MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The IronWorks Gym indoor pool here reopened Nov. 4 after four months of renovations.
The original renovation plan was to replace the pool’s heat exchangers and more than 200 floor tiles. Those plans were expanded soon after to include Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act compliant drain covers, new pool liners, pool-side benches and heated floor tiles around the entire pool area.
“The main pool had numerous cracks in the shell, many floor tiles were cracked, and although our drain covers were determined to be in compliance with the (Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety) Act and were safe, the decision was made to install the new drain covers,” said Stephanie Brown, IronWorks Gym aquatics director.
The entire project cost $1,176,720.70 and was funded by Headquarters Marine Corps.
“(Community members) have been very pleased with the outcome and were very patient during the renovations,” said Brown.
Units looking to use the pool for physical fitness training, such as water polo, water basketball and lap swimming, should notify the IronWorks Gym Aquatics Department and fill out a reservation form at least 24 hours in advance.
The pool offers several other training classes, including Professional Association of Diving Instructors scuba, Marine Corps instructor water safety, group and private swimming, and American Red Cross lifeguard, lifeguard instructor, junior lifeguard water safety aid and water safety instructor.
The pool is also available for private functions. The indoor pool is open 5 a.m.–9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Saturdays, and 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Sundays and holidays. The pool will be closed from 1–3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays for maintenance.
For more information, contact the IronWorks Gym Aquatics Department at 253-4966.