Indoor pool reopens with new look, liner

  • Published
  • By Ryan Stark
  • Nucleus writer
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  After an extensive renovation, Kirtland's Indoor Pool has reopened, bringing a well-used facility up to date with a new look.

Kate Davis, Kirtland Outdoor Recreation aquatics manager, said regular users of the pool would notice and enjoy the benefits of the renovation right away.

"It's that 'new car smell' that swimmers were craving," she said.

The work included replacement of the pool's liner, upgrades for the pump house, replacement of drains, pipe work and above-the-water changes like new paint for the walls and a new reception desk.

The liner was a major issue prior to the renovations, Davis said.

"It was the bane of our existence," she said. "(Its condition) literally left us with a partially working facility. And for being one of the few 50-meter facilities in Albuquerque, the damaged liner was the Achilles heel that was leaving us crippled."

She added that the new liner is made of gunite, a concrete-like composite material.

Davis said the reasons for renovating the pool went far beyond extending its use.

"It's extremely important to keep facilities up-to-date and fresh," she said. "Not only are you building morale when you encourage change and improvement, but you are giving the customer something new."

So far, she said, the response to the reopening has been overwhelmingly positive, with the pool staying busy from opening until closing.

"Word spread fast," she said. "We're seeing a lot of old faces, active-duty presence is higher than it's ever been, and swim lessons and aerobics are both back on schedule."

In addition to those programs, new programs like "Swim to Cannon Air Force Base" are starting in February.

The pool is open for lap swimming only Monday to Friday, 5:30 a.m. to noon, and, for aquatic membership holders only, noon to 1 p.m. Combined open and lap swimming are 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

For more information, call 846-5485.