Ronin FAQ's
Question 1: When was Ronin Pool built?
Question 2: I hear that part of the problem is that Ronin Pool was poorly maintained. Is that the case?
Answer: No, the life expectancy of a new swimming pool is 40 – 50 years.
The summer of 2008 will mark the 44th year of operation for Ronin Pool. The pool was well-maintained throughout its life. Repairs are needed simply because it is a 44 year old pool. The pool is subjected to extremes of heat and cold. In addition water and chlorine are naturally corrosive. Mechanical equipment wears out over time, especially in our climate. Ronin Pool is simply old operationally. Ongoing maintenance is the reason why the pool has lasted so long and why the current repair costs are as low as they are.
Question 3: Where is all the water going the City claims the pool is losing?
Answer: Water loss is absorbed by sand and gravel under and around the pool tub. Just because there isn’t evidence of water in the park or elsewhere doesn’t mean it’s not there. Water has the tendency to travel the path of least resistance which is downhill. The water loss through underground leaks becomes ground water.
Question 4: Why doesn’t the Parks and Recreation Department offer passes for Ronin only?
Answer: The Park and Recreation Department does offer passes for Ronin only. A pass for Ronin Pool is less expensive than a pass for Splash Station.
Question 5: When Ronin closes for the season in early August, where do I use my Ronin pass?
Answer: Once again as in 2007, Ronin season passes will be honored, at no additional charge, at Splash Station until Splash Station closes for the season on Labor Day.
Question 6: What are the hours of operation for Ronin Pool for the 2008 swim season?
Answer: Ronin Pool will open on Memorial Day, May 26 through August 3, daily (7 days a week) and August 9&10. The public can also enjoy free swim days May 26 & 27. Hours of operation for general swim will be 1 pm – 5 pm.
Question 7: The pool used to be open until 7 pm. What will be happening at the pool after 5 pm?
Answer: Be watching for the new and exciting special events calendar for Ronin Pool for evening promotions and activities after 5 pm. General swim will take place along with the special events. The Pool will also be available for private parties.
Question 8: Will there be swimming lessons offered at Ronin Pool?
Answer: Yes. Ronin Pool has deep water that is used for upper level swimming lessons, Guard Start and Life Guard Training classes.
Question 9: What happens to Ronin Pool after the 2008 swim season?
Answer: City staff, the Parks and Recreation Board, and the City Council will monitor attendance each year and will continue to work on improving attendance at Ronin Pool. We are currently planning for repairs to take place in three phases during the off-season.
Question 10: Is the water at Ronin Pool heated?
Answer: No. When the pool was constructed in 1964 there were no regulations pertaining to heaters. Any new facility constructed today must have a heater to pass inspection. Phase 3 of repairs will include a heater to warm the pool water.
Question 11: Who is the City consulting with regarding the repairs?
Answer: The Fremont Parks and Recreation Department has been working with Associated Pool Builders in Dickinson, North Dakota. The consultant said repairs can begin by replacing current perimeter recirculation piping including supply and return lines to the mechanical room. It is difficult and expensive to pin point leaks, so the entire piping around the pool under the deck will be replaced.
Question 12: What are the costs of these repairs?
Answer: It has been determined that repairs can be done in phases as budget allows.
$70,000 (Phase 1) – furnish and install new perimeter recirculation piping including supply and return lines to mechanical room.
$40,000 (Phase 1) – furnish and install new main drain and piping.
$8,000 (Phase 1) – furnish and install manhole piping, valves and fittings.
NOTE: All 3 items in Phase 1 must be done at the same time due to repairs being located underground.
$40,000 (Phase 2) – furnish and install mechanical room recirculation and face piping with valves, gauges and fittings.
$160,000 (Phase 3) – furnish and install complete pool mechanical system (filters, pumps, pool heater, chemical controller, water level controller, chlorination system, and valves).
Question 13: Why repair? Why not demolish and start over?
Answer: The cost of a new pool, exactly like it is right now, would cost $900,000. This is the cost of the tub only. This doesn’t include any features such as slides, spray features, decks, fence, bath house, water or sewer, electrical for pool mechanical or any pool mechanical room renovation (filters, pumps, etc). A complete, functioning pool would cost $1.5 - $2 million.
Question 14: With poor attendance, why not just close Ronin Pool?
Answer: Ronin Pool is a good alternative to Splash Station. It offers the use of diving boards and the deep water is utilized for upper level swimming lessons, Guard Start and Life Guard Training classes.
Question 15: So, why did you want to close Ronin Pool in the first place?
Answer: The City never said anything about closing Ronin Pool. This was a headline in the local newspaper. The headline had no relation to the story behind the headline. No one on City staff asked to close Ronin Pool. No one on the Parks & Recreation Board asked for this. No one on the City Council asked for this. No one in the City’s government has asked to close the pool. City officials were very upset about the headline and spoke with staff at the Fremont Tribune immediately after the headline was published.
If you have additional questions that were not addressed, please contact Kim Koski, Recreation Superintendent at 727-2810.
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