LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - Clapp Pool will be closed this upcoming summer because of “safety and operational concerns.” Colby VanGundy, Director of Lubbock Parks and Recreation, told city council members about the closure during a city council meeting on Tuesday.
According to a release from the City of Lubbock on Tuesday afternoon, staff noticed problems with maintaining the chemical levels in the pool. This was noticed late into last summer. On top of that problem, according to the release, they also noticed an issue with the water fill valve feature constantly running. Expansion Bellows Design
Staff reached out to different companies to run tests on the pool, however, companies did not want to run tests on the pool due to its age, 71 years old, and because some were not capable to run tests on a pool that size.
According to the release, the City staff conducted a static leak test after the 2023 pool season to see how much water was lost. The city shared the results of those tests in the release and more information on the status of the pool’s water balance tank:
“It was discovered that 300,510 gallons of water out of 351,000 gallons (85% of the total pool water) was lost in 20 days, averaging a loss of 15,000 gallons a day. Water loss severely slowed once it passed an expansion joint entering the deep end of the pool. Staff concluded the leak must be at, or near, that expansion joint.
After the water balance tank was examined for possible leaks, it was discovered to be in deterioration. The ceiling of the water balance tank, which is also the floor of the pump house, was found to have crumbling concrete and rusted rebar within the concrete. The City utilized various internal resources to investigate and attempt to remedy these issues.
Engineers from both the City of Lubbock Public Works Department and a third-party engineering firm examined the tank. The third-party engineering firm began developing potential options to repair the failing ceiling/floor. The City Parks & Rec Department received a proposal from engineers for a possible solution in April of 2024.
It was determined that the current water balance tank is in a state of disrepair and replacing it is not a viable option. It was recommended that the current sump pit tank be converted into the new water balance tank, and that the City build a new surge tank, relocate the pumps, chemical feeders, electrical, and other plumbing out of the pump house to rebuild the system. It was also recommended that the City seal the expansion joint to address water loss. The timeline for repairs is 4-6 months, and the estimated cost of repairs is approximately $325,000.”
According to the release, the City’s new splashpads will be opening this summer.
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