Emergency replacement benefits pool

After nearly a quarter century of work, the chlorine storage tank at the Maryville Aquatic Center needed attention.

Prior to opening the pool this summer, the 2,200-gallon chlorine storage tank started to leak, a common occurrence over the years.

ACCO Unlimited Corporation, the city’s chemical provider, said the tank was beyond repair and needed to be replaced.

Maryville Parks & Recreation director Aaron Dobson went with the least expensive of three options presented to him.

Liquid chlorine per gallon was locked in at $1.39, a hike of 20 cents, but the agreement also meant ACCO provided nine holding tanks that store 260 gallons each to replace the one that was built back in 1993 when the center opened.

Parks & Rec purchased a manifold system for $1,091.35, which made it easier to change from one tank to another, while eliminating the need for an employee to transfer the connection point from one tank to the next.

As part of the new agreement with ACCO, based in Johnston, Iowa, there will be an option to purchase the tanks for $5,185.

Another option would be to purchase another 2,200-gallon storage tank, but that would mean tearing down a side of the building. The chlorine storage tank was placed first and the building was constructed around it prior to the pool’s opening.

Dobson estimated this option would have been nearly $20,000.

Another option was to pay the same price on bulk chlorine cost, but an additional $7,405 for the nine holding tanks.

“All was fixed before the pool opened and it didn’t impact the pool at all,” Dobson said.

The pool will remain open to the public until Aug. 13. The final day will be Aug. 14 when the New Nodaway County Humane Society hosts Pawsatlapoola from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The entry fee is $5 per dog and $2 per person and all proceeds benefit the New Nodaway Humane Society animal shelter. For more information visit the society’s Facebook page.