Since starting construction on Jan. 27, 2023, the Piedmont Pool is in its final stages of preparation before opening to the public.
Since September, the pool has been undergoing a thorough commissioning process, testing its core operational systems to ensure every component is working properly.
According to a video by City Administrator Rosanna Bayon Moor, before the new pools’ doors can open, each system powering the facility must prove it is reliable.
As of Nov. 6, isolated testing for three of the four major operational systems has been completed. These systems include the chemical treatment system, pumping system, and filtration systems. According to a Community Pool Project Update immediate release document, the heating system is still being tested and requires some replacement components.
Once all four systems are working properly, integrated system testing, in which all four systems will run together under real conditions, will begin.
Additionally, the City is working through the Alameda County Environmental Health permitting process, which includes multiple inspections and approvals before the pools can be opened to the public.
After the technical testing phase is complete and all systems are working, the focus will shift to staff preparation.
According to a video by City Administrator Rosanna Bayon Moor, the city’s Aquatics Operations Team will complete over 100 hours of technical systems training to learn how to operate and maintain the facility’s systems. Following that, there will be a multi-week training program for lifeguards and other staff, focusing on emergency procedures, lifeguard rotations, and customer service.
The pool is hiring, according to a video with Recreation Supervisor for Aquatics Paula Cooper-Tipton and Recreation Coordinator for Aquatics Hadley Clegg.
There is still no official opening date, said Recreation Director of the City Chelle Putzer, at the Recreation Commission meeting on Nov. 19. However, students are looking forward to being able to use the pool.
“I’m really excited for the pool to open because it is going to be a great place for the Piedmont Swim Team to swim and the High School Team to swim,” said Piedmont Swim Team and PHS Swim Team swimmer, senior Samantha White.
The new Piedmont Community Pool will be one of the first all-electric municipal pools in the United States, according to an immediate release from the Community Pool Project Update.
“While there is still much to do before we can open the doors. Each day brings us that much closer,” said Bayon Moore in a video regarding next steps.
