REPAIRED BUBBLE PUT OVER CENTRAL POOL

A crew of 25 men Wednesday stretched the three sections of the nylon bubble that covers Central Pool across the pool deck as they began assembling the cover.

By evening the bubble was up and work begun to ready the pool for the winter-season opening.

The pool was drained prior to erecting the bubble. To set up the structure with water in the pool would prove very difficult, explained Doug Gannon, recreation coordinator for the city's parks and recreation department. Plus, routine maintenance is done while the pool is empty.

Diving boards and lifeguard chairs were removed in preparation for setting up the bubble. They will be put back in place.

The bubble was taken down in April, a month earlier than usual, after gusty winds caused a 6-to-8-foot tear in the fabric.

During the summer, the rip was repaired. The bubble is the second in the history of the pool and is 6 years old. It is in good shape for the winter, Gannon said.

"It's well within the life expectancy," Gannon said. "We expect it to be here several years more."

The pool opens Sept. 28 for the winter season.

"This is a public facility," Gannon said. "While the high school does have a physical education curriculum and the swim team practices here, we are open for public swimming every day."

The pool will be open Mondays through Fridays from 5 to 7 a.m. and again from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for fitness swimming. It will be open for public swimming from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

On Saturdays, the pool will be open from 9 to 11 a.m. for fitness swimming, and from 1 to 5 p.m. for public swimming.

On Sundays, the pool will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. for public swimming.

Swimming lessons start Oct. 6.