Ardmore Avenue Pool Closing, Belmont Hills Pool Fees Going Up

LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP, PA — It's official: the Ardmore Avenue pool is closing for summer 2025.

The Lower Merion Township Board of Commissioners Wednesday voted unanimously to close the pool as the Ardmore Avenue Community Center undergoes renovations this spring and summer.

The Ardmore Pool site is a phased construction site throughout the season, the construction schedule has the demolition of the Bathhouse beginning on or about April 9.

The Pennsylvania Bather Code does not allow the operation of a public pool without dedicated shower and toilet facilities. Officials said there is no feasible and safe location to place rental of shower trailers at the pool.

The work will also force interruptions to water and electricity, which are needed for safe pool operation, and create construction debris and activity near the pool.

Additionally, the board approved at 6.5 percent increase in fees for Narberth residents who want to use the Belmont Hills pool.

Non-residents, other than those from Narberth, will not be accepted at the Belmont Hills Pool due to concerns of overcrowding.

An Ardmore resident suggested during the public comment section that non-resident senior citizens be granted an exception, to use the Belmont Hills pool.

"I know that they're not residents of our township, but there are lots of residents for whom this is their only option for them to enjoy a pool during the summer," she said.

Board Vice President Shawn Kraemer said the board and township staff could consider granting exceptions to senior citizens based on the number of sign-ups.

"We don't have anything set in stone yet, but we are committed to trying to see what we can do for everyone," she said.

With this increase, a family of three from Narberth seeking a seasonal membership would pay $668, and an additional $46 for anyone 21 and under. Anyone 17 and under would pay $258, people 18 and older would have a fee of $309, and senior citizens $52. The board also approved an individual "pay as you go" fee of $160, with an additional $6 pool admittance fee.