Leaks again delay Prosser pool opening

PROSSER, Wash. -- The Prosser pool did not open Monday after all.

Due to leaky pipes and concrete, city workers will delay the opening of the pool until at least Saturday.

The pool in E.J. Miller Park traditionally opens the last day of school, which would have been June 4. However, equipment malfunctions and leaks caused the city to postpone it until Monday.

The Prosser Piranhas swim team practiced Monday morning in the pool and open swim was scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. But city crews announced at noon in a news release that they need to drain the pool to make more repairs to the concrete, pipes and mechanical systems.

For example, what started as a small leak in a maintenance tunnel below the pool deck has grown dramatically, said Cathleen Koch, city finance director.

"As of this morning, we had geysers going," she said.

Koch plans to make another announcement Friday, but city officials are preparing alternative recreation in case the worst happens -- they shut down the pool for the whole summer. The city would then refund money to those who have purchased season passes.

This week, city staff will hold arts, crafts, sports and games from 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday in Miller Park.

Before the 2011 season, the city is planning to renovate the 52-year-old structure, which has leaky pipes, cracks in its deck and a bathhouse that does not meet disability standards.

Work could cost up to $2.5 million.