanti Reporter

Posted on Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 11:52 a.m.

Duncan Riley, of Ann Arbor, holds his daughter Hazel, 3, as he covers his eyes while cooling off at Veterans Memorial Park Pool on June 19.

Melanie Maxwell I AnnArbor.com

Editor's note: This article has been updated to include information from Colin Smith, manager of parks and recreation for Ann Arbor.

Ann Arbor officials have announced that the Veterans Memorial Park Pool has experienced a "catastrophic" mechanical failure of the main pool pump late Saturday that has shut down the pool until Wednesday, July 11.

Colin Smith, manager of parks and recreation for Ann Arbor, said the failure occurred around 8 p.m. Saturday after the pool had closed for the day.

"Without the main pool pump you can't run the pool," Smith said.

Repairs are currently under way, but replacement parts for the pump are needed in order to resolve the problem and the parts are currently being manufactured, Smith said.

Availability of these parts are the reason for the expected duration of the closure of the pool located at 2150 Jackson Road.

"They have to be manufactured," Smith said. "That’s the reason it's taking longer than people would expect."

At this point, Smith said he isn't entirely sure how much the repairs will cost but he's estimating the costs may amount to more than $15,000.

During this time, both Fuller Park and Buhr Park outdoor pools will remain open. Smith said individuals with season pool passes can use them at either of the two remaining open pools.

With the upcoming July 4th holiday, Smith said he is expecting the pools to be quite busy.

"I think they’ll be busy but I think they can handle it," Smith said.

On June 19, Veterans was closed due to concern regarding cloudiness in the pool. Smith said area public pools are often closed because of mechanical issues.

"It's not unusual for a pool to close periodically," Smith said. "They are reasonably complicated systems in place. If there is ever a concern in regards to safety, we’re going to close the pool."

Programs scheduled at Veterans between Monday, July 2 to Wednesday, July 11 have been accommodated elsewhere and participants have been contacted.

The following activities have been affected:

Session II swim lessons will take place at their scheduled times, but will meet at Fuller Pool (1519 Fuller Road).
The Veterans Memorial Dolphins Swim Team will continue to meet at their normal times, but will swim at Skyline High School Swimming Pool (2552 North Maple Road).
Splash Day activities at Veterans scheduled for Saturday, July 7 have been canceled.