Politics & Government

Mineola to Order New Pump Equipment for Village Pool

Current equipment is 15 years old and subject to electrical brownouts.

The Village of Mineola will be spending about $23,000 in new pumping equipment for the before the facility opens for the summer season.

The motor equipment has reportedly had trouble for some time, shutting down last year during times of peak electrical usage and high heat. The same problem was encountered several years ago as well.

“Over the years we’ve been trying to affect certain repairs to the electrical system,” Superintendent of Public Works Tom Rini said during last week’s meeting of the .

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The motors and pumps were renovated in 1995, and several systems were replaced. However, the correct motors were not installed 15 years ago, having the wrong rating and were subject to brownouts.

Since the majority of the pumping operations occur below grade, where filters, chlorinators, pumps and the other equipment are subject to the harsh elements.

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“At this point, they’ve begun to rot,” Rini said.

Because of the original design of the facility, both the pool and the pump house are at the same level, so water from pool backs into the pump house when power shuts off. Level control valves exist which slowly close down but still allow water into the pumps. There have even been occurrences where pump motors have reportedly been under water.

Work on the facility was delayed due to the heavy snowfall this year. Rini stated that he intended on getting a head start by breaking up the current equipment so that it could be removed easier.

The village would replace two 40 hp 280 volt electric motors, an “older” type of system which is difficult to find, according to Rini, as well as the starters and the stainless steel enclosures at a cost of $9,950.

Replacement of the wading pool’s 3 hp motor would cost $400 and its starter and enclosure $1,490.

The total cost of the equipment would be $16,840, plus $6,000 for an electrician for the installation for a total estimated cost of $22,840.

The cost of the new equipment would be paid out of the current year’s unreserved fund balance for the pool budget.

Rini estimated that it would take about two weeks to procure the equipment.


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