On April 20, the University announced the closing of the University Center pool from May 1 until June 12. The month and a half long project will include painting the walls and ceiling of the room and regular maintenance to the lap and diving pools.

Aquatics Director Sara Pomaybo said that the project is definitely not an easy one.

"Overall, it's a very intensive project with many steps," Pomaybo said. "There is a crew of about 10 working to finish the job as quickly as possible."

Pomaybo regrets having to close the pool for so long, but points out that painting the ceiling and walls require draining the pools, covering the pools, decks, and lamps, pressure cleaning and priming the surface, then putting on coats of paint. The maintenance of the pool requires the removal of rust, filling in cracks, and repairing damage to the surface. Each step can take up to a few days, and if the painting is not done correctly, it has to be done over again.

Pomaybo has received many e-mails and complaints from people who are disappointed that the pool will be closing at the end of the spring semester and into the summer.

"May is the only month that there wasn't anything going on with the pool," Pomaybo explained. "In the summer, there are a lot of programs that need the pool."

Pomaybo predicts that this type of project will occur every ten years for the life of the University pool. This is the first time the pool will be closed for over a month due to construction.

For updates and schedules about the University Center athletic facilities, visit their website.

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