Pier Pool Expected To Reopen In July For Summer

(Portland, OR) –  

Repairs are wrapping up on Portland Parks & Recreation’s (PP&R) Pier Pool, which will reopen for most of summer. Construction work is expected to continue through early July, and the pool is scheduled to open July 14, 2025. While it will not open at the start of the swim season as originally planned, the pool will be available for most of the summer for full operations, including swim lessons!

PP&R remains committed to maximizing summer access to pools. To support community needs, Pier, Creston, and Peninsula Pools will remain open through September 5, extending swim opportunities for individuals and families into late summer. Other outdoor pools are scheduled to open for the summer season on June 20.

Progress continues

Crews have completed most of the critical repairs, including replacement of old leaking piping, rebar dowel work, and poured new concrete at the end of May.

View full size image of Pier Pool in summer 2024, empty as water leaks were evaluated.

The project team also confirmed that the joint running through the center of the pool is not a crack. It’s an expansion joint (where the pool wall meets the pool floor). Only one product is suitable for sealing this type of joint, and it has a long lead time. This unexpected site condition is one of the reasons for the delay.

There are also challenges with sealing the pool’s perimeter joints. The team is actively working to resolve these issues and keep the project on schedule.

Portland Parks & Recreation thanks the community for their patience and support. We will continue to post updates on the Pier Pool project webpage.

Pier Pool is undergoing major repairs

Just after it opened for summer in June 2024, Pier Pool had to close after significant water leaks persisted in the 1940s-era facility. Inspections revealed extensive repairs were needed to keep the pool functional, including a new boiler, excavation to repair numerous cracks, replacing pipes, valves, and various joints, and other work including inspections and painting.

Evaluation, scoping, and planning continued. In November 2024, Portland Parks & Recreation secured the necessary funding to complete all the pool’s major capital repairs (about $700,000 for construction, not including design work). 

Pier Pool’s critical repairs:

• Excavation: Sections of the pool deck were dug up to access and assess the plumbing.
• Plumbing replacement: The 1940s-era pipes and pool boilers were replaced.
• Crack and joint repairs: Large cracks and expansion joints were and are being repaired and resealed to prevent water loss.
• Concrete repairs to the pool deck: Once plumbing is fixed.
• Drainage improvement: To reduce water loss.
• Plumbing tests: New pipes will undergo pressure testing to ensure everything works properly.
• Painting: Painting the pool and the perimeter fence wall.
• Fencing: Pier Pool will have new fencing installed. 

North Portland Aquatic Center project continues

Portland Parks & Recreation is building a new, full-service, year-round indoor aquatic center at Northgate Park. Planning and design efforts continue, with construction anticipated to begin in 2027. Visit the project page for more information: portland.gov/parks/construction/north-portland-aquatic-center-project 

Portland Parks & Recreation Funding Sources

State laws and other restrictions mandate how the bureau can spend various funding sources. For information on how Portland Parks & Recreation is allowed to fund various expenses, please visit portland.gov/parks/funding-sources.

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