Francis Pool Closed Through June 21 After Non-Underwater Paint Used

The Francis pool, 2435 N St., NW, will be closed through June 21 because, as The Georgetowner reports, the paint used on the pool is not actually meant for underwater use and was rubbing off on patrons.

The pool website indicates that the facility was closed effective June 9 "due to unscheduled maintenance."

The maintenance and resulting closure were at least in part prompted by concerned residents who contacted Councilman Jack Evans and The Georgetowner about the paint and other issues at the pool.

Georgetown resident Megan Markowski wrote to The Georgetowner:

The pool and pool deck were horrendous. The zero-entry shallow end of the kiddie pool was marked off with caution tape because the blue paint in the pool bleeds onto your skin. Are you kidding me? How could this pool even be open? As the parent to a 20-month-old child, this is beyond unacceptable, it is unsafe.

You can read The Georgetowner's full report here. 

The DC Department of General Services announced in a press release Monday evening that the agency would "address the chalking paint & concrete issues at the pool. The pool will be drained, chalked, repainted and refilled." Francis pool will re-open Saturday, June 22.

The District's outdoor pools opened on Memorial Day weekend for weekend use only and full operational hours start Monday June 24.

• Read: Where to Go Swimming In and Around Georgetown

If you need an alternative to the Francis Pool, the Volta Park and Jelleff pools should both be open on weekends until June 24.