New drains at the Lebanon Community Pool have recently been installed, but a two-drain system would be ideal, if a pool renovation can happen.
Joe Andrews, head coach of the Lebanon High School Swimming Team, told the Lebanon Aquatic District Board during their meeting on Jan. 12 that he and his staff (from a separate business) replaced the drains, per federal law.
The 2007 Virginia Graeme Baker (VGB) Pool & Spa Safety Act requires certain drain covers with safety features be replaced regularly, and establishes that the drains have a “shelf life,” which in Lebanon’s case is five years, Andrews said.
The law came after Virginia, 7, drowned after being trapped under water by the suction of a drain. Because of her case, anti-entrapment drain covers are now required. Another key safety feature now required in public pools is two or more drains.
Currently Lebanon’s pool only has one drain, given its age. According to Aquatic Director Jill Smith, it’s considered compliant because they have a safety vacuum release system to prevent entrapment issues. The system should switch the pump off if it detects a blockage.
“That main drain is still less than ideal,” Andrews said. “With that mechanical device, it’s an additional layer of protection on that older system, whereas the modern design would be to use dual, unblockable drains.”
It took Andrews’ team only 30 minutes to replace the drain covers, which will be good for five years. His hope is an anticipated pool renovation will take place before those drains need to be replaced again.
“I know part of the renovation project is, hopefully, to abandon that main drain, so hopefully that will be the last time those drains need to go in there,” he said.
Expanded hours
Smith reported the pool recently opened Lap Swim on Sundays from 12-3 p.m. and so far they have had a positive response.
Patrons have been asking for more weekend lessons at the pool and, according to Smith, the YMCA in Albany has been selling out of its openings.
She also reported “the Y” also stopped accepting Silver Sneakers, a free health & fitness program for seniors (65+) with eligible Medicare Advantage plans, “and they’re just flowing in the doors” (here) by up to 10 new people a day asking if the Lebanon pool would take it.
In other business:
- Board Chair Darla Bulmer reported she and Board Director Jereme Guenther have been reviewing an assessment list to tackle smaller repair projects that can be accomplished as they wait to start the bigger, renovation repairs. They will go over project ideas with the school district.
- Smith reported a remodel of the facility’s conference room is almost complete, with fresh paint and a new table. They anticipate returning to the facility for future board meetings.
- The pool is updating its point of sale system. The current one is “horrible” and out of date, Smith said.