LAP POOL CLARITY

HOT WATER SHORTAGE – Oct 2, 2026

The hardness of Aqua Ohio water has done a number on the elements that are responsible for heating the water for the on demand hot water system. A filter designed to address mineral deposits that are damaging the elements had been installed a few weeks ago. However in the interim, 18 of the 36 elements had shorted out leaving us only at half the capacity it’s designed for. This morning, a representative from the manufacturer is on site replacing all 36 elements to bring us back to full capacity. We’re hopeful that the filter will prevent the mineral deposits from accumulating at such a rapid rate moving forward.

UPDATE –  10-11-2026

All 36 elements have been replaced in both units, placing them in “like new” condition. Unexpectedly, they were replaced with titanium coated elements to add further resistance to deposits. There is one additional part that is being replaced that had to be ordered. So the hot water won’t be as hot until it’s installed and we can adjust the mixing valve. But in the end, we’re hopeful this is the end of our hot water issues.

LAP POOL CLARITY

Water clarity in the lap pool has been an ongoing problem since the facility opened 20+ years ago. Cosmetics, lotions and body oils contribute to the less than pristine conditions. We partnered with an Aquatics Engineering firm out of Madison Wisconsin about a year ago to determine how to fix it. After thorough study, testing and calulations, it was determined that the pool design and filter flow rates were incorrect based on the capacity and expected bather load. Several recommendations were attempted to see if it made any difference, but none proved successful. While the water chemistry is perfectly fine, the only alternative to improve clarity is to replace the existing filter favoring a higher capacity and flow rate than the existing sand filter.

The filter chosen is a state of the art regenerative filter design that uses perlite instead of sand. The backwash cycle uses a fraction of the water that a typical sand filter uses. In late January, 2026, the Ohio Department of Health approved the design and production of the equipment which is expected to take 6-8 weeks. An installation date will be chosen to minimize the impact to class participants, lap swimmers and swim lessons. Cost of this project is approximately $100,000. Here’s a link to learn more.

UPDATE – Oct 12, 2026

It does not appear that we’re losing water any longer. The chemicals are spot on. The greenish hue will disappate over the next 24 hours or so. Temp is at 67 degrees, though. So it’s going to take a few days to get it to the range we’re shooting for. We’re still pursuing a larger heat exchanger so we have more control of the water temperature and can heat it more quickly. However that will be at least a couple weeks down the road due to availability.

UPDATE – Oct 11, 2026

We fired the filter up on Thursday, Oct 7 and despite a few hiccups, we were able to get things filtering as designed. But because the pool had to be drained for a second time, the hydrostatic valves that release water pressure on the underside of the basin got stuck open and we were losing about a foot of water every 24 hrs. It’s impossible to heat and chemically balance the water when its losing that much. So, we took the time to dive down in 59 degree water and unstuck the valve. Overnight tonight will tell whether or not we were successful. If so, it’s just a matter of time.

Having said that, there is the potential that the heat exchanger may be inadequate for heating the pool to the temp we need. We’re taking steps to install a larger exchager that gives us the capacity bring it up to temp quickly and have wider control. That could take a little time, but we’re hopeful that we can get it close enough to open it up by the end of the week. In any case, every indication shows that this water is going to be pristine by the time we open it for member use again!

The first image was just after filling. The second was about 6 hours later, after one complete turnover.

UPDATE – Oct 2, 2026

Parts arrived yesterday and technicians are in the process of installing and making changes. This Sunday, the pool will be acid washed again and we’ll be restarting the filling process. Representatives from the filter manufacturer will be on site next Thursday to complete start up procedures and get water moving through the new filter. There are some questions surrounding our ability to properly heat the water with the existing heat exchanger, so that’s another element to this project we’ll need to address if the worst case scenario reveals itself. Solutions to address that possibility are already in motion.

UPDATE – Sept 25, 2026.

About a week ago, local filter reps for Neptune Benson were in to train and evaluate all the piping and connections. It was discovered that there were some misplaced valves that would caused chaos during the backwash cycle as well as improper filtration. We came up with a plan, but that’s going to require some re-piping. The additional fittings were ordered, but they take about a week to arrive, so we are expecting them today. It’ll be a couple days for the re-pipe and then we’ll fill the pool (again) and we should be ready to rock a roll. All the other components were prepped and programmed last week, so it should be a smooth start up. We regret the delay, but it’s going to be worth it to see a crystal clear pool.

UPDATE – Sept 9, 2026

The filter installation is almost complete. Electrical connections we completed today. Piping is complete with a handful of pneumantic valve connections still to be made. We’re currently in the process of scheduling a local Neptune Benson training rep to train staff on the backwash cycle and maintenance procedures.

The unit looks like something out of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. We’re optimistic about it’s potential. If all goes smoothly, we’ll be up and running sometime the week of Sept 20. Filling will begin on Sept 10.

UPDATE – July 2, 2026

Filter installation is scheduled  beginning August 24

UPDATE – May 1, 2026

Due to a multitude of conflicts with programming, the install of the filter has been delayed until late August when we normally shut down the pools for repair and cleaning.

UPDATE – March 12, 2026

The new filter and related components are officially on site. In an effort to minimize the disruption for swim lessons and other activities, the installation timeframe will be after Labor Day and before Day Camp begins in early June during the time where the outdoor pool is open. We’ll announce more detailed information later this spring. This filter project will cost about $100,000 when all is said and done.