Heating considered for City pool
Over the years, surveys of pool patrons have indicated an interest in heating the Montgomery Community Pool. The City has taken this feedback into consideration in researching the option to heat the pool and has opted to explore the possibility of using solar heating as an environmentally and economically viable option.
The solar heating option has been discussed with Heliocol, an experienced company interested in the application of its solar technology to the pool. Solar heating is not a typical solution used in climates that have freezing temperatures, a challenge to the City and Heliocol to engineer creative solutions.
Conventional systems for heating pools could be costly, given Montgomery’s current pump system. The system was not built to accommodate this extra process, so major building and piping alterations would be required should a conventional heating option be pursued. The initial cost, plus the ongoing increase in utility and chemical costs of the conventional heating system, makes solar heating a viable alternative.
The installation of either system would require an increase in pool user fees to offset the costs. Initial numbers suggest that the piped solar heating option, if feasible in the winter climate and sustainable by the existing roof structure of the pool house, is a much more reasonable cost.
The concept of heating the pool is included in the new Parks Study for additional investigation. As this study is reviewed by the established subcommittee, the concept of solar heating will be further evaluated. As actual costs are projected, 2008 pool members will be provided with specific information for consideration and feedback. By then, engineers will have determined if the structure of the building makes it an option for solar heating and if alternative funding sources might offset installation and operational costs.
The overall goal is to have a final recommendation and supporting documents in place to consider implementation in 2009.