Pool to remain closed due to storm debris; algae bloom; drain and refill this week

Eagle Nest residents,

As you may have seen from our recent email and blog post, the Board promised an update on Pool closure due to dark water caused by an algae bloom and storm debris. Unfortunately, we don’t have good news to report. The Pool likely will remain closed for the rest of the week while our pool contractor drains the pool, acid washes the interior, refills it with fresh water and level-sets the chemical balance.

What caused the problem? The recent violent storms and associated heavy rains are mainly to blame. Simply put, a lot of dirty water and tree debris from surrounding foliage was dumped in our pool, creating conditions ripe for breeding algae and a concoction too strong for even the toughest of chemical treatments and constant vacuuming to correct.

The Board understands the closure is an inconvenience, and we are working as quickly as possible to reopen with water safe to swim in -- both for clarity and quality. We do not have a firm date on reopening, but we hope to resume normal operations in a few days.

The Board understands this is an inconvenience, and we apologize for the temporary closure. We will send out followup communications as more information becomes available. In the meantime, following is a Q&A:

Why is this water treatment process taking so long? In case you’ve been out of town and missed all the recent weather news, Indianapolis has been blanketed by warm, cloudy skies or ravaged by storms and heavy rains for nearly a week -- ideal conditions for jumpstarting an algae bloom. The inclimate weather also prevented our pool staff and maintenance company from attending to the facility in a safe manner.

What other options did the Board have? We could have elected to perform additional “chemical shock” treatments, but those cost hundreds of dollars per procedure for a pool our size and eventually create a water body too laden with chemicals for swimmers to enjoy. Every year we read in the paper or see on TV reports of swimmers overcome with allergic reactions to harsh pool chemicals. That’s not something we want to expose our residents to, of course. We also could have closed the Pool permanently for the season, but that wasn’t a viable option, either, given hot, humid summer weather Indiana is known for and sure to get yet this year.

Why don’t other area pools have the same problem? Our privately held 86,000-gallon pool -- a rarity among city neighborhoods -- is nearly twice as big as what could be considered "kiddie pools" in surrounding neighborhoods and as such absorbs a lot more debris than others. The larger the surface area, the harder it is to maintain. Further, our filtration system, while functional, could stand replacement. Unfortunately, purchasing and installing a new unit would be extremely expensive. It also could force an increase in dues -- something the Board isn’t prepared to do and unlikely something residents would appreciate.

Why not cover the pool before a storm hits? Given its size, our pool cover weighs several hundred pounds and is too unwieldy for our lifeguard staff to manage on its own. Sure, we could hire a pool company to cover and uncover the facility every time a storm is forecast, but that would not be cost effective given the number of storms we could see this season.

Isn’t this really the result of poor pool management? Absolutely not. Pool Manager Susan Anderson is highly regarded in the area, given her role as an assistant swim coach at Lawrence North High School, various industry affiliations and previous experience as a pool manager. Since she was hired in 2011, our Pool has opened on time every year, and several times the swim season was extended past the traditional Labor Day weekend closure; our lifeguard corps has been at full staff, allowing daily operation of the Pool; children have enjoyed free swimming lessons; and she has answered countless calls -- at all hours -- for broken water pipes and other mechanical issues. Eagle Nest is lucky to have Susan. Also of note: Susan takes her direction from the Board, so ultimately your elected Directors are responsible for the Pool's condition. Suggestions and (civil) complaints regarding this incident should be directed to the Board.

Will residents receive a refund or rebate on their dues for the temporary closure? No, ENPOA dues are used for more than just the Pool. We have extensive common grounds to maintain, including mowing, trimming and watering of flowers and shrubs, snow plowing, maintenance of the Clubhouse, funding of Family Fun Night activities, administrative costs, and engaging legal representation for association matters, among other things.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. Feel free to contact me at the email address below if you have further questions or concerns about this temporary Pool issue.

Scott Thien

Eagle Nest President

scottthien@comcast.net