Why are so many public pools already closed?

[hoffdano]

Originally Posted by Komeht

So -don't staff them.

Is the ocean staffed in winter? Do they close the beaches because unsupervised swimming could be hazardous?

Lake Austin is open for swimming all winter long. People drown there now and then - I don't see the giant need for lifeguards for it. Swimming in Lake Austin is FAR FAR riskier than swimming in Stacey Pool.

Post giant signs - swim at own risk - you assume 100% of the risk.

Everyone is so law suit averse - but I highly doubt there is possible winning suit. As a matter of fact - having a life guard presents a higher degree of risk liability wise because of an expectation of safety.

Although I agree with the point you make -its not going to happen with a city pool. Posting a sign is not enough protection for the city. A pool is simply a different environment than a lake or beach.

[centralaustinite]

Plus an ocean or lake is self-maintaining!

Little Stacy is now drained and emptied, the filtering equipment is turned off, weatherized, etc. Even without staffing, there is a cost to keeping the pool open (filters, removing leaves, adding chemicals, and at only 18 inches max depth, water needs to be added periodically etc.)