Pool opening slightly delayed

The opening of the USF St. Petersburg pool has been pushed back to April, but construction is on schedule.
The opening of the USF St. Petersburg pool has been pushed back to April, but construction is on schedule.

The Coquina Waterfront pool, last reported to be finished in mid-March, is now scheduled to reopen in April.

The pool has been inoperative since November 2013 due to issues with the gutter and drainage system. After overcoming funding issues, USF St. Petersburg was able to begin construction in December. The estimated cost of all repairs is approximately $440,000.

The defective parts underneath the pool have been replaced and contractors are now constructing a new pool floor. Because the new parts are placed on the old floor, the depth of the deep end will decrease from 11 to 7 feet.

“Construction is moving along on schedule,” said Construction Project Manager James Grant. “All demolition is complete # new main drains and all underground piping have been installed, and a new concrete bottom was poured last Tuesday. The grounding system was also expanded last week to protect all metallic items in and around the pool. New filtration equipment is on order and all activities are on track for an April opening.”

After the dust settles, however, there is still the matter of hiring and training staff and lifeguards. Also, USF System and Pinellas County policy standards must be met before the pool reopens, which could delay the opening until as late as June. Nevertheless, the return of the Waterfront pool means that students and members will be able to cool off just in time for summer.

“Recreational swimming will be back on campus, as will swimming programs, including swim school for all ages,” said Zac Oppenheim, USFSP’s assistant director of Student Life and Engagement. He said the pool will host scuba lessons and sports intramurals, such as water polo and battleship with kayaks.

As a result of the pool’s reopening, the Waterfront will hire more staff, including lifeguards and swimming and scuba instructors.

“The pool’s reopening is very exciting for us here at the Waterfront,” Oppenheim said.

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