Update, September 19, 2024
Portland Parks & Recreation’s Aquatics program has a contractor assessing the pool and the bureau expects to have an estimated cost to repair Pier Pool in mid-October. Once that information is confirmed, the bureau will update the community.
Pier Pool Update, August 14, 2024
Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) is committed to keeping the community informed about efforts to address issues at Pier Pool. On June 27, PP&R staff noticed the pool was losing water rapidly, which led to its closure shortly after the start of the summer outdoor pool swim season.
PP&R's initial response involved a series of actions to diagnose the problem. PP&R staff identified and promptly addressed an issue with a valve; however, the water loss continued, suggesting a more complex issue. PP&R then directed bureau maintenance staff and partnered with independent contractors to conduct more thorough inspections, including scoping the water lines, and isolating different sections of the plumbing for closer examination. During further exploration, including pressure and dye tests, multiple leaks were detected within the pool's structure, particularly in the joint areas and a specific patched section. Unfortunately, these discoveries mean that Pier Pool cannot reopen for the remainder of this summer outdoor pool swim season.
Moving forward, PP&R is actively seeking bids for repairs, which will include valve replacements, extensive plumbing work beneath the pool deck, and necessary structural repairs to the pool shell. PP&R is committed to a transparent process and will keep the public updated as we gain a clearer understanding of the scope of work and the resources required to reopen the pool. Your understanding and patience during this process are appreciated, and the bureau will continue to provide regular updates.
PP&R recognizes this closure's significant impact on our community, particularly during the summer months, and understands the disappointment and inconvenience this has caused. The bureau shares your disappointment and is working to resolve these issues. For schedules and information on other City swimming pools and programs, please visit www.portland.gov/parks/recreation/pools.
Original press release:
(Portland, OR) –
Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R)’s Pier Pool is closed temporarily due to a significant water line failure. The 84-year-old outdoor pool is located at N Seneca Street and N St. Johns Avenue in North Portland. A reopening date is yet to be determined pending further assessment of the needed repairs.
A large portion of the pool’s inner mechanical workings are original parts dating from as far back as 1940. On June 27, it became clear that the water level in the pool was dropping rapidly, and refilling it was ineffective. Crews determined that Pier Pool has a broken pipe in its water circulation system. Water is draining from the pool and the remaining water cannot be circulated, chemically treated, nor heated.
PP&R will be working with contractors to determine the nature of the needed work, which will involve digging under the concrete pool deck, doing the plumbing work, and replacing the concrete surfacing. The pool will then be refilled with approximately 180,000 gallons of water which will then be heated.
Fortunately, no swim lessons will be canceled due to this unforeseen maintenance issue. Portland Parks & Recreation Aquatics staff have swiftly moved to notify registered participants that the Bureau is moving Pier Pool staff, swim lessons, and swim team practices to Peninsula Pool, located at 700 N Rosa Parks.
Portland Parks & Recreation will continue to provide updates to the community as more information is available. For schedules and information on other City swimming pools and programs, please visit www.portland.gov/parks/recreation/pools.
Major maintenance needs across the Portland park system
Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) has identified more than $600 million in major maintenance repairs needed to park infrastructure across the park and recreation system. This amount has been identified but remains unfunded. In recent years, several assets have failed and had to be closed or removed to protect the public. Without new, stable funding, the bureau predicts that one in five PP&R assets will fail in the next 15 years. To that end, at this time PP&R is committed to investing available resources in the most critical needs – focusing on addressing inequities in our system.
PP&R continues to work on the Bureau’s Sustainable Future program.
For more information about PP&R funding, visit: www.portland.gov/parks/funding-sources