Swimmers in Lewiston, Idaho, can anticipate a joyful return to the Bert Lipps Pool this summer. The Lewiston City Council recently approved a contract valued at $294,469 with W.M. & Associates, operating as WMS Aquatics, to install a new liner essential for reopening the pool. The project is slated for completion by June 29, 2024, barring any unforeseen weather delays.
Justin Glenn, Director of Lewiston Parks & Recreation, expressed cautious optimism regarding the timeline. “These liner installations are so dependent on weather conditions,” he noted. “We’re going to have to play that game a little bit… The goal is to get water in that pool and have a party sometime this summer.”
The new liner, expected to last between 20 to 25 years, will also be installed at the adjacent wading pool. The installation comes with a one-year warranty, alongside an extended warranty for the liner itself.
Council members acknowledged Glenn’s efforts to revive the beloved community pool. Councilor John Spickelmire commended him, stating, “I want to thank you for pushing this through. I’m glad we’re getting it rolling.” Similarly, Councilor Kassee Forsmann emphasized the community’s attachment to the pool, praising Glenn and his team for their proactive approach in addressing the situation.
The path to reopening Bert Lipps Pool was uncertain when Glenn assumed his role in June 2023. The pool, a popular summer destination, had closed after just one day of operation due to significant issues. City staff discovered it was leaking between 70,000 and 90,000 gallons of water daily, but the cause remained unclear. Initial assessments indicated that the facility had deteriorated beyond repair, with replacement costs estimated between $2 million and $3 million.
In response to community concerns, Glenn revisited the pool’s condition with city employees and enlisted a third-party pool consultant. Their comprehensive review included evaporation and leakage monitoring tests as well as visual inspections of the pool structure, plumbing, and operational equipment. These inspections revealed that while the pool’s vessel was structurally sound, it had surface leaks that could be remedied with a new liner.
Additionally, city employees identified that water from burst irrigation pipes at Fenton Gym had leaked beneath Bert Lipps Pool. Those pipes have since been repaired, further aiding the pool’s restoration efforts.
Looking ahead, Glenn plans to present the city council with a list of additional projects aimed at enhancing safety and modernizing Bert Lipps Pool, ensuring it meets community expectations upon reopening.
As preparations progress, local residents remain hopeful for a vibrant summer filled with swimming and recreation at the revitalized Bert Lipps Pool.
