Cordova pool stays closed as boiler can't run past two days

Cordova's public pool holds water again at 81 degrees, but the water is not sanitized and swimmers still cannot use it. The parks and recreation director told the Cordova Parks and Recreation Commission on Tuesday that the boiler and heat exchanger are at end of life, and that the pool has no reopening date. "We still are not able to get the boiler running for more than 2 days consecutively without it shutting off," she said.

The city contracts the repairs to Calaverde Mechanical, which has ordered more parts. The director said she cannot project a reopening date because the city does not know when those parts will arrive. She wants a week of uninterrupted operation before letting swimmers back in. "I'm really not wanting to shut people down again, so I would hate to have everyone come back and have to have to shut it down," she said.

Pass holders have no refund policy yet. The director said no official decision has been made. She said she will try to work with people who bought passes and need the money back, but cautioned that the city likely cannot return the full amount. "I don't think the city right now could give all of it back for the year," she said. Commissioners raised alternatives such as rolling passes forward. A more official decision is expected once the pool is open.

An earlier Alaska News article noted a council member's warning that this season's near-absence of pink salmon could force Cordova to cut winter services.

About $50,000 of a $100,000 council budget amendment has been spent, including boiler parts. Lifeguard classes for city employees come first, then the school swim team, lap swims and family swims. Limited staffing this year, and the need to train lifeguards before reopening, will also shape the schedule.