Project to install lights at pool started

It’s a familiar feeling to water polo players: They’re on the pool deck for a 5 a.m. practice, cold and, even worse, stumbling in the dark.

The administration is hoping to solve this problem and others with the installation of a bank of light at the pool by the end of December.

Besides the need to light up the pool for early morning and night practices, assistant principal Kevin Mount said lights will help alleviate the overcrowding that often occurs at the pool. In addition to darker nights and mornings, the water polo players’ practice times interfere with De Anza Cupertino Aquatics, or DACA, the swim club that rents the pool from 3:30-8 p.m. every day. Because of the scheduling, water polo and swimming practices are very limited in time.

“There is a tension between the amount of time that DACA uses the pool and our team needs the pool, so we need the lights to things back up to give our team time to practice,” Mount said.

Funding came from four sources: Saratoga Sports Boosters, the school facilities fund, a private anonymous donation and the school district. The Saratoga Sports Boosters and the anonymous donation each covered $50,000 and the school fund and school district made up the rest of the $143,000 project.

According to Mount, chief business officer Tom Woodruff managed the bidding for the project and project manager Mark Bartos is working with the contractors.

Construction for the project has already started. Electrical contractors came out to run the conduit for power around the base of the fence around the pool. The workers have also already cut the big pylons that will support the power lines.

Future care for the lights will involve time to time cleanings and light replacements, Mount said.

Water polo players are also excited for the lights’ installation.

“They will allow us to practice longer and better prepare for next season,” said sophomore Amanda Moriarty, who plays varsity water polo.