We want to provide an update on the status of the H Pool and the Township swimming pool complex.  The Township continues to explore ways to open this pool this summer.  Yesterday, a meeting was held to discuss the condition of the pool and options available for the Township.  Attending this meeting were Supervisors Chuck Wilson and Rich Marino, the Township Manager, the Public Works Director, the Township Engineer, the Township Solicitor, two pool managers, residents and Open Space Committee members Joe Meehan and Dave Sponseller, as well as, Sue Wolfe, who is a resident with years of commercial and residential pool maintenance and repair experience.  

As we have notified the public, the Township has identified a break in a pipe located under the pool surface which has created safety concerns for the Township about the condition under the pool. The group reviewed and discussed the problems that have been identified and all actions that have been taken or considered to date.  It was agreed by all at this meeting that a complete system testing should be performed to identify if any additional breaks or leaks are identified.  As part of this testing, we will fill the pool to capacity to quantify the amount of water leaking from the pool when it is filled and operational with the pumps running and not running and if the identified leak was the cause of the complete loss of water overnight as opposed to a valve setting. We have discussed the possibility of opening the pool if the leak can be managed with shutting down the pumps for periods of time.  But again, the pool must operate in accordance with all commercial public pool regulations, maintaining the appropriate chlorine levels. This is a public pool, and we cannot jeopardize the safety of those using this pool.

The Township Engineer has already been in contact with American Leak Detection to schedule this testing. We anticipate the testing will occur within the next week or so.  We should have a better understanding of the actual condition of the total piping system shortly after this test. In addition, our Township Engineer will contact another company to see if they can determine if an erosion condition is occurring under the pool surface through modern technology rather than jackhammering the concrete pool floor.  

Again, we realize this is an inconvenience for the public who use our pool facility. However, we must be absolutely sure that there are no safety issues we would create if we open the pool. We know there is a broken pipe that leaks, but we do not know what effect it has had to the sub-surface, under the pool.  In addition, we must run tests in the creek after we fill the pool, and allow to leak, to be sure we are not adversely impacting the stream located adjacent to the pool complex.  

We want to open the pool but must recognize our responsibility for public safety as well as environmental compliance.

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