Pool boiler broken, water polo teams finds other options

In early September, the boiler that heats the school’s pool broke, forcing the use of the backup solar heating system. The heating system, however, couldn’t keep the pool warm enough and forced water polo teams to relocate games and practices until the system was recently fixed, according to plant operations supervisor Brian Moran.

“[The solar heating system] performs well during the warmer months but does not when the weather starts to get cooler,” Moran said. 

The boiler broke down seven weeks ago and was repaired on Oct. 11. 

When the boiler was down, the pool was around 77 degrees. Eight to 81 degrees is the normal acceptable range and anything below that begins to affect the pool use, Moran said. 

Because of the cold temperatures, the boys’ and girls’ water polo teams had several land practices and shifted the sites of two games to the opponent’s pool.

“[It was] harder for [the water polo team] to practice and work on skills because land practices aren’t as effective and when we [would] get in the pool, [it was] freezing,” sophomore water polo player Noah Quanrud said.

In addition, the pump for the pool broke in mid-October causing the water polo teams to change one practice. It was rebuilt in less than a week and is operating well, according to Moran. The pump breakdown is attributed to age and use. 

“All of these breakdowns were irritating because [the water polo team’s] schedule was constantly changing,” junior water polo player James Guzzo said. “I’m just happy that the pool is fixed now and [the team] can practice regularly again.”