For First Time Since 2019, Bridgeport City Pool Opens with Standard Operations; Free Admission Saturday
By Jeff Toquinto on May 25, 2022
For the first time since the pandemic hit in 2020, the Bridgeport City Pool will essentially be operating as it has for decades, according to Parks and Recreation Director Joe Shuttleworth.
In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the pool did not operate. Last year, the pool was open but did not open to full capacity and there were several other restrictions, including not selling season pool passes.
“It’s pretty much back to normal,” said Shuttleworth. “As for the preparation of the pool, that has remained the same as in year’s past.”
That preparation will lead to Saturday’s opening day. The Splash Day is also free admittance and there will be a deejay on hand for entertainment.
Since the pool closed last year and until recent days, the pool generally is not a thing of beauty. Water has to be left in it and it “looks like a pond,” said Shuttleworth.
“Among the first things we do is pump that water out and clean the pool,” said Shuttleworth. “This year we painted the bottom of the pool along with are regular cleanup and basic repair work.”
Shuttleworth said some of the lifeguards employed by the pool that are college students have been helping out with pressure washing, cleaning chairs, and scrubbing all parts of the facility down.
“The good thing is we’ve got the chemicals running and balance and the filters are up and running,” said Shuttleworth. “We’re in good shape right now.”
Getting into good shape started several weeks ago. After draining the pool, painting, and making repairs as needed, the process began to fill it up.
“It takes about four days, and we do that slowly, so we don’t drain the city’s (water) tanks, but we put in about 300,000 gallons of water,” said Shuttleworth.
Anyone wishing to take advantage of some of those hundreds of thousands of gallons can do so with a season pass that can be purchased anytime the Benedum Civic Center office is open, including this coming Saturday. There will also be concessions available and a reminder that coolers are not allowed.
The pool will be open this week Saturday, Sunday, and Monday – weather permitting. Along with the free day Saturday when the pool is open from noon until 6 pm., the pool will be open Sunday from 12:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. and then on Memorial Day from noon until 6 p.m.
The cost is $5.50 for individuals 12 and up. The cost is $4.50 for seniors over 55 and children 3 through 12. Children 2 and under are admitted for free. The pool will be closed Tuesday through Friday next week after Memorial Day and the reopen June 4 for the rest of the season.
Editor's Note: Photo shows staff members of Parks and Recreation cleaning the pool after it was recently painted to get it ready for the 2022 season.
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