Shade Structures: Why Aren’t There More of These?

According to Williams Architects who designed our facility, our pool deck area actually has a higher percentage of shade structures to deck surface than most public pools. We designed the facility for average temperatures and facility usage for our summer months. The recent extreme heat is an exception to this rule.

Water Temperature: Can’t the Water be Cooled Down?

The facility’s mechanical systems were designed to heat the water for our Midwestern summers, not cool it down. Again, we designed the facility for average temperatures here in Illinois. The recent extreme heat is an exception to this rule. Here’s something interesting… a suggestion was made to run a garden hose with cold water into the outdoor pool. With over 95,000 gallons of water, it would take approximately six days to cool the water temperature down to 80 degrees. We’ll just have to wait for Mother Nature to send us some cooler weather.

Indoor Pool: Why Can’t Children Use the Indoor Pool During Hot Days?

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the indoor pool is for adult use only unless the outside temperature dips below 70 degrees, or there is stormy weather in the area. If either of these conditions occurs, swimmers of all ages are then permitted to use the indoor pool. These rules for the indoor pool were established prior to the opening of the new Pool/Recreation Complex.

Here are a few additional reminders that will benefit all of us:

• DIAPERS: All babies and toddlers MUST wear swimming diapers when using the pool facilities. If you don’t have one, please ask one of our tag check representatives and they will be happy to provide one for free.
• DUMBBELLS:  You’re probably wondering where we’re going with this one… please don’t drop the dumbbells or free weights in the Fitness Center. They look sturdy, but over time, repeated drops can result in damage to the equipment and the floor.  Thank you.
• LIFEGUARDS: They are summer staff members and were hired for your safety. If you have any GTA-related questions, please don’t distract them from their pool duties. Step inside the GTA Administrative Office and ask for Joe Mattingley, Susan Miller, Dave Oldenburg or any other staff member who would be happy to answer your questions.
• LOST & FOUND: Wow… people have been forgetful lately. We’ve got two full tubs of lost items just waiting to be retrieved by their rightful owners. Stop by tag check and find your precious item today!

Thanks for your understanding and consideration. And don’t forget to wear plenty of sunscreen/sun block when enjoying all the outdoor activities available for you here in The Galena Territory.

Stay hydrated my friends!