Conklin Pool Condition Raises 'Serious Concerns' In Cheltenham

CHELTENHAM TOWNSHIP, PA — Cheltenham Township Commissioner Emily Cheramie Walz has shifted her focus from the Melrose Pool to the Conklin Pool.

Earlier this month, commissioners voted to pull the plug on the Melrose Pool project following a lawsuit in August over the unbid Melrose Pool project.

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Walz said that township pools remain filled over the winter because completely draining them can create structural problems.

The water provides hydrostatic pressure that helps stabilize the pool shell against surrounding soil and groundwater.

If a pool is fully drained, outside groundwater pressure can push against the empty shell, potentially causing it to crack, shift, or even heave upward — particularly during periods of heavy rain, freeze/thaw, or a high groundwater table.

Maintaining the appropriate water level helps protect the structure through the winter.

She said recently that the Conklin pool's water level is now extremely low — even with a submersible pump running.

"Staff who have worked with the pool for years said they have never seen the water level this low," she said. "The leaks are worsening more quickly than anticipated, raising a serious concern about the condition of the concrete shell over the winter. Freeze/thaw cycles could cause the shell to heave or buckle, potentially leaving the pool unusable next summer even if the township were to keep it open for another season."

Walz stated that her recent Facebook post would be her last on pools for a while.

"Cheltenham has a tremendous amount of work ahead of us, and I think it's time to redirect our attention and energy toward the many other important things happening in our Township," Walz said in a recent Facebook post.