Problems with the pool were first discovered when the city was preparing for a county health department inspection prior to its scheduled opening on June 11, parks and recreation Director John Simeon said today. “It started to have pump failure which means we could not treat the water and return it to the pool.”

The city had Swimworld make repairs to the equipment in the pump room. “Once completed, we continued to have problems with the pump, which is generally associated with leaks within the pool system.”

(People who typically use the Chaloner pool may sign up at the Chaloner Recreation Center for a free shuttle to and from T.J. Davis pool as repairs are made at Chaloner)

As of today, the city had a leak detection company assess the pool and its skimmers. The company will have to order parts to assess the return lines to the skimmers because of the age of the pool, which was built in the late 50s. “Now he wants to assess any cracks within the pool walls and the main drain and in doing so the pool must be drained and pressure washed,” Simeon said.

The problem, Simeon said, is, “The pumps won't run because they keep losing its prime.”

City Councilman Carl Ferebee, who represents residents within the community, said, “It is definitely a big concern. It's one of the places the kids can be so they'll be out of trouble. Hopefully we can get it opened shortly. It's been here for years. A lot of people like coming here when they come home. It has a lot of value to it.”

Simeon said further assessment of the pool will determine how much the repairs will cost.