Pool project cost estimate triples

     The cost to upgrade Buffalo Center’s wading pool is shaping up to be much more than expected. The city had hoped to add a zero-depth entry slope to the pool this past spring at a cost of about $70,000, but now Mayor Troy Armstrong reports it could cost as much as $225,000 to redo the pool to meet state requirements.

     Armstrong informed the city council about the new cost estimate following a meeting he and Pool Manager Sarah Paulson and Councilman Pete Paulson had with Pool Tech, who is working on the plans for the project. Armstrong said the reason for the drastic increase in cost is because a new state law requires a curved lip along the edge of the pool. He said Pool Tech’s recommendation was to replace the entire wading pool, because replacing just the existing edge would compromise the pool’s structure.

     Armstrong said they were hoping to get by without adding the curved lip, but he said the state inspector wouldn’t approve the plans. If the city doesn’t replace the pool, Armstrong said they could continue using it as is, but the bottom surface of the wading pool is worn out and needs to be replaced.

     See full story in this week's Tribune.