Aldergrove’s new pool, which was to have welcomed a week’s worth of swimmers earlier this month, has quickly turned into a “construction zone.”
The pool, like other recreation facilities, is subject to a routine one-month closure for annual maintenance. Upon preparation for its reopening, however, Langley Township workers found the plaster finish in the leisure pool basin “did not hold,” said Rob Stare, Township deputy director of parks and rec.
This has resulted in the uppermost layer of the pool cracking and visibly flaking off, he explained.
The base layer of the concrete, however, still remains intact and without cracks, Stare said.
Due to accompanying dust and debris from the construction – under the supervision of a warrantied contractor – other aquatic structures including the hot tub and lap pool have also remained closed.
READ MORE: ‘Perplexing’ new problem delays Aldergrove pool reopening
Bob Long, a long-time Township councillor who operates a business in Aldergrove, said it’s important that the Township addresses the mysterious surface-layer issue now, before busy season arrives at the Aldergrove Credit Union Community Centre (ACUCC).
“It’s a shame that this has happened but it’s good that staff caught it now and are correcting the issue so swimmers can enjoy the high season without interruption,” Long elaborated.
“A special plaster product has been ordered so the re-finishing of this top layer of the pool surface can continue,” Long confirmed, hopeful that the Township is correct in pursuing this course of action for pool repair.
“I hope repairs are complete by the May long weekend to coordinate with the long awaited opening of the water park,” Long emphasized.
Though no official opening date has been set, many residents of Aldergrove have “no problem waiting” until the Aldergrove Credit Union Community Centre (ACUCC) aquatic area is ready to reopen.
“I’m looking forward to using the sauna again,” Aldergrove resident Justin Precourt said.
Another local, Melissa Epp, said “everything has hiccups in the beginning” and that her family is empathetic regarding the extended wait.
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Though one Aldergrove mother – Jessica Belyk – has had problems with the workmanship of the pool from the very beginning.
“My five-year-old daughters feet were cut every time at this pool,” Belyk said.
“As a parent who was paying for her swimming lessons this March – I was not impressed.”
Belyk filed a medical report with the ACUCC regarding a “very deep” slice to the right side of her daughter’s foot.
Belyk confirmed it was not caused by sharp objects in the facility showers by checking them immediately upon seeing the injury.
“My thought was the bottom of the lagoon was sharp or was the concrete,” Belyk added, “we haven’t been back since spring break,” due to the incident.
Other minor cuts amassed during her daughter’s first and last day of spring break swimming lessons.
The Belyk family has decided to swim at W.C. Blair Recreation Centre ever since.
The canopied Pacific Area – which includes a 25-metre swimming pool, an outdoor leisure pool, hot tub, and sauna – underwent scheduled maintenance and warranty work starting April 1 and was slated to reopen April 29.
The area was first unveiled June 28, last year as a part of a multi-million dollar community centre in the heart of downtown Aldergrove.