Private company to run Clover Reach, Pebblepocket

Peachtree City’s Clover Reach and Pebblepocket pools will be open this summer after all.

The city had considered closing them to save money, but under an arrangement approved Thursday with USA Pools, the city stands to make money off both pools’ operation, which will be expanded this year from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

USA Pools will offer classes, programs and activities at both facilities, but there will be no “free swim” time at Clover Reach or Pebblepocket.

The city’s Glenloch and Kedron pools will still have times for open swim, officials said. And residents can sign up children for day camp and summer camp programs that will be offered at Clover Reach and Pebblepocket.

USA Pools will convert the Clover Reach and Pebblepocket pools to salt water chlorination systems, which will save on chemicals and also be gentler on swimmers, officials said.

The arrangement will save the city $34,000 in lifeguard services, pool chemicals and utilities, although the city will pay utilities and be reimbursed by USA Pools as revenue comes in.

Also, the city will get an estimated $16,000 and $65,000 in revenues depending on the success of classes, programs and activities.

The agreement with USA Pools was approved unanimously Thursday night by the City Council.

Leisure Services Director Randy Gaddo told council that in addition to providing the city with more revenue, more residents may want to take advantage of the moderately priced fun alternatives at the pools as families consider “staycations” due to the economy.

Councilwoman Cyndi Plunkett said she wanted to try and keep Glenloch open as much as possible for drop-in swimming since Clover Reach and Pebblepocket will be used exclusively for programming.

Councilman Doug Sturbaum said the deal was good because it keeps the pools open and gives the city a chance to make money on their operation.

The city is familiar with USA Pools because the company provides swimming lessons and lifeguards for city pools.