MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Renovations to the indoor pool at the IronWorks Gym here will soon be completed, and the pool is scheduled to reopen Nov. 3.
Pool renovations, which originally involved the replacement of the pool’s heat exchangers and more than 200 tiles, have been expanded to include the replacement of the pool lining, pool side benches and new heated floor tiles around the entire pool area, along with many other maintenance renovations.
“The scope of the project was just much bigger than was first anticipated,” said Stephanie Brown, IronWorks Gym aquatics director.
“They’re really working hard in there,” she added. Some of the additional renovations the pool is undergoing include concrete, metal, tile and electrical work, crack reparations, waterproofing and plastering.
Construction also expanded to include work on the indoor children’s pool.
The pool has undergone two renovations in this year alone, leading to the frustration of some community members.
“I understand the (community’s) frustration, but it’s going to be so worth it in the long run,” said Brown. “I think they’ll be very pleased with what’s being done and how it will look. I just appreciate their patience, and I ask that they bear with us a little bit longer.”
The pool will be slightly more luxurious once its renovations are done, Brown said.
Other workers at the IronWorks Gym expressed excitement for the pool’s projected reopening.
Curtis Brown, IronWorks Gym athletics director, said the pool is going to be spectacular and provide multiple uses for the community members.
“There are not that many bases with indoor pools,” said Curtis Brown.
Community members will be able to use the pool recreationally and for physical training once the pool‘s renovations are finished, and they‘ll see the difference with the new tiled floors and benches, he added.