Published: July 06, 2007 12:00 am         

Chlorine problems close Family-Y pool

Problems that have kept the pool at the Terre Haute Family Y closed on and off for months have been identified, which could lead to its reopening as early as next week.

Employees at the Y have been putting the wrong type of chlorine in the pool, according to executive director Randy Wastradowski.

They were using a chlorine that contains stabilizer, which is meant for an outdoor pool, he said.

“The stabilizer has been preventing the chlorine from working properly,” Wastradowski said, “that’s why we’ve been struggling with that issue.”

He didn’t know how long the wrong chlorine was used, but they are replacing the chlorinater as a result.

In April, the heating unit was replaced for the pool also, but Wastradowski said the unit was between 30 and 35 years old and it “finally gave up.”

It was responsible for taking the humidity out of the air and using it to heat the pool water, he said.

Costs for the heating unit ran about $85,000, but he expects costs for the current project to be under $1,000.

“I think the two major issues that we were dealing with, the pool temperature and the chemical issue, we’ve identified and we’re correcting,” he said. “Usually with pools those are two of the big issues.”

As far as membership, Wastradowski said he doesn’t think the pool problems have affected it because usage for the pool differs in the summer from winter.

“I think members are inconvenienced, but are still coming back and utilizing the pool,” he said.

Anyone who missed swim lessons because of the closure can get credit for future sessions.