Big Plans for East Potomac Pool at Hains Point?

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by Prince Of Petworth August 13, 2015 at 3:10 pm 14 Comments

potomac pool
Photo by PoPville flickr user nici161

Last week when we spoke about the summer pool closure schedule a commenter mentioned big plans for the East Potomac Pool including possibly a two year closure. I’m trying to get details from DPR but in the meantime they tweet this tease this morning:

“DPR’s Aquatics Director and the Capital Projects team at @dcdpr and @dcdgs review design plans for East Potomac Pool.”

Stay tuned for updates.

16thStreetHeighter

It’s true. The pool is one of the oldest aluminum pools on the East Coast (the aluminum is encased in a fiberglass coating). There is or was a crack in the bottom of the deep end and the pool that has been flooding and damaging the pump room underneath. They have to completely remove and rebuild the pool. Had DC been awarded the Olympic bid, that was the proposed site for a new pool to hold the diving competition.

What’s stupid is that the Fenty administration put in a $75,000 heating system in that pool so he could train for triathlons long course between Memorial Day and Columbus Day. Now, that’s going to waste.
neighbor

This pool is amazing. If the comment above is correct I see the need for repairs. But please let it stay how it is. The last thing anyone here wants is one of those kid pools with a water slide and all that.
- jch
  
  Due to the popularity of the pool with sunbathers and lap swimmers, I don’t think the new design will incorporate a kids pool unless it is separate (i could be wrong though).
  - jch
    
    Almost forgot to add (per twitter), it seems they’ll be releasing plans soon.
- Caroline
  
  I went to this pool once and didn’t understand what was so great about it. Am I missing something?
  - Hilly
    
    Low number of children is what keeps me an EPP fan. Also, no problems with parking.
  - neighbor
    
    The lack of features IS the feature. It’s just a nice lap pool in a peaceful location. I can go swim laps in peace and in a pool that’s not 15% pee from children. I can have a beer after or hit some balls at the range.
    - saf
      
      Yep
- Dupont
  
  Kids and pools are great. It seems to me that a DC that makes itself a good place to raise families is a positive thing.
Petworthian

Well, Paul H, maybe if you keep saying stuff like that your kids won’t want to visit you either.
- Paul H
  
  Discrimination against children in public accommodations is against the law and immoral, as we were all children once plus they’ll be paying our social security. So, if “neighbor” had commented that if they add features for kids they preserve the adult lap facility I could have respected that. Instead “neighbor”and others advocate for design that excludes kids, adding snark like “15 percent pee.” My post gets deleted, theirs stays. Hmm.
  - Prince Of Petworth
    
    Paul and Petworthian – you are both being children. Petworthian feeds off stuff like this. Yes he’s being a jerk. But Paul, don’t take the bait. Both of you need to grow up and lighten up. There – I hope you’re both equally offended now.
    - Paul H
      
      :) I admit my first post was jerky. Now let’s all advocate for a big water park for all at Haines.
      - Prince Of Petworth
        
        Sign me up as a supporter!

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