Endless Swimming Pools

Coquille's new pool on the way

COQUILLE -- It took six years and an endless array of dances, donations and grant hunting, but a group of community stalwarts raised $1.6 million for a new swimming pool.

Coquille City Councilor Linda Short and 10 other fundraising enthusiasts are celebrating after a grant of $279,500 from the Oregon State Parks Department pushed the group's efforts over the edge last month.

They are now seeking bids for contractors to dig out Coquille's aging 61-year old pool and replace it with their new design, which includes a water slide and a physical-therapy section.

If the bids come in at the right price, construction could begin as early as September and the pool could open next summer.

Short stressed the need for a swift replacement of the existing pool because, although it was still used, it is non-compliant with regulations.

Construction of the new pool will be the second victory for the committee, which successfully raised $500,000 in the early 2000s for the complex's new bathhouse.

The group went to equally tireless lengths over a six-year period to raise money for the bathhouse. That included a raffle for the chance to burn down the building in a controlled fire that was watched by more than 100 people.

Burning down the pool unfortunately wasn't a practical fundraising idea this time around, said committee chairperson Judy Gederos.

'We just have to dig that puppy right up," she said.

The group's work is not over either. After construction begins, members will raise funds for a second, adjacent pool to complete their overall design.

Short said a high-quality pool was essential so that children in Coquille, Myrtle Point, Bandon and Powers could learn to swim.

'It's a safety issue for our children. You can learn how to swim in case you ever have to get in the river," said Short.

It's also one of the few entertainment outlets for youth in the area.

'It's something for young people to do in the summer. We don't have a theater, we don't have other activities for our young people to do, but we do have a pool," Short said.

The pool was particularly special to the longtime Coquille resident because it was where her children once swam and served as lifeguards. Short has frequently raised money for 'free-swim" days for children on Saturdays during the heat of summer.

Endless Pool

Endless Pool

Are you a keen swimmer but just hate the crowded public baths that are full of chlorine and ugly changing rooms? Wouldn't it be great to have your very own pool in your back yard where you can train or have endless hours of family fun? Everyone dreams of having a swimming pool in their back yard or even a hot tub, but often it is not possible due to the practicalities of managing a swimming pool; the sheer size if a pool is normally the biggest problem as is the running cost.

An endless pool however could be the answer to all your prayers; no more trips to take your children to the swimming pool, no more expensive gym memberships. An endless pool offers you everything that you get from a regular size pool, but in a size that will fit in almost any backyard. Endless pools are compact and brilliant and if you live in an area where the weather is cold, you can even install the pool into your basement. With an endless pool you really will have no excuse to not keep trim and healthy, the convenience of a pool in your own home making it so easy for you to keep up a healthy exercise regime.

An endless pool is a fraction of the size of a standard pool, and of course is a lot cheaper to run. The pools are little bigger than a hot tub, therefore saving on the environment by using less water and harmful chlorine, but at the same time giving you all the enjoyment you would normally get from a full size pool. Just turn on the current to your desired pressure and swim endlessly for hours on end, practising all your strokes; even adjust the heat so that it is just right for your needs, or let the whole family jump in for some quality family fun.

The unique resistance system of the endless pool allows you to swim forever but never reach the end, an extremely clever invention that allow everyone to have a pool in their own back yard. Imagine swimming against the waves in the open ocean and you will get a good image of what it is like to swim in an endless pool; if you start to feel tired, just simply turn down the current or even have a rest.

There are so many reasons for purchasing an endless swimming pool; even though there is the initial cost of the pool, when you counteract this against swimming pool entrance fees, gym memberships and of course fuel for your car, you can see that it really is worth while. You can purchase an endless pool for family fun when you have only a small back yard, or you can buy one with some serious training in mind. An endless pool is an excellent way to keep fit, and available in six different types, there is guaranteed one that will fit both your style as well as your budget.