ADELPHI POOL CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FAQ

If you do not see the answer to your renovation question here, please email renovation@adelphipool.org or submit your comments to the Pool Board through our online Google Form.

Why are we planning a renovation?

You may be aware that this past season we needed to make significant (and costly) repairs to the pool. At 65 years old, our pool is 15 years past its expected lifespan and in need of major renovations.

We must overhaul our pool’s surfaces, replace our leaking systems that use 3.5 times more water than they should, and do other work to come into compliance with current codes. While the need is great, this is a rare and exciting opportunity to design the pool we will have for years to come.

Which parts of the facility are in the scope?

The main pool, baby pool, decks, pump room, and all pool features (i.e., slide, diving board) are in scope. The pool is the most urgent and significant capital improvement and will require substantial resources. The bathhouse was replaced about 20 years ago and is not included in the project. Replacement of the parking lot is also not in the scope of the project.

Who is making decisions about the renovation?

In general, the Board makes strategic and financial decisions for our organization, but the pivotal decision on design and financing will be by membership vote.

All members in good standing are Voting Members (we do not currently have non-voting seasonal members) and as per by-laws, all members, including Board members, have one vote per household.

What are members deciding?

Please find the text of the ballot, below.

Question 1: Should we go forward with the current funding and renovation plan?

YES, I authorize the Board to borrow up to $2,500,000 on behalf of Adelphi Recreation Incorporated, authorize a one-time per membership assessment of up to $350, and direct the Board to proceed with the pool renovation project.

NO, I do not authorize debt or an assessment at this time. I understand that this decision does not preclude a future proposal and vote to authorize debt and an assessment.

Question 2: Should a majority of the membership vote YES on Question 1 to proceed with the proposed renovation package, I prefer:

Option A: Replace-In-Kind Pools of similar size and shape. Expected per-membership assessment is $100

OR

Option B: Expanded Pools Expansion of pools with T-shaped main pool to accommodate six 25-meter lap lanes, expanded and reconfigured auxiliary pools. Expected per-membership assessment is $350

What happens if we vote YES on Question 1 to fund, take debt, and proceed with the proposed renovation package?

We proceed with the proposed renovation package, including:

  • Design: We advance one of the options (Question 2) toward construction.
  • Timeframe: We begin construction in September 2023 for an estimated May 2024 completion.
  • Financing:
    • We take a loan to finance the majority of the project cost (more on the implications of debt here).
    • We implement a one-time assessment paid by all memberships of up to $100 for Question 2, Option A (replace-in-kind) or up to $350 for Question 2 Option B (expanded pools) due by May 1, 2023.
    • We secure a commitment of 60 memberships to prepay five years of dues and capital improvement fees at 2022 rates ($4,039).

What happens if we vote NO on Question 1 to fund, take debt, and proceed with renovation?

We do not proceed with the proposed renovation package at this time. We vote to delay. This does not preclude the possibility that a future proposal for pool renovation be presented to the membership for consideration. This means:

  • We do not take on a loan or have a one-time assessment in 2023, and we will not start construction in 2023.
  • The pool has more time to gather resources to pay for the renovation.
  • We continue to risk failures that may result in short-term or long-term closure of the pool
  • We continue to spend money (currently tens of thousands annually) on stopgap repairs and wasted water due to leaks

What is included in the replace-in-kind Option (Option A)?

  • Replacement of the main pool at the same size (50m X 50 ft) size and shape as the existing main pool
  • Replacement of the baby pool at the same size (30 ft x 30 ft) and shape as the existing baby pool; per code baby pool will include graduated “beach” entry within its own fenceline
  • All code required upgrades, including ADA ramp into main pool and accessible, removable stairs
  • Separate pool filtration systems for main and baby pool
  • New pumphouse
  • Pool heating system
  • 2 diving boards (similar configuration to existing set up)
  • 1 slide (type and location TBD; will not need to be removed for swim season)
  • Sitework to improve ADA access ramp from bathhouse to pool (exact location TBD)

What is included in the expanded pool option (Option B)?

