Gault Recreation Center pool renovation update - completion planned for early august

A major pool renovation project at Wooster High School in the Gault Recreation Center is expected to be completed in early August.

The greatest priority was to replace the HVAC system to regulate and move air to provide thermal comfort and maintain indoor air quality, according to a news release from the Wooster City Schools District.

With large surface areas in natatorium pools, evaporation rates generally are high. Air and water temperatures coupled with humidity are difficult to balance, leading to uncomfortable environments and potential structural damage.

Natatoriums also require a large, high-capacity dehumidification system. Before the swim season started, the pool HVAC/dehumidification system experienced a significant failure that required the district to install a temporary heating unit as a secondary heating source with the understanding that the HVAC units would need to be replaced over the summer.

In addition to the HVAC/dehumidification system, other areas required updates. The pool paint was at the end of its life cycle, as were several valves in the filter system. The pool shutdown this summer was maximized to address the needs simultaneously.

The project kicked off in early June. There were multiple phases to the pool renovation project. The first was to drain the pool to allow for new paint and to replace the valves in the filter system. The second phase included mounting and installation of HVAC units. To install the latest equipment, a large crane was used to remove the old units and mount the new ones.

The new HVAC system will create optimum space and water conditions while maintaining low operating costs.

“This was a necessary project that will improve the quality of our facilities for years to come,” said Assistant Superintendent Brian Madigan, assistant superintendent.

The WCSD pool renovation project was budgeted and reflected in the May forecast. It was funded by permanent improvement funds, remaining ESSER funds and general funds.

The project is expected to be completed in early August.