The Lindsborg swimming pool is set to open on June 9, but the work that goes into getting the pool ready for the season begins much earlier. While the lifeguards ensure the safety of swimmers when they’re in the water, it’s the Public Works staff who work behind the scenes to keep the water itself safe for everyone.

Staffing is a big reason why the pool opens and closes when it does for the season. Much of the lifeguard staff are in school, so their work schedule must accommodate their school schedule. Lifeguards must also go through training before they are allowed to work. But before the lifeguards can jump in the pool, the water must be properly cared for. That’s where the Public Works team comes into the picture.

It takes roughly 36 hours, over 2 ½ days, to completely fill the pool using 262,000 gallons of water. Bryan Giesen, a member of the Public Works water department staff, has gone through training specific to the science of superchlorination for public pools. When treating a pool, it’s important to get the pH balance correct to ensure water safety, equipment longevity, and swimmer comfort. Staff monitors the chemical levels in the pool both when it’s open and after hours. Much of the work that needs to be done has to be completed when no one is in the pool, so timing is a critical part of the process.

The equipment longevity is especially timely given that this is the first season at the pool with a newly installed filter system. The previous filter system had been in place since 1994. The new filters will not require nearly as much backflushing, which will save hundreds of gallons of water. Backflushing is a common practice in pool upkeep for cleaning pool filters. Staff reverses the flow of water through the filters to help clean and dislodge debris (sand, leaves, etc.). The pool has also been newly repainted for the 2025 season, which will eliminate paint chips from getting into the filter system as well. Making sure the pool is in the best shape possible and safe for everyone is truly a team effort.

We’re excited for the 2025 season and can’t wait to open the gates! To learn more about the pool hours, reserving the pool, and more, visit the swimming pool page on the Recreation Department site.