— by Cara Russell —
Orcas Athletic Center pool ready for a re-tile. Photo: Cara Russell
The Athletic Center building is getting some much needed repairs and updates. Starting November 18, through the next two months, Owners Clyde and April Duke have shut down and drained the Orcas Athletic Center swimming pool for a complete redo.
The Dukes purchased the fifteen-year-old building back in December 2012. Aware that it hasn’t been remodeled since 2004, they began working on a list of repairs. So far they have replaced the hot water system, moved to geo-thermal heating, and have replaced all the toilets. The Dukes also intend to put on a new roof in the spring, and replace all the windows around the pool. “It’s the stuff you don’t always see, but the really important stuff,” said Clyde.
All Star Pool & Spa Inc., based out of Everett, specializes in construction, renovation and pool service, and has been hired to re-tile the pool, as well as the showers in the women’s locker room, which will be redone in a nice large tile. Aside from resurfacing the entire pool, All Star will be installing new equipment, new decking, and cosmetics.
The pools new cleaning system uses 75 percent less chlorine, by using an ultraviolet water purifying system. Smart pumps will monitor the water quality, and can automatically start “ramping up if a bunch of kids are in the pool,” said Clyde. “It’s actually a pretty huge thing, because the technology has evolved so much since the pool was originally put in.”
The Dukes feel that the Athletic Center swimming pool is an important part of the building, as it is by many, including kids and seniors.
During the holiday season, All Star will be working on the remodel, and come the New Year, there will be a brand new place to swim at Orcas Spa and Athletics.
Long overdue. The fees were high, and the maintenance low…membership will soar. Thanks, you two. The lower chlorine content will be a big plus to all of us.