East Haven Pool Problems “Beyond A Quick Fix”: Health Official

EAST HAVEN, CT — Those who are hoping or expecting the East Haven town pool to quickly reopen might need to readjust their thinking.

Michael A. Pascucilla, Director of Health for the East Shore Health District, told Patch Thursday that the issues with the pool, that Mayor Joseph Carfora recently closed due to safety concerns, “are beyond a quick fix.”

“There are outdated systems servicing the pool,” said Pascucilla. He said while the pool itself might be up to code, “there are heating and hot water issues,” including in the shower area.

The health inspector said the pool area also “has mold and mildew” problems, leaks from tiles that could prove dangerous for those walking nearby, and more.

“It’s just in a state of disrepair,” Pascucilla said, stating Carfora, who only took office several weeks ago, has the tough problem of figuring out whether the cost of repairs is worth it.

“I’d compare it to deciding how much you spend to keep fixing up an old car,” Pascucilla said. “At what point is it not worth it.”

Carfora closed that pool, calling it "unsafe and unhealthy" and that he had no choice but to shut it down.

"I have absolutely no choice but to close the facility," Carfora said in a statement to Patch.

"There are numerous concerning violations at the pool and to allow its continued use would be irresponsible. There is no question that there has been a band-aid approach to maintenance on this facility for many years," Carfora said. "This is not a decision that I take lightly, but one that is unquestionably necessary to protect everyone."

The mayor said he'd be working on finding an "acceptable alternative. “We will continue to evaluate this situation and make some hard decisions regarding future renovations.”

If the town decided to foot the cost of doing all the necessary repairs to reopen the pool, Pascucilla said the health district would have to inspect the site again before allowing its reopening.