Pool plans taking shape at Tiffin YMCA

The Tiffin YMCA is making a splash with its capital improvement and renovation plans. Buster Ardner, CEO of the YMCA of Bucyrus-Tiffin, said the existing pools at the Tiffin Y are "nearly 50 years old," and failing drains are causing issues with filtration and pumps. The decision was made, he said, to undertake a two-phase pool remodeling project "that will enable us to serve more swimmers and all of their diverse aquatic needs." Phase One of the project included installing a new HVAC system in the pool area and has been completed, Ardner said. Phase Two, which is on track to begin on Friday, involves a complete remodel of the aquatic center, including replacement of the current pools, he said. According to a press release from Ardner, plans include creating two pools in the space "to expand programming and time of use." A new competition pool will feature six lanes instead of the current five, and the starting blocks will be relocated to enhance deck space. That pool, according to the release, will be kept at 79-82 degrees, and will be for use by the YMCA, Columbian and Heidelberg swim teams and YMCA members. The second pool will be a "programming pool," Ardner said, consisting of two lanes and a zero-entry ramp. According to the release, the programming pool will be ADA compliant and "beneficial for youth swim lessons." Water in the programming pool will be four feet deep on each end and four-and-a-half feet deep in the middle, and be kept at 83-85 degrees. The new design allows both pools to be used at the same time, according to the release, "which should create more availability of pool time when swim teams are using the competition pool." In addition, the new two-pool design will use less water than the current configuration, and result in an operational cost savings for the Y, Ardner said. "The cost saving will come from lower water and sewer bills along with the use of less chemicals," the release states. The new layout also provides for a new bleacher area, as well as removal of the diving boards, Ardner said. Not only are the diving boards "not really used anymore," he said, but not needing to maintain the boards will create additional cost savings for the facility. The new pools themselves, Ardner said, have stainless steel walls that are PVC coated, and have a 50-year warranty to ensure longevity. The pools' lower-maintenance design also will result in "cost and health savings," he said. In addition, Ardner said UV filtration will be used in the new pools to enhance health and sanitation in the aquatics area. Clouse Construction and Omni Pool out of Hilliard will be completing phase two of the project, Ardner said, and a completion date of Sept. 21, 2024, has been set. The Y hopes to have the remodel completed in time for the return of fall swim teams, he said. In the meantime, Ardner said details are being worked out to allow Tiffin YMCA members to have access to the Tiffin city pool when it opens, as well as pools at other YMCA locations. The capital campaign to fund the $1.2 million project, "Diving Into The Future: A Plan With A Purpose," began in early 2021, Ardner said, and still is "actively raising funds." "These improvements are made possible because of our generous donors," the release states. For additional information about the Tiffin YMCA's pool renovation project or to make a donation, contact Buster Ardner at 419-447-8711.