Marty Gordon
NRVsports@mainstreetnewspapers.com
Renovations at the Christiansburg Aquatic Center are continuing and could stretch into late spring.
According to Christina Bolt, spokesperson for the town, the extensive HVAC renovation project is a crucial investment in the future of the Christiansburg Aquatic Center (CAC).
The preparatory work has begun, and contractors will be completing physical construction of the project in two phases. The timeline of work is subject to change dependent on weather and supply chain availability.
Both the Leisure and Therapy pools were closed this past fall. During the renovation time, the fitness room and multi-purpose room will remain open during public hours. The work will slide over to the competition pool during the month of May. The other pools could be back open by April.
Director of Aquatics Terry Caldwell said the project ensures the facility remains an important hub for therapy and recreation while maintaining an ACC Level Competition Pool for many years to come.
Specific design upgrades include widening the ductwork to drastically improve airflow and installing four powerful new dehumidification units, a key function the previous system lacked.
“While less apparent near the competition pool, this project is vital for mitigating interior building damage, which was caused by chronically high humidity, condensation, and lingering chloramines (the irritating chlorine odor), particularly around the therapy and leisure pools and present in the competition pool area with high bather loads,” Caldwell said.
The upgrade will significantly increase the overall lifespan of the building, decrease potential health hazards, and achieve substantial long-term savings by reducing both energy consumption and maintenance repair costs.
Caldwell said ultimately, the work allows for superior regulation of air quality and temperature to comfortably support large swim meets and ensure optimal daily use of all the facility’s pools.
The project is estimated to be completed in May.
