Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Tonya Papanikolas ReportingSome American Fork residents are questioning the safety of a public pool that's covered by a bubble.
"The air quality is so bad inside of it and I think it's unacceptable."
The bubble at the American Fork Rec Center was built this year. While it gives swimmers a great winter option, some say it's not worth it. Chlorine in pools mixes with things like sweat to create what's called chloramines. You don't want to trap those in the air.
At outdoor pools wind and even UV light gets rid of it, but when you put a bubble over a pool, ventilation becomes more difficult.
Families and high school swim team members love being able to use the American Fork Rec Center pool in the winter, but lately the pool's atmosphere has caused some concerns.
Rick Meinzer, Concerned Citizen: "About 30-45 minutes of being inside, my eyes were burning so bad from the chemicals that I had to go outside to get some fresh air."
Rick Meinzer says the air inside the bubble is unhealthy and he wants it fixed.
Rick Meinzer: "My son works out for two to three hours a day inside that bubble, and he's started to develop symptoms of asthma."
Meinzer complained to the health department, which investigated. Officials found the chemicals inside the water were fine, but they suspect the air is another story.
Ron Tobler, Utah County Health Department: "Those chemicals we try to destroy and vent out of the closed building are being trapped somewhat by the bubble."
The pool has one main ventilation system. Pool managers have left doors open and placed a fan near the entrance. They believe it's enough.
Derric Rykert, Fitness & Recreation Director: "We're constantly monitoring the chemicals, the air quality, and I don't believe we have a problem here."
But they also say they're working with the health department.
Derric Rykert: "We do think there's a couple things we can do to improve it. We're looking at different ventilation options."
Meinzer says he hopes the city will follow through because he loves the pool. He just wants to make sure it's safe.
Rick Meinzer: "Kids' health, peoples' health is at risk - and we need to do something about it."
The pool managers told us Utah County health inspectors are going in next week to test the air again, and the city is running its tests next week also.
It is renting smoke machines to fill up the bubble to see how the air moves-and see if the smoke leaves.
