Swimmers in High River will have to wait longer for the pool to reopen.

The Town says due to extensive technical issues, it won't be ready for the original scheduled reopening of Monday, October 9.

HIgh River's Director of Engineering, Reiley McKerracher says the pool needs some unexpected maintenance.

"While we were preparing the pool for its reopening, a grounding test was completed and some grounding issues pertaining to the metal fixtures within the pool were identified.”

The grounding procedure means that internal wiring will need to be inspected, which McKerracher says is a little out of the way, but essential for public safety.

"Many of our facilities are aging, we recognize that. Unfortunately, we are finding some significant issues because of this age. Our priority is the safety of our patrons and pool staff, so we will be keeping the pool closed until early 2019 in order to complete the necessary work.”

In order to assure the pool can reopen, sections of concrete and tiling will need to be removed, and the new wiring will need to pass the grounding test.

Newly installed concrete and flooring will also need to be checked for leaks.

The Town is working with those who purchased swimming lessons and season passes, offering credit and refunds were applicable.

They're also collaborating with neighboring pools in Claresholm and Okotoks, to find a way to accommodate High River swimmers.

Other than saying sometime in early 2019, the Town's not giving an exact date of when the pool is scheduled to re-open.

 

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