HIGH WIND RIPS POOL COVER; CENTRAL POOL CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

The nylon bubble that covers the Central Pool was taken down Monday after gusty winds caused a 6- to 8-foot-long tear in the fabric just before noon.

The 30 people in the swimming pool were escorted outside, and recreation coordinator Doug Gannon called 911 as a precaution.

Officials said there was no danger of the tear causing the bubble to deflate. "You err on the side of caution," said city Parks and Recreation Department director Dan Muser.

The pool is closed until further notice.

Much of Southeast Missouri was under a tornado watch into Monday evening, and warnings were issued in Stoddard and Scott counties. Severe thunderstorms moved across the area, and Doppler radar detected tornado cells in those areas. There were no reports, however, of tornadoes in Southeast Missouri. Heavy rain was widespread across the area.

Gannon said the rip made itself known. "The lifeguard on duty heard a loud pop inside the bubble," he said. "One of the seams by the door had broken free."

The seam was a few feet above ground level just west of the bathhouse. Firefighters, public works personnel and pool employees worked to keep the size of the tear from increasing.

They also began removing the diving boards, ladders, lifeguard chairs and other equipment to prevent further damage to the fabric. The nearly two-hour process of deflating the bubble then was begun.

Lowering the bubble and preparing the pool for the summer season normally is accomplished by the school staff over a two-week period.

"We're doing what we normally do a month from now," Muser said.

The bubble is the second in the history of the pool and is 6 years old. "It's just one of the freak deals that sometimes happen," Muser said.

"We certainly didn't expect problems with it for many years," he said. "We will get the company involved to see if there is any liability."

The envelope is constructed in three sections. Muser said it is possible only one of the sections will have to be replaced before the bubble is inflated in the fall.

He could not estimate the cost.

The pool could reopen without the bubble within a matter of weeks. Muser said, "We don't know how soon we will have it operational. We will have to see."

Though the pool is heated, Gannon said he expects the schedule of swimming parties and other recreational activities will be curtailed somewhat once the pool does reopen.

"We have some dedicated fitness swimmers and other individuals who may be more inclined to come," he said.

Plans of the Central High School swimming team are uncertain at this point, Gannon said.

He said the Central Pool remains in good condition. "It's a safe structure, a safe facility. This is just an unfortunate incident that happened."

The whipping winds also toppled a tree on the hill above the baseball field at Capaha Park.