Two months after Cordova city staff announced the indefinite closure of the Bob Korn Memorial Swimming Pool, they say a failing valve gasket is likely the cause.
Cordova Parks and Recreation Department Director Samantha Hagerthy-Schneider is set to give a full update on the pool during the Parks and Recreation Commission’s July 29 meeting.
Groundwater entering through minor pinholes in the shell, as well as a small leak in the vinyl liner, may also be contributing to the leakage.
The city is considering engaging a contracted company to inspect the leak issue, which will likely cost around $9,400. But if the inspection is outside of the contractual scope, the city would be responsible for covering this cost.
Hagerthy-Schneider told The Cordova Times the department doesn’t have an update for the pool’s re-opening, noting that diagnosing the leak continues to be time consuming.
“Due to the pool’s aging infrastructure, leak detection can be multifaceted and requires thorough evaluation,” she said.
Parks and Recreation staff closed the pool indefinitely back on May 30, less than year after the city announced it would be re-opening the pool after replacing its interior liner.
The pool’s PVC liner — last installed in 2012 — had a 10-year warranty that expired in 2022. A 2023 facility assessment of the structural and mechanical integrity of the 50-year-old pool the year of the warranty’s expiration indicated that the structure was due for a new liner.
Hagerthy-Schneider said the department is working to get up and running as quickly as possible, emphasizing the importance of the facility to the community.
“The Bob Korn Pool is a vital fixture in Cordova – providing essential, lifesaving swim programs and enriching the lives of our rural community, especially during the long, dark winter months,” she said. “We appreciate the community’s continued patience and support as we work toward a permanent solution.”
The July 29 Parks & Recreation Commission starts at 6 p.m. in the Cordova Center Community Room A & B.
This story was updated to include quotes from Hagerthy-Schneider and information about the commission meeting.
