Saltwater pools came up for discussion at Sun City’s Board of Directors meeting on May 23.
First, just to be clear – this is not something where a giant scooper is dipped into the ocean, and a huge container of the Atlantic or Pacific is hauled into Sun City and dumped into the Prairie Lodge swim pools. Scientifically-created saltwater is very different from ocean water.
The Solarium sun room at Prairie Lodge has been removed to the foundation and by early July, a more “comfortable” room will replace it. Cost is almost $186,000, funded by the reserve maintenance fund.
Scientifically-created saltwater pools have been used in many areas of the United States for many years. Locations are mostly in hotels, resorts, and athletic clubs in the Sun Belt areas. Artificial saltwater is reported to be more healthful than chlorine-filled fresh water. There hasn’t been much use of saltwater pools in senior communities, however.
Sun City’s Fitness Committee, after some recent discussions, suggested to Kathy Kent, the community’s fitness director, that the board investigate the feasibility of converting Sun City’s three activity pools to saltwater. The board talked about it at its May meeting, with input from Kent, and decided on May 23 to reconsider the possibility of conversion in 3-5 years.
“We need more accurate and reliable research information concerning the health benefits and costs of doing this,” the board said.
In a wide-ranging May 23 meeting, the board discussed and/or took action on a number of other significant topics:
Five members – two board members and three residents – have been appointed to the ad hoc Communications Committee. Representing the board are Vito Benigno and Marilynn Berendt, and residents are Vickie Goldberg, a member of the Covenants/Compliance and Activity Advisory Committees; Don Kay, Modifications Committee chairperson and a 2017 candidate in the board election; and Esther Skeggs, president of the Tall Oaks Tennis Club. The committee has been asked to recommend some new ways the board could or should communicate to the residents.
Existing bulletin boards along the bike and walking path around Wildflower Lake will be improved and refurbished this year at a projected cost of $4,000.
The board is preparing to replace the heaters in the Prairie Lodge outdoor pool. This is being funded by the consolidated reserve budget, but actual costs will be known when bids are received from contractors.
The board has authorized a study by the management team to determine the most feasible options to meet the expanding space needs of the Woodchucks and Cue Club charter clubs in the Millgrove Woodshop.
Staff, in conjunction with the Activities Advisory Committee, will work to develop and implement a celebration event and other activities to commemorate Sun City’s 20th anniversary in 2019. (The community’s age is usually measured from the date of the sale and occupancy of the first house, which took place in April, 1999).
Major maintenance and upgrade projects underway this spring and summer include the teardown and replacement of the Solarium at Prairie Lodge, replacement of the floor in the Fitness and Game Room in Prairie Lodge, and re-surfacing of the parking lots at Meadow View Lodge and the Arcadia condo building.
