Correction: An earlier version of this story contained inaccurate information on the project’s status.
Grand Rapids — Repairs are coming along at the Ottawa Hills High School swimming pool, but there’s more work to come.
Alex Smart, executive director of facilities and operations for Grand Rapids Public Schools, recently updated the Board of Education on repairs at the pool, which closed in spring 2022 when a leak was detected in the piping.
So far, new drains, controls and heating components have been installed, and the pool has been grouted and acid-washed. But the next phase of the project, which involves replacing the filtering system, won’t be entirely finished until depth compliance issues are addressed.
“To do Phase 2, we’ll have to look into how … we (increase) the depth from 60 inches to 79 inches. So that’s yet to come,” Smart said.
The pool was compliant when it was built, but rules and regulations have changed and the state will not grant a variance for the project, Smart said.
The cost of the next phase will exceed $1 million, according to Smart.
Plumbing and mechanical work is expected to be finished before the end of the month.
Leon Hendrix, executive director of external communications for GRPS, said while work will continue, the pool will be usable in January.
Read more from Grand Rapids:
• Parents, educators weigh in on recommended GRPS building closures
• Ombuds office to help GRPS students, families resolve issues
