While the students and faculty were away this winter break, the Aquatic Center’s pool received some much needed repairs.

The last time the pool was repaired was over seven years ago, according to Pool Manager and Aquatics Instructor Deborah Nethery.

Where most pools are tile and concrete, the aquatic facility pool features a quarter-inch thick, vinyl liner. The problems with this type of pool have become apparent over the years based on the corrosion of the lining by the water.  The pool is used by many different groups including classes, clubs and community members. At the time the repairs began, the liner was leaking and there were large holes in it.

The repairs began during finals week of fall quarter and were completed by the time students began to return. The process began by draining the pool and removing the failed liner.

The new liner arrived in 5-foot-wide sheets that were then welded together and inserted into the pool over the original concrete. After the liner was properly inserted, the customary black lane lines were painted and sealed. Once dry, the pool was refilled with 440,000 gallons of water.

One of the groups who hope to reap a number of benefits from  the replaced lining is CWU’s water polo club team.

Since the lining has been replaced, the team practices in the pool every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Leading the practices is sophomore and Club President, Molly Ridge.

“It’s definitely nicer to be in the pool now,” Ridge said. “We have a more professional looking pool.”

That professional look is part of what Ridge and her teammate, Water Polo Club Treasurer, Camden Rimby hope will attract more teams to home tournaments.

The team currently travels around Washington and Idaho competing in Masters League; tournaments facing both collegiate and non-collegiate teams. The club chooses to compete in these tournaments because there is less commitment than other tournaments and they focus more on having fun instead of winning.

The club attempted to host a tournament during fall quarter, but due to a faulty timing system that is needed to track points and keep time, they could not. The timing system has also since been upgraded.

The main focus for the team right now is practicing and honing their skills. The only set position on the team is the goalkeeper, everyone else who practices is taught to play every position. At the moment the team practices with eight players, including freshman Nils Johnson, who has wanted to play Water Polo since high school.

Practices include passing and shooting drills, playmaking and formation practice and scrimmages according to Johnson.

The Water Polo Club will be hosting a spring tournament at home with exact dates to be determined.