BEDFORD — The Bedford Parks Department voted 5-0 during a special meeting Monday afternoon to accept a recommendation by Parks Director Barry Jeskewich to transform the filtration system at John Lowery Municipal Pool from chlorine to saltwater.
“This pool has its original filtration system,” Jeskewich noted. “They usually last about 15 years and we’re going on 30. Every year we’re holding our breath to see what happens.
“We’ve been setting aside money in a non-reverting fund to replace the system. Our pool manager, Luke Haskett, came to us about two months ago and asked about changing over to a saltwater system, which is the trend right now. We contacted a gentleman from Spear Corp. and he came to talk to us.”
Jeskewich said operations manager Amber McIntyre crunched the numbers and the results were favorable. The total cost of the new system is approximately $200,000.
“Spear is willing to take back the chemicals we ordered last fall and issue a credit of $19,000 toward our payment,” he noted. “We also have approximately $30,000 in our non-reverting fund.
“Next year, when we prepare our budget, instead of asking $50,000 to go for the chemicals we’ll use it to go toward our payment. Our overall costs of operating the pool should drop significantly. It’s an opportunity to get a new and safer filtration system. We won’t be dealing with chlorine. Salt is much safer.
“For me, it’s a no-brainer. Spear has guaranteed they can have us ready and open for business ... May 20 if we can get all the paper submitted by Wednesday.”
Jeskewich planned to take the proposal before a special meeting of the Bedford Board of Works today.
If the board votes in favor of the recommendation, Spear will begin installing the new system immediately.
Jeskewich said pools in both Fishers and Carmel utilize saltwater systems and the feedback and reviews have been positive.
McIntyre said Haskett was very helpful during the decision-making process. “Luke is very knowledgeable about this,” she said. “He’s checked it out and is very confident in this system.”
Jeskewich said all signs pointed toward a saltwater filter.
“I don’t see a downside,” he said. “We couldn’t see waiting another year to do this. By getting it now, we can pay it off more quickly.”