Reservations to be required at pool this summer

Mt. Lebanon’s swim center is set for a May 29 opening, but things will look different this year.

The pool, which has been closed, will operate at a capacity of 300 people during open swim initially this year, and attendees will have to reserve a time slot to swim. The matter was discussed at a March 9 meeting of the Mt. Lebanon Board of Commissioners.

The daily pass rate will go up by $1 this year to $9 for adults and $8 for seniors and students. Children under the age of 2 will still be admitted for free.

The pool will be open to residents and nonresidents.

Mt. Lebanon could end up spending as much as $320,000 to operate the pool this year as a deficit is predicted because the pool will not be able to accommodate as many people.

Commissioner Leann Foster said in a typical year Mt. Lebanon spends about $50,000 in taxpayer money to operate the pool.

“We do not make money off the pool. It costs money to operate the pool. That’s something the community and the commission have decided is worth it to us,” she said.

Finance director Andrew McCreery said money has been put aside in the 2021 budget for pool operations, and Mt. Lebanon also has its fund balance to tap into if needed.

Seasonal pool passes, for the first time, will be available for purchase online.

“This will be a huge convenience for customers,” said David Donnellan, Mt. Lebanon’s director of recreation. Previously, Mr. Donnellan said, the process was “busy and hectic” and done in the office.

Mr. Donnellan said those who cannot purchase a pass online can still do so in person or over the phone.

With reservations required, even for daily admittance, walk-ups will not be permitted. Those registering will be provided with a QR code that will be scanned upon admittance.

Those reserving a spot who fail to cancel and do not show up, will still be billed the $8 rate. Customers can cancel reservations online up to an hour before their reserved time slot.

As far as pool operations go, those attending the swim center must physically distance at least 6 feet from those outside their households and masks are required when not in the water, unless attendees are at least 6 feet apart.

Signs will be posted promoting healthy behaviors, and hand sanitizer stations will be provided. Initially, no pool parties will be allowed.

Those attending must bring their own chairs and should arrive and leave in their bathing suits to limit time in the locker rooms. The showers in the locker rooms will be closed.

At the pool, the slides, diving boards and climbing wall will be open as usual.

Further information on the 2021 swim center season can be found online at www.mtlebanon.org.