Can this pool be saved?

A Columbus contractor is trying to figure out the answer to that question. Inspectors with Patterson Pools were in Ironton last week to view what used to be the Mitch Morgan Municipal Pool, now in the hands of the Ironton City Schools.

“We’re just evaluating the current pool there and offering recommendations as far as what needs to be done and what can be done,” Jim Patterson, of Patterson Pools, said. “We look at the structure, filtration, the chemical feed, decking, fencing, everything associated with the pool. We’ll make a recommendation based on that. We haven’t gotten too far into it yet.”

He said his report to school officials should be completed by the middle of next week.

Ironton School Superintendent Dean Nance said Patterson Pools is thus far the only entity that has agreed to perform an evaluation, but he said he is pleased to have the Columbus firm’s assistance.

“He also did the pool in Wheelersburg and he has done other local ones so he is familiar with the area,” Nance said.

The Ironton City Schools deeded the pool to the city in the 1930s. A clause in the deed stipulated that if the city failed to operate the pool for two years, the deed could revert back to the school district.

The city gave the pool back to the school district last spring after city officials concluded they did not have the money to make necessary repairs to keep the pool operating. The pool was closed early in the summer of 2004 after it was determined the facility was losing 60,000 gallons of water a day. After getting the pool back in its possession, school officials began looking for grants to pay for anticipated repairs.

Nance has said before the district is not in the business of operating a pool and may have to consider contracting the pool to another company.