The Superior swimming pool is in bad shape and the Town Council recently voted to keep the pool closedl until testing can be done to determine whether it can be sufficiently repaired. During the Dec. 11 Superior Town Council meeting, Public Works Supervisor Roger Wasley explained that over 2 million gallons of water was added over the 10 weeks the pool was open last summer.

He said the pool has leaked for years but the problems have gotten increasingly worse. The pool basin is shifting and more cracks have been appearing. Also, the southeast corner of the pool basin is sinking. After the pool was closed for the summer it had actually drained itself within two weeks.

Over the winter 150,000 gallons of water needs to remain in the pool in order to maintain a water level to protect the basin from frost heave. In order to maintain this level, water is currently being added two days a week.

Town Council members discussed concerns over the liability of where the leaking water is going and possible damages it may cause, for example with sinkholes. They checked with insurance providers, MMIA and found that coverage can be declined if the town continues to operate the pool knowing that there is a problem.

There are two pipes running under the middle of the pool. One is a five-inch return line and the other is a two-inch pressure line for heated water. Wasley suspects the leak is in the two-inch line because the larger line was checked a few years ago and appeared to be in proper working order.

Until the pipes are tested and other issues are evaluated to determine repair costs, it is unknown as to whether the pool will remain closed or be fixed and reopened in time for summer. There are concerns regarding the impact the pool closure could have on local businesses. Councilor Thomas McCloskey, stated that he has received numerous phone calls and emails from residents who are in favor of keeping the pool open.

However Councilor Ernie Ornelas said he would like to see the pool close and save the money budgeted for it used to help build a new one. The pool costs approximately $30,000 a year to maintain and brings in about $10,000 in revenue during the time it’s open over the summer. The town picks up the remaining expenses said Superior Mayor, Roni Phillips.

Fundraising efforts for a new pool are currently underway by the Superior Swims Group. To date the group has raised $8,000. The Mineral County Community Foundation has donated $5,000 and has given the group a $5,000 loan to help pay for the architect and engineer costs. The total amount needed to build a new pool is $1 million.

Angie Hopwood, who is on the new pool committee, asked the town council members for time and patience while they raise the funds needed. The Superior Swims Group and the Mineral County Community Foundation would like to see the current pool remain open until a new one can be built.