Will the old pool be open while the new pool is under construction?
Yes! We do not anticipate having to close down the old pool until the new pool is open for use by the public.
What will happen to the old pool?
Once construction of the new aquatic center is complete, the old pool will be demolished to accommodate parking and park features.
Will the pool depth accommodate water polo?
The outdoor pool can accommodate full course water polo using deck mounted goals.
With doors opening to the outdoors, how will the wind be regulated on the indoor pool deck?
All exterior doors accessing the indoor pool/natatorium will feature self-closing mechanisms to limit wind impacts onto the pool deck and building interior. The main doors into the indoor pool with be via the lobby, which is enclosed from the natatorium and will help dampen winds. In a scenario with an outdoor lap pool, it’s possible some wind may enter the natatorium via the doors to the outdoor pool deck, however, wind screening will mitigate this. The design team and wind consultant will continue to study this as design progresses.
Will nearby trees be a maintenance issue for the outdoor pool?
Tree species will be selected thoughtfully by the design team and City Arborists in order to limit leaf litter. Trees will be strategically located to provide additional wind protection, yet will be located far enough from the pool itself to minimize the amount of leaf litter that enters the water. Pool covers will be in-place over night to further reduce leaf litter in the pools when not in use. State of the art pool filtration systems, maintenance personnel and robotic vacuum cleaners will address any leaves in the pool.
Locker/changing areas at the existing Orange Pool are small and often crowded. How will crowding be addressed in the new facility?
Locker rooms are sized to exceed typical recommendations for pool facilities of this size. The design also exceeds code requirements with additional lockers, benches, showers, and restroom and toilet fixtures, and changing areas. The design includes two gender neutral/family changing rooms to allow for additional changing areas. One of which will include an adult sized changing table. Several deck showers are also present for the indoor and outdoor pools.
Why doesn’t the outdoor pool have a roof?
Construction of a roof, along with necessary support structure, glazing, lighting and ventilation is roughly $1,000 per square foot and would greatly exceed the project budget. Adding a roof to the outdoor pool would require approximately $42 million in additional funding – nearly double the $49 million project budget. Funding is not available at this time for this expense.
Is the cost of wind screening elements included in the project budget?
Prevailing winds in South San Francisco come from the northwest, with occasional off-shore winds from the south. A robust wind protection element along these edges of the outdoor pool is accounted for in the project budget, as well as a modest wind protection element on the east side of the pool deck.
Are all locker/changing rooms indoors?
All locker/changing rooms are indoors. A set of men’s and women’s locker rooms along with two gender neutral/family changing rooms are accessed from the lobby and indoor pool deck. Another set of indoor men’s and women’s locker rooms is accessed from the outdoor pool deck. In addition to indoor showers, deck showers will be available at the indoor and outdoor pool decks.
Why not build a 50-meter pool?
A 50-meter pool was explored but found infeasible due to impacts to other park programs (soccer, special events, and other game play / activities on the lawn area), greater parking demands and the additional construction costs associated with a larger pool footprint.
Will in-water ledges to support swim lessons be included at either pool?
Ledges and other built-in and moveable elements will be incorporated for lessons, recreation and therapy type activities.
Why include a beach entry when it takes up so much space?
Beach entry is highly desired for learn to swim programs, fun water play, lessons and individuals with mobility challenges who may have difficulty using chairlifts or steps.
Can the outdoor pool be accessed without entering the building?
Entry to both pools will be typically controlled through the front lobby. During special events/competitions, access to the outdoor pool may be controlled by staff from exterior gates.
Will there be diving boards?
While there have been some requests for diving boards, during our community outreach workshops, events and surveys, this amenity was not favored as much as other competing amenities. Diving boards require deep water. Increasing the pool depth to accommodate diving boards would result in additional soil stabilization and mitigation, which is beyond the project budget. However, both the indoor and outdoor pools are designed to accommodate starting blocks for training and competition.
Will there be diving blocks?
Yes, both pools will include diving blocks where depth requirements are achieved for lap and competitive swim.
