Aquatics facilities are CLOSED
August 5, 2025
The pool and spa at Abrego South were closed on July 10 due to a significant water leak. For the third time in nine months, the supply line to the spa had broken. A supply line to the autofill for the pool was also leaking.
For the past two years, staff have kept a careful eye on the increasing cracks in the shower building and the heaving concrete on the pool deck. Every time there was a leak, these conditions would worsen. Between the end of May and the July 10 closure, the conditions worsened considerably.
In mid-July, staff toured the site with inspectors from the Santa Rita Fire District. SRFD consulted with Pima County building inspectors, who determined that at this time, the shower building is not occupiable.
Suspecting subsidence under the center, GVR contracted with Ninyo and Moore Geotechnical Consultants to conduct an assessment of the site. However, after a thorough initial inspection, the consultants feel that subsidence is unlikely. The nearly 50-year-old pool was probably built on improperly compacted soils (common in the 70s) and is showing typical signs of being at the end of its life. Its age, cracks in the plaster, heaving of the deck, and chronic plumbing ruptures all indicate that the pool is failing. On Friday, August 15, Ninyo and Moore technicians will pull several core samples from the pool deck and surrounding area to tell us if the site is built on soils that can be properly compacted for future building. Omni Pool Builders (the contractor currently refitting the Desert Hills equipment) will assess the site and share their recommendations.
If it seems that the pool can be repaired, GVR will then hire a structural engineer to provide advice on repairing or replacing the shower building.
With all this information in hand, staff will develop recommended options for the GVR Board of Directors to consider for the future of the Abrego South aquatics facilities. If the pool is failing but the soils are sound, the staff plan to recommend replacement of the pool and spa. If a new pool is needed, Abrego South pool users will be consulted on their preferences before a new facility is designed.
Questions? Email Hotline@GVRec.org