Cape pool reopens, then closes because of pH level

Watch video about Central Municipal Pool Repairs

The water is back in Central Municipal Pool, and a temporary motor and pump have been installed.

Now parks and recreation workers face the task that stymies many pool owners -- balancing the pH level.

Cape Girardeau parks and recreation director Dan Muser said the pool was opened Monday but closed before the day was out to adjust chemicals in the water.

"Rather than trying to get it balanced with people using it, we've gone ahead and closed it," he said.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chlorine's ability to kill germs fades as the pH level rises. When the pH level goes below 7.2 or above 7.8, swimmers' eyes and skin will feel irritated. Muser said the municipal pool's pH was above 8 on Monday.

The pH problem is the latest in a string of frustrations since the pool's motor, installed in 1992, died Sept. 17. Workers removing the motor discovered cracks in the pump used to circulate the water. The city ordered a replacement pump, which is being manufactured in Pennsylvania and is not expected to be delivered until later this month or early November.

A temporary motor arrived weeks ago, and the cracked pump was reinforced with a sealing compound. As workers attempted to install the equipment, the valve the motor and pump were being attached to broke.

After replacing several valves, the motor and pump were hooked up. But moments after the machine starting operating, the pump shattered. Rather than waiting for the customized pump, city workers connected a free-standing external pump to the motor late last week. High school swim teams were invited to practice in the pool Monday. The water was chilly, but the chemical imbalance was unbearable for swimmers, Muser said.

Muser said the city is contacting swim teams directly to keep them posted on the pool's availability. The city is also recording status messages on the pool phone, 335-4040, to let individual swimmers know the latest.

Muser said the city pool uses the same chemicals backyard pools use, "except on a tremendously larger scale. It take longer to see the results ... that's the difference between 500 gallons and 500,000 gallons. It can be kind of aggravating, but this is pretty common."

Central High School swim coach Dayna Powell said she's hoping her team gets back in the pool in time for the Nov. 1 end-of-season meet. If that's not possible, she said, she's looking at Poplar Bluff as an alternative.

"The community's been really helpful. We've been able to use FitnessPlus and HealthPoint," she said.

Pat Kuper, assistant swim coach for Notre Dame Regional High School, said her team's meet with Jackson, scheduled for today, has been moved to Perryville.

pmcnichol@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127