Pool Update: New motor installed for pumps; algae treatment scheduled to address green water

As signaled on our Facebook page earlier this week, the dark green water in our Pool is being treated with an algaecide, and a new pump motor installed on Wednesday should help improve circulation and water clarity.

The water should be cleared within a day or two as the chemicals rebalance. Fingers crossed we avoid debris from stormy weather, as that can affect our water quality.

In the meantime, residents should know the water in the main Pool is safe for swimming. It is not a health issue — more like swimming in any Indiana lake. It’s worth noting that despite the water’s unusual color, our main Pool has passed every weekly water test since opening Memorial Day weekend.

The baby wading pool, however, is another matter. Aging underground plumbing combined with unreliable mechanicals often results in closure, forcing our team to drain, refill and rebalance the chemicals. Storm debris and occasional visits by ducks don’t help matters, either.

Another maintenance challenge is the size of our facility. Our 86,000-gallon pool is nearly twice as large as some of those in surrounding neighborhoods — a benefit for our families and other residents but a larger surface area and body of water to maintain.

Until our lifeguard team can see clearly to the bottom of the deep end, that section of the Pool will remain closed for the safety of our residents and their guests.

Looking ahead, our filtration system is functioning but is showing some of the effects of age in a 50-year-old facility. Tearing into the concrete decking and installing new plumbing would be extremely expensive, so as previously announced in past dues letters the Board is setting aside funds from our Association dues to finance a long-term solution. That saving effort is ongoing and will take a few more years before corrective action can be taken.

Water quality has been in the news lately. Excess algae during the recent hot weather has affected drinking water in the area, Fox 59 reported.

“Citizens Energy Group reported that the taste is because of a buildup of algae at the Geist Reservoir,” a station report said. “The body of water is a large source of drinking water for the Indianapolis metropolitan area.”

The people working to resolve these pool issues are your neighbors volunteering on the Eagle Nest Property Owners Association Board and our hardworking Pool staff. Visitors are welcome at the monthly Board meetings, so if you are interested in the future of the Pool or any of our other community assets please join us at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 20 to learn more. We would be glad to have you.

Questions? Contact any Board member or Pool Manager Samantha Burns.

Story by John Strauss, Eagle Nest blog contributing writer and Board member. Got a story idea for John? Contact him at johncstrauss@gmail.com