Pool repair updates
Revisit this page for project updates every two weeks.
December 3, 2024
- The project is currently in 95% Design Review stage, with permit application submittal planned for mid-December, and construction bidding in January.
- The contract for replacing the aging boiler is being finalized, with work beginning in the next few months.
- The project is currently on track to be completed prior to the 2025 summer swim season.
November 19, 2024
- The contract for replacing the aging boiler is being finalized, with work beginning in the next few months.
- PP&R leadership and project staff met with Friends of Pier Park on November 18 to share updates and address questions.
- The project is currently in the design stage, with permit application submittal planned for mid-December, and construction bidding in January.
November 5, 2024
- Funds have been allocated to replace the 1940s-era boiler. This work will be completed before summer 2025, reducing the risk of pool closure due to boiler failure.
- A project kickoff meeting with the consultant team was held on October 24. The team is now preparing a recommendations memo.
- The project is moving into the design phase.
October 22, 2024
- Local St. Johns firm Convergence Architecture is leading the design team, with support from Water Technology, Inc., aquatic design specialists.
- In addition to the leak repair work, we are exploring funding options to replace the pool’s aging boiler. The current boiler, from the 1940s, could fail and impact swim programming.
- A site visit with the design team, along with PP&R project management and maintenance staff, was held on October 21, 2024.
- We continue to investigate and assess permitting requirements.
October 8, 2024
We continue to gather information from aquatic design experts, assess the scope of work, and review available funding. A consultant design team has been selected and we are in negotiations for final scope of work and fee.
Mechanical concerns
The boiler and related equipment are outdated and unreliable, posing a risk even after the pool shell and piping system leaks are fixed. We are determining how much additional funding will be needed for mechanical repairs and how including them in the project scope would impact the project schedule.
Permits
- A building permit from Portland Permitting & Development is required
- An Urban Forestry permit is also required.
- A permit from the Oregon Health Authority may be necessary but depends on the final scope of repairs.
Fencing
The pool leak repair project is being coordinated with the pool fencing project.
September 24, 2024
Portland Parks & Recreation is committed to repairing Pier Pool and keeping the community informed. The pool was closed for most of the 2024 summer season due to major water loss. Following inspections, we’ve identified repairs needed to restore the pool.
The objective of this repair project is to fix the pool prior to June 2025 so it is available for the full 2025 summer swim season.
Repairs could potentially extend the pool’s service life by five to 10 years, but due to the age and condition of the structure, an extension in service life cannot be guaranteed.
Completed Work
Staff are currently working on identifying the full scope of the necessary repairs, mechanisms for procuring pool repair services, permitting requirements, and projected project costs. We have already identified and completed the following:
- Initial valve check: We identified and fixed a problem with a valve in the pool’s mechanical system.
- Broken inlet pipe repair: A plumbing contractor replaced a broken inlet pipe located in the deep end of the pool.
After further inspection, Pier Pool continues to lose water from multiple areas, including:
- Broken inlet piping in the shallow end
- Expansion joint (where the pool wall meets the pool floor)
- Numerous cracks in the pool shell
Necessary Work That Has Been Identified
- Excavation: Sections of the pool deck will be dug up to access and assess the plumbing.
- Plumbing replacement: The 1940s-era pipes will be replaced.
- Crack and joint repairs: Large cracks and expansion joints will be repaired and resealed to prevent water loss.
- Concrete repairs: Once plumbing is fixed, the pool deck will be patched for safety.
- Drainage improvement: Temporary fixes will be made to reduce water loss.
- Plumbing tests: New pipes will undergo pressure testing to ensure everything works properly.
Future Potential Repairs as Funding Allows
- Mechanical and electrical systems: Some equipment and wiring may need upgrades.
- Additional concrete and structure work: Further repairs may be needed but aren’t part of the immediate plan.
- Cosmetic improvements: Landscaping, fencing, and other amenities are not included in this repair phase.
Looking Ahead
These repairs will be extensive and require significant resources. We’re currently gathering information from aquatic design experts and reviewing available funding. If additional funding is necessary, we will work with City leadership to explore all options. We understand how important Pier Pool is to the community, and we appreciate your continued patience as we work through this process.
Revisit this page for project updates.
September 23, 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. The repairs are expected to include
- Replacing the valve in the pool's mechanical room
- Digging up 20 feet of pool deck not yet excavated to inspect plumbing lines
- Replacing all 1940's-era cast iron pool plumbing under pool deck
- Removing pool paint and caulk, recaulking it, and sealing large cracks identified by inspections
- Assessing and resolving any further issues not yet evident; including potential leaks within the pool shell
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 our Pools and Lessons webpage.
July 17, 2024
A contractor excavated part of the pool deck and discovered one broken pipe in the 1940's plumbing at Pier Pool, but it is not believed to be the primary problem as the water level still fell significantly when the pool was again refilled. This contractor recommended a specialty company, which is scheduled to come out on July 23 to assess the issues at the 84 year-old facility, and how to remedy them.
A reopening date is yet to be determined pending this further assessment of the needed repairs.
We know how much Pier Pool means to the community and we want it repaired as much as you do. 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 the following pages:
- Play Swim Schedule
- Lap Swim Schedule
- Swimming Pools and Lessons - this link will take you to our PP&R Swimming Pools page where you can find more information about fees, policies, swim lesson descriptions, and more.
American Rescue Plan project
The City received an American Rescue Plan (ARPA) grant to enhance park visitor and staff safety and protect park assets through improved security infrastructure at park maintenance and recreation facilities.
Using part of these funds, the chain link fence at Pier Pool will be replaced with fencing that will increase pool users’ security and safety. Work will take place outside of the pool’s open season. Estimated work dates will be posted when the schedule is created.