Primghar Swimming Pool Improvements |
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The American Council of Engineering Companies of Iowa awards engineering firms participating in projects that are judged to meet the Owner’s need for the project and demonstrate “Originality, Uniqueness and New Applications of Existing Technology”. The projects must also add to the “Technical Value of the Engineering Profession” and must consider “Social and Economic Factors” as well as be of a complex nature. The award was given to Kuehl and Payer, Ltd. of Storm Lake for their role in the final planning, design and construction administration of the Renovation of the Municipal Swimming Pool project recently completed by the City of Primghar. The project started with a study of the need for renovation or replacement of the deteriorating municipal swimming pool. The existing pool was losing 10” to 12” of water every day and the water that was added turned brown as soon as it was mixed with the chlorinated water in the pool from high manganese content of the City water. Kuehl and Payer, Ltd. was hired to study the alternatives available including replacing the existing pool with a new modern aquatic center type facility or renovating the existing pool. A new pool was estimated at $750,000 which was out of the question for the City of 1,500. The renovation alternate was estimated at $150,000 - $175,000 which was accepted by the City of Primghar. |
The final project included innovative approaches to renovation including lining the existing plastic sided pool with a 6” reinforced concrete liner that was “shot” over the existing pool side walls.Areas of the existing concrete pool bottom that were obviously leaking were patched using techniques unique to stopping leaking sewers. Surface skimmers were replaced and a new deck and fence was installed. The project was placed into operation in June, 2004 and was enjoyed by the residents of Primghar and the surrounding area during the 2004 swim season. Water loss was eliminated and clear water was more inviting for the pool users. The renovation of the pool prompted volunteers in the community to pitch in and upgrade the bathhouse yielding a facility that will extend the life of the existing facility for 15 – 20 more years. |