Annual Aquatics Center Updates
In order to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience at the J, we update and maintain our Indoor Pools every year by closing the Indoor Pool for two weeks. Learn more about the process and reasons for closing the pool annually.
Annual Indoor Pool Closure
At the end of the summer season, the J dedicates time to clean and inspect our pools. While our Indoor Pools are closed for maintenance, the Outdoor Pool remains open for our members to enjoy.
This period allows us to address any issues that may have developed over the past year. Some problems, like the condition of the lap pool plaster, become apparent only after draining the pools. Draining each pool takes several days, as we can only drain one pool at a time to avoid overwhelming our drainage system. With a combined total of approximately 170,000 gallons of water across all three pools, this process is necessary.
During this maintenance period, we tackle a variety of tasks to ensure everything is in top condition. Here are some of the key items we address:
- Check electrical systems to ensure that we aren’t experiencing any safety issues
- Cleaning the pools
- Thorough cleaning of the aquatics area including the pool deck
- Changing out overhead lights which cannot be reached when the pool has water in it
- Draining the water and putting in fresh water is the only effective way to reduce the total dissolved solids in the water which impacts the pool and water chemistry
- Painting of the splash feature (as needed) – this was done in 2024
- Checking the filter media inside all pool filters and replacing as necessary
- Checking all drain and suction covers, and replacing when expired
We fully understand the inconvenience and frustration of the pool closures, but it is something that is necessary in order to maintain a safe and enjoyable experience. Thank you for your understanding and patience during our necessary closures!
2024 Indoor Pool Closure Extension
We recently identified a problem with the plaster in the Indoor Lap Pool: the top layer was detaching from the underlying layers, causing cracks and potential safety concerns. We understand the inconvenience this may cause, but we were able to initiate repairs promptly.
Replastering a pool is a sizeable project that requires downtime for the plaster to properly set and cure. While progress may seem slow at times, please be assured that work is continuing. Once the plastering is complete, we will fill the pool almost immediately, as the plaster needs to cure underwater.
Even though the pool may appear ready for use, it requires specific care and chemical maintenance for optimal curing and long-term durability. Therefore, the pool will remain closed for a few weeks after filling. Rest assured, we will monitor the process closely and reopen the lap pool to members as soon as possible.
Below, we outline the steps involved in this project:
- Investigation of the surface to determine extent of the problem
- Removal of problem areas
- Removal of debris
- Pressure wash and acid wash entire surface to clean and prepare for Bond Coat
- Apply Bond Coat (essentially a primer for the plaster)
- Installation of tile (if necessary)
- Application of first layer of plaster
- Application of second layer of plaster
- Cure time and after plaster care
Below are some progress photos:
