An Important Update Regarding the Pool at Cutler Ridge Park

Lifeguards covering Cutler Ridge Pool

January 24, 2022

Guests of the pool at Cutler Ridge Park may be aware that the water-heater at the pool is broken—which has been especially noticeable this month with the cold fronts we’re feeling.

As South Floridians, we know these low temperatures won’t last long, but we also understand that swimming in a non-heated pool during this time may not provide the ideal experience.

Being in service for 50 years, the pool has received wear and tear through these years and the water heating system has reached a point that is beyond repair. The cost to fully replace the system is over $50,000, which is in addition to the cost of a few more important updates the pool needs.

While correcting this issue will require sizeable funding, we want to assure pool-goers that we’re looking at all possible solutions—long-term and short-term—to provide a better experience for you.

Here’s what we’re working on:

SHORT-TERM SOLUTIONS

  • We’re suspending all fees for the pool until we fix the water heater—the pool is FREE for all guests until further notice.
  • During the winter months, the average pool temperature is around 76-77 degrees without the water heater (it dips lower during cold fronts like today). To help swimmers know what the temperature is before they enter, we will place a notice of the pool temperature by the entrance, which will be updated every 3 hours during regular operating hours. Guests are also welcome to call the pool ahead of time to get a temperature reading at (305) 238-5344.
  • Our staff will continue to cover the pool nightly to help retain some of the heat absorbed during the day.
  • We’re currently scouting local public and private pools to provide an alternative for the senior water aerobics class and our active adults. We’ll provide an update once an agreement has been reached.

LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS

  • We’re working with our consultant, Stantec, to do a complete assessment of the pool to discover all needed repairs and recommended upgrades. An assessment of this scale has never been done for the pool and may take several weeks to complete.
  • We’re earmarked to receive $21 Million in Federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and we will allocate the necessary funds to complete the recommended work to the pool, as outlined in the assessment once it is completed. This means we will not have to set funds aside from our Town’s operating budget.
  • Once the assessment is complete and we have a list of the work that needs to be done and the cost to complete it, we’ll go through our Town and Federal procurement process to begin the work.

This long-term solution may take several months, but it will allow us to make the most prudent financial decision while addressing all the pool's needs and ensure our residents can continue enjoying it for decades to come!

If there is any additional information you would like to know about the pool, please contact our Aquatics Coordinator, Michelle Horne, at mhorne@cutlerbay-fl.gov or call (305) 238-5344.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to improve our community!
 

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