A broken light fixture at the Furman Aquatic Center in Ames has forced the facility’s partial closure for the next few days. According to a city news release, Parks and Recreation staff noticed a light fixture had fallen onto the pool deck and shattered near the zero depth “splash pool.” Broken glass was visible on the deck and in the splash pool. The city says state law mandates that pool basin be drained, cleaned, and refilled before reopening. Also, all the light fixtures around the aquatic center are being checked to ensure they are secure.
The city says the splash pool will remain closed until the 87,400 gallon pool is drained, cleaned, refilled, and its water is tested. Extra pumps have been brought in to drain the pool more quickly, and a fire hydrant will be used to help refill the basin. The splash pool is likely re-open Saturday. The city says the 50-meter pool and lazy river could reopen tomorrow, as soon as all light fixtures are determined to be safe.