Dormont pool to remain closed this summer amid coronavirus pandemic

DORMONT, Pa. — The COVID-19 pandemic has put summer celebrations and pool parties on pause, and that includes the Dormont Pool.

During Monday night's meeting, Borough Council members voted unanimously to keep the facility closed this year.

Borough officials said this is for the greater good of everyone involved and that they can’t take any chances.

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The Dormont Pool is one of the most popular in the state, and having so many people in one confined space would’ve been risky, they said.

In addition, concerns were addressed over the pool being able to follow strict Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

“How do you protect the lifeguards? How do you safeguard locker rooms? The CDC has said they cannot find water transmission for the virus. However, there is a lot of activity that takes place out of water,” said Ben Estell, Dormont Borough manager.

They say it is a money saver, but the decision was strictly based on ethics, not finances.

Neighbors and borough officials tell Channel 11 it’s a challenging situation but they had to do what was best for everyone, considering the current climate.

“If they think it’s the safest thing to do then even though it might not be the best news everyone wants to hear, it might be the thing we all have to do,” Dormont resident Jason Bair said.

Borough officials are still ironing out the details, but they plan to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the pool next season.

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