  • Replacement of the main pool with a T-shaped main pool that provides 1,600 square ft. of additional deep-water space, including 25m competition/lap swimming space while retaining existing shallow-water area
  • Replacement of the baby pool with two shallow-water pools, to include: 1) a roughly 20 ft x 20 ft baby pool with a graduated “beach” entry and maximum depth of 18 inches, within its own fenceline and 2) an approximately 800 square ft. “Intermediate” pool with graduated “beach” entry and maximum depth of 3 ft.
  • All code required upgrades, including ADA ramp into main pool and accessible, removable stairs
  • Separate pool filtration systems for main and baby pool
  • New pumphouse
  • Pool heating system
  • 2 diving boards (similar configuration to existing set up)
  • 1 slide (type and location TBD; will not need to be removed for swim season)
  • Sitework to improve ADA access ramp from bathhouse to pool (exact location TBD)

What design details are undecided?

With a vote to approve either Option A or Option B, you are voting on the pool amenities identified above. Upon approval from membership, additional design work will include determining layouts of ramps, ladders, stairs, diving boards, slides, lifeguard stands, baby pool configurations (including fencing and grassy areas), finishes, etc. The amenities shown in 3D renderings and concept plans are not necessarily reflective of the final type and placement of all features. The Pool Board will contract with appropriate professional civil engineering, pool design/build, and landscape/hardscape firms to finalize designs before seeking all appropriate permits.

What about our shade and seating?

Adelphi Pool, we hear you!  We know that you value shade and you want to make sure you have a place to sit. Options A and B both retain the forested area behind the pool and all large trees on the site. In addition to the recent investments in umbrellas, the Pool Board may consider the purchase of additional shade structures/sails as the renovation nears completion.

For summer 2022, the Pool Board made a major investment in new pool furniture. Furniture layouts and reconfigured seating areas may be considered in the future as the renovation nears completion.

We expect no reduction in the overall amount of seating or shade with Option A or B, although there may be some shift in how different areas of the pool grounds are used.

And what about the grass?

Kids, and kids-at-heart, need grassy areas to run around. We know you like having areas to sit and eat away from the pool deck. While the 3D renderings and concept plans show a distinct lack of grass/play area around the baby pool and more concrete than we’re used to around the pool deck, these things aren’t set in stone. As the design drawing process moves forward, we will keep your input at the forefront – that means incorporating more play area within the baby pool fenceline and making sure there is plenty of space for picnic tables.

How about water features?

The concept plans and budget for the project do not currently anticipate water features (e.g., fountains/splash pads/play structures) in the baby or intermediate pools. If membership votes to move forward with Option B, we recommend that members interested in exploring options for developing additional amenities within the shallow-water play areas reach out to renovation@adelphipool.org.

When will the membership vote be?

Online voting will open the week of July 1, and members will have one full week to vote. All member households will receive emailed instructions for voting.

Who can vote?

Per our by-laws, each Voting Membership in good standing has one vote.

How much will it cost?

Our preliminary estimates of the cost of renovation are approximately $2.7-$3.3 million. We will update these estimates as we know more; construction costs have been changing rapidly during the pandemic, and design and permitting requirements will also affect the ultimate cost. To cover whatever costs we face, we expect to use a mix of upfront payments and long-term loans. Adelphi Pool members can find additional information here (login required).

How will we pay for it?

We expect a combination of upfront payments and long-term loans. Our organization currently has no debt, and we are building up our cash reserves. For Option A, the one-time member assessment in 2023 is $100. For Option B, the one-time member assessment is $350. These assessments are not recurring. An infographic explaining payment options is available here.

The Board has also approved increases in the Capital Improvement Fee of $79 for Family Memberships and $50 for all other memberships. We will discontinue the early bird discount and begin passing credit card fees on to members for transactions through the online account. Our membership system does not currently allow for other forms of electronic payments, but we may explore the feasibility of other payment options in the coming months.

When would construction commence?

If membership approves the renovation, the current plan is to break ground in September 2023 and complete construction before Opening Day 2024. The intention is for all work to take place in the off-season.

Why aren’t we starting sooner?

Permitting, design, zoning, and financing all require substantial lead time. We believe September 2023 is the soonest practical date for the start of construction.