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Pool FAQ

Below are answers to several frequently asked questions about the pools at Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South. This page will be revised when new information and/or updates become available. 

CENTRAL POOL
What is happening with the pool tile deck?
What is causing the temperature and humidity regulation issues on the pool deck?
What is causing the temperature and humidity regulation issues in the spectator seating area?
Are there any concerns related to chlorine, chemicals, or environmental effects on the swimmers?

SOUTH POOL
What is happening with the pool tile deck?

Executive Summary - Hinsdale Central and South Pool Repairs

  • Pool deck tiles for both pools scheduled for replacement in summer 2024.
  • HVAC system on the pool deck at Hinsdale Central is being monitored and will be replaced in summer 2024.
  • HVAC system in the spectator area at Hinsdale Central does not need repair; however, an engineer is addressing humidity and air circulation issues.
  • Water and air quality at Hinsdale Central have been tested; no concerns were identified. 
  • Board of education formed a Special Pool Task Force composed of stakeholders from local club and high school swim programs, as well as community members who served on the original referendum Special Committee. 

CENTRAL POOL
What is happening with the pool tile deck?
Following completion of the pool, the tile deck tented and cracked. After multiple unsuccessful attempts to remediate the issue, the district contracted with Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) to investigate the root cause(s) of the floor's failure. WJE provided the district with its investigation report in July 2023, which identified multiple issues with the original design and installation of the floor. After reviewing the report, a notice of defect was issued to the district’s architect and construction manager demanding the full replacement of the pool tile deck. The Facilities Committee and Special Pool Task Force are currently reviewing the investigation report, evaluating design modifications and assessing the bidding process. No repairs will need to be made to the men’s and women’s locker rooms.

The district will not incur any cost in conjunction with the replacement of the pool tile deck. All costs associated with the replacement of the floor, including the investigation and legal fees, will be paid by the architect, construction manager and contractor. The current timeline calls for the pool to be shut down immediately following the water polo season in spring 2024 so that work on the floor can begin.  The pool is scheduled to be up and running again prior to the start of the girls’ swim season in fall 2024.

What is causing the temperature and humidity regulation issues on deck?
The new Dectron (Dehumidification) unit has experienced multiple warranty issues since being installed two years ago. 

Below is a timeline that details the control/comfort concerns on the pool deck area and the efforts that have or will be undertaken to address them. 

  • August 2021 - School staff/administration indicated comfort concerns in the spectator areas shortly after the project’s substantial completion. An investigation began with the manufacturer.
  • January - March 2022 - Investigation/troubleshooting of pressurization and condensation.
  • May 2022 - Repairs made to damaged distribution ductwork.
  • August 2022 - Staff/administration reported additional concerns.
  • October 2022 - Identified and repaired damage to the return air ductwork (concealed within a shaft).    
  • November 2022 - Adjustments made to the Building Automation System (BAS) for the spectator HVAC unit in order to address comfort concerns in the spectator area. Standalone room temperature and humidity sensors were installed by the district. 
  • March 2023 - Repaired leak in the compressor refrigeration.
  • May 2023 - Final equipment inspection and air balancing of the Dectron unit. Work done on an extended warranty. 
  • September - October 2023 - Failed compressor, control board and exhaust fan were replaced and a spare compressor was left onsite in the event of future failure. Dectron provided a proposal to the district to rebuild the Dectron unit. This proposal was evaluated by the Facilities Committee and Special Pool Task Force.
  • November 2023 - December 2023 - Dectron is conducting a root cause analysis on the current unit. 
  • June-July 2024 - The old Dectron unit will be removed and a new one will be installed.

What is causing the temperature and humidity regulation issues in the spectator area?
There is a separate HVAC unit that controls the temperature in the spectator seating area. The district has engaged a third-party engineering company to review the design of the system, determine if the system is performing as designed, and make recommendations that would improve the overall comfort in the space.  

Are there any concerns related to chlorine, chemicals, or environmental effects on the swimmers?
The pool vessel and equipment passed the Illinois Department of Public Health’s (IDPH) final inspection in August 2021 prior to opening. Water quality testing is required to be performed on disinfectant residual and pH at least twice a day from the shallow and deep areas of the pool. Combined chlorine is tested on a weekly basis. The district environmental services consultant completed air quality testing in fall 2022 and will complete it again in November 2023. 

SOUTH POOL
What is happening with the pool tile deck?
Following completion of the pool, the tile deck experienced issues with cracking tiles. The issues were not nearly as pronounced as at Central; however, after reviewing the Central investigation report, the district engaged WJE to complete a review of the South pool tile deck due to the similar design. WJE provided the district with its investigation report in September 2023, which identified issues with the original design and installation of the floor. After reviewing the report, a notice of defect was issued to the district’s architect and construction manager demanding the full replacement of the pool tile deck. The Facilities Committee and Special Pool Task Force are currently reviewing the investigation report, evaluating design modifications and assessing the bidding process. No repairs will need to be made to the men’s and women’s locker rooms.

The district will not incur any cost in conjunction with the replacement of the pool tile deck. All costs associated with the replacement of the floor, including the investigation and legal fees, will be paid by the architect, construction manager and contractor. The current timeline calls for the pool to be shut down immediately following the water polo season in spring 2024 so that work on the floor can begin.  The pool is scheduled to be up and running again prior to the start of the girls’ swim season in fall 2024.