Buckner pool closed for annual maintenance

  • Published
  • By Air Force Staff Sgt. Robert Barnett
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARSDSON, Alaska --  The Buckner Physical Fitness Center swimming pool and hot tub have closed for routine maintenance.

"We're down for annual maintenance to repaint, clean, fix tile work, [the 773d Civil Engineer Squadron is] going to do some plumbing to improve the chemical systems," said Mike Higby, Buckner Fitness Center manager. "We're expecting the pool to be operational again by November 30, barring anything unusual."

The swimming pool is often used for several events including physical training, therapy, swim teams and families. The pool is also used for swimming lessons, which will not be available in December.

Priority registration for January classes will begin on Dec. 15 at 5:30 a.m. for those who had previously registered in October.

Open registration will begin on Dec. 17 at 5:30 a.m. Customers may register by calling 384-1301 or visiting the pool office.

The 773d CES will be accessing the pool plumbing system to make the chemical systems  and cleaners are more efficient.

"The Elmendorf Fitness Center will be open in the meantime for those wishing access," Higby said.

The Elmendorf Physical Fitness Center pool will be closed Nov. 18 12:15 p.m. to 4 p.m. They will be open Nov. 28 for a family day open swim from noon to 4 p.m.

They will be closed at 5 p.m. Nov. 20, and will be closed all day Nov. 27. Swim lessons will be from Nov. 4 to Nov. 25.

"While the Buckner pool is down for maintenance, we'll be offering our pool here and have expanded our hours; 5:30 to 2:00 and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for lap swim Monday through Friday," said Tech. Sgt. Adam Aguilar, noncommissioned officer in charge of fitness and sports at the Elmendorf gym. Their pool has been having maintenance work done to fix their chlorine levels, he said, so call before coming.

Normal lap swim is open Monday through Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 a.m., 11 to 2 p.m., 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays have limited lap swim from 9:30 to 10:30, 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

On Saturdays, limited lap swim will be from 11 to 3 p.m. They will have open swim Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.

There will be either open or lap swim on holidays, down days and family days from noon to 4 p.m. Please call the Elmendorf gym for details.

The fitness center will also offer pool parties on Saturdays from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and on Sundays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Water aerobics classes will take place Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6 to 7 p.m. and youth swim team practice Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 5 to 6 p.m.

For more information, please contact the Buckner Physical Fitness Center at 384-1308, 384-1302 for their automated hours, or visit their Facebook page. Please call 552-5353 for the Elmendorf Physical Fitness Center.