The Amenity Authority Committee is considering a canvas cover for La Hacienda Sports Pool to satisfy a demand for a covered swimming pool in The Villages.
The AAC had considered three options:
• Retrofitting a current sports pool. District Manager Janet Tutt said research showed that it would be as costly as constructing a new pool.
• Constructing a new pool. This would cost $6.2 million and cost about $318,000 in annual maintenance. But Tutt indicated a lack of land could be a major hurdle.
• The third option was the canvas cover.
The shaded cover installation would cost about $130,000 and would include a 10-year guarantee.
AAC member John Wilcox expressed concern about upsetting the group of residents who regularly use La Hacienda Sports Pool.
It was determined that Recreation Director John Rohan would set up meetings with Resident Lifestyle Groups to discuss the possibility of installing the canvas shades.
AAC member Carl Bell, who has been the champion of a covered pool, expressed enthusiasm for the shaded cover idea. However, he noted he was not giving up on the idea of an enclosed, climate-controlled pool.
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The possibility was raised of lighting La Hacienda Sports Pool at night, but District Property Manager Sam Wartinbee indicated the cost could be roughly $95,000.