Owen Pool reopens after more than a year of closure due to necessary repairs
Memorial Day weekend provides a respite from the hot weather with the reopening of local pools.
After a yearlong hiatus for repairs, Buncombe County planned to reopen Owen Pool on May 28.
According to Lillian Govus, director of communications with the county, a waterline had to be fixed as a leak had developed underground, in between the pool and pump filter. Located beneath the pool deck, the concrete exterior had to be removed as well as dirt down to the pipe itself before the repairs could be made.
"It was a pretty extensive fix," Govus said.
Repairs to Owen Pool lasted "most of last year," according to Govus. While the repairs were finished last year, it was not in time to open for the regular season.
Sun safety and swim lessons can be found with the management group for the county pools, Swim Club Management Group of Asheville.
"For many local families, our pool openings signal the beginning of summer and more relaxing days," a news release from the county said. "They’re an affordable, fun and a healthy way to beat the heat."
In addition to Owen, the following pools plan to reopen for the summer on May 28:
- Cane Creek Pool at 590 Lower Brush Creek Road in Fletcher
- Erwin Pool at 58 Lees Creek Road in Asheville
- Hominy Valley Pool at 25 Twin Lakes Road in Candler
- North Buncombe Pool at 892 Clarks Chapel Road in Weaverville
- Malvern Hills Pool at 75 Rumbough Place in Asheville
The pools will be open Monday-Friday from 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from 1-6 p.m. Cost to swim is $3 per day.
Inclement weather may cause pools to close. Up to date information can be found for individual pools on Facebook.
Ezra Maille covers the town of Black Mountain, Montreat and the Swannanoa Valley. Reach him at 828-230-3324 or emaille@blackmountainnews.com. Please support local journalism with access to more breaking news by subscribing.