Denison keeps Waterloo Pool closed, cites millions in potential repairs

Swimmers will remain without access to Waterloo Pool indefinitely because of structural safety concerns, Denison announced Sept. 15, 2026, following Tuesday night’s special council meeting. The city plans to move swim services to Austin College.

Addressing the damage could cost roughly $8 million to $10 million, according to preliminary, unofficial engineering estimates cited in Denison’s announcement. The city said an Aug. 21 inspection by an independent engineer and its fire marshal identified a roof that was unstable and inadequately secured, along with accelerating corrosion in supporting beams. The pool’s liner and shell also showed deterioration, the announcement said.

Denison said it would suspend the optional $5 Waterloo Pool fee while pursuing potential partnerships and considering longer-term options for aquatic facilities.

The closure follows earlier efforts to repair the enclosure. A structural assessment commissioned in July 2023 found corroded steel and inadequate resistance to sideways forces, leaving the enclosure in poor condition, according to council records. The assessment suggested considering better ventilation and dehumidification to reduce corrosion linked to chlorine in the air.

Those records show council members unanimously chose repairs over replacement that September. The repair option was presented as extending use for about two decades; replacement was described as a longer-lasting alternative.

By December 2024, available funding had narrowed the planned improvements. Staff told parks commissioners that comprehensive work exceeded the city’s resources, prompting a smaller emergency project, according to meeting minutes.

The city announcement and commission minutes describe these amounts for different scopes of work:

| Work under consideration | Amount | Qualification |

| --- | ---: | --- |

| Addressing problems identified in 2026 | $7.5 million–$10 million | Preliminary, unofficial engineering estimate |

| Comprehensive improvements discussed in December 2024 | $4.9 million | Estimate presented by staff |

| Emergency work outlined in December 2024 | $500,000 | Reduced project reflecting funding limits |

The December plan called for structural reinforcement and an air-exchange system, financed through certificates of obligation and the Aquatics Fund, the minutes show. Staff said the repairs could extend the facility’s life if accompanied by proper maintenance.

Minutes in the September 2025 parks commission packet reported reinforcement of east and west columns, remaining repairs to south-wall columns and efforts to obtain roof repairs through insurance. A subsequent city procurement notice sought roof proposals in May 2026, with submissions due in June.

For Gainesville residents considering swimming options, Leonard Park Aquatic Center is also unavailable: Gainesville’s aquatics page lists the facility as closed for the 2026 season.