Will there be markings on the pool bottom and walls for swim competitions?
Markings will be included in both pools in the 25-yard direction. Markings at the outdoor pool in the 25-meter direction will also be included.
Will there be opportunities for solar panels or wind turbines to generate electricity to offset the pool’s utility needs?
The design team explored various options to provide on-site energy generation including geothermal, wind turbines, photovoltaic and traditional solar panels. The City intends to provide solar panels for electricity generation. Batteries for storage and back-up energy are also being explored.
What will happen with the Veterans Memorial?
The Veterans Memorial elements, including the Eternal Flame sculpture and commemorative plaques will be relocated to a new Veteran’s Memorial along the pedestrian pathway between the new Aquatic Center, Fernekes Building and playground. The Veteran’s Memorial will include a new flagpole, lighting, concrete wall to accommodate existing and future commemorative plaques and the Eternal Flame sculpture, accessible paving and seating.
Will both the indoor and outdoor pools be heated?
The indoor pool is expected to be heated at or around the current indoor pool temperature, ~83 degrees. The outdoor pool will also be heated to a comfortable temperature, closer to 78-80 degrees, which is typical for more vigorous lap swimming pools.
Will the new aquatic facility include a sauna?
Operation of a sauna at a municipal facility presents health and safety risks and necessitates extra staff time for maintenance and surveillance. As part of public outreach, other program areas were prioritized in lieu of a sauna. Therefore, a sauna is not planned for the new Aquatic Center.
Will there be adult changing tables for individuals with special needs?
One of the family changing rooms will be equipped with an adult changing table.
Are the soils at the site of the new Aquatic Center contaminated?
The soils themselves are not considered ‘contaminated’ as no pollutants have been identified within the soils.
How much parking will the new facility offer?
In addition to parking available at the Tennis Drive Parking Lot, a new parking lot will include 13 parking spaces, 6 of which will be wheelchair accessible.
Will the pools include ADA lifts?
Both the indoor and outdoor pools will have ADA lifts. The indoor pool also includes a sloped entry with handrails.
What is the estimated construction cost for the pools and structures?
The engineers estimate for total construction, including soil stabilization and mitigation is tracking at $43M.
How is the project funded?
Total project costs are funded through a Measure W bond sale that occurred in 2022.
When will the new pools open?
The new aquatic facility is anticipated to open in Spring 2025. Total project completion, including demolition of the existing Orange Pool and construction of the new parking lot and Veteran’s Memorial, is anticipated for end of 2025.
Is groundwater anticipated to be an issue during construction?
Testing at the site does not indicate groundwater will be an issue. Any issues during construction will be resolved as part of the soil stabilization process.
In response to the request for clarification of swimming pool water disinfection and sanitation and the use of different systems such as chlorine, ultraviolet, and ozone please see the following:
- California code requires all public swimming pools maintain a disinfectant residual at all times.
- Chlorine is the only halogen approved for residual disinfectant in public pool water.
- Ozone (O3) and Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection systems are point of contact disinfectants and cannot maintain a residual in pool water.
- O3 and UV systems that are certified by an accredited testing agency for cryptosporidium in activation can be used as secondary disinfectants.
- California health code requires a secondary disinfectant for spraygrounds and swimming pools using interactive play in wading depth waters.
- UV is typically used for indoor swimming pools to help control the formation of undesirable chlorine byproducts, which cause chlorine odors and irritation.
- UV is typically the technology of choice over O3 given the ease of operation, the cost of operation, and verifiability of its operation.
- The indoor pool will be specified with UV secondary disinfection to control chlorine byproducts and due to interactive play features.
- A computerized controller will constantly monitor the levels of chlorine and oxidation reduction potential (ORP) to ensure the proper levels of chlorine and increased water quality.
- The computerized controller can be monitored by staff via computers, smart tablets and smart phones.
- Both the indoor pool and outdoor pool will be equipped with computerized controllers.
- The outdoor pool will not operate with a UV system due to its lack of efficacy in an outdoor setting.