The City continues to make steady progress on the commissioning of the new Piedmont community pool.

While the pools may appear nearly ready for use, several critical steps remain before the facility can safely open to the public. These steps are part of a careful, methodical process required to bring a new, all-electric municipal pool facility online.

Commissioning process progresses deliberately

Since the pools were filled in early September, engineers and contractors have been commissioning the facility’s mechanical and pool systems – a process that involves testing and verifying each component to ensure it operates exactly as designed. Each system must be verified to be fully operational on its own before the larger network can be tested in an integrated fashion.

Isolated testing has been completed for the chemical treatment system, pumping system, and filtration system. Testing of the heating system, which has required some replacement components, remains underway.

Identifying and resolving issues during commissioning is a normal and expected part of the process, and additional adjustments may still be required before the system is confirmed to be fully operational.

In parallel, the City is continuing to work through Alameda County Environmental Health permitting, which includes multiple inspections and approvals required before public use.

Next up: integrated system testing

Once all individual systems have been verified, the next step is integrated system testing, where all systems run together under simulated, real-world conditions over an extended period of time to confirm stable performance and safety.

Integrated testing involves a range of scenario-based stress tests designed to simulate sustained public use. This phase takes time but is essential to ensuring reliable long-term operations.

Preparing for operations

While commissioning continues, Aquatics staff continue preparing for day-to-day operations. Two major training phases must occur after commissioning is complete and all systems are functioning at a fully operational level:

• Systems Training (100+ hours): This intensive technical training for the City’s Aquatics operations staff covers the electrical, mechanical, and control systems that run the facility. It is designed to build deep familiarity with complex new technology and to ensure staff can safely operate and maintain each system.
• On-Site Staff Training: This multi-week training period for lifeguards and other frontline staff focuses on daily operational procedures, including emergency response drills, lifeguard rotations, and customer service.

These trainings are critical steps in readying the pools to operate safely and provide a high-quality experience for all users.

The City is not yet able to provide a specific opening date. Work is advancing steadily and the project remains within its authorized funding.

A long-term community investment

The new Piedmont community pool will be among the first all-electric municipal pool facilities in the country, offering year-round recreation opportunities for community members of all ages. The commissioning now underway and forthcoming training period are the final, essential steps required to ensure that when doors open, the pools will be ready to serve the community safely and reliably for decades to come.

The City appreciates the community’s continued patience and interest and will provide additional updates as key milestones are reached.