City officials announced Thursday that the Cortez Outdoor Municipal Pool will be open by June 10, adding that multiple structural failures have led to the delay in the pool’s opening this season.
Open swim sessions will be hosted at the Cortez Recreation Center in the lap pool over Memorial Day week. The kiddie and leisure pool are not yet open.
| Day | Date | Lap Pool Open |
| Saturday | May 25 | No Open Swim |
| Sunday | May 26 | 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Monday | May 27 | 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. |
| Tuesday | May 28 | 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Wednesday | May 29 | 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Thursday | May 30 | 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Friday | May 31 | 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Saturday | June 1 | 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Sunday | June 2 | 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
When announcing the pool schedule, the city shared more about the “unexpected” infrastructure failures that have plagued the outdoor and recreation pools.
The two pool heaters that heat the rec center pools have failed several times, and replacements are expected at the end of June.
The heater for leisure and kiddie pool has failed for the final time, and the pools won’t be usable until the replacement is installed.
The pool heater at the outdoor pool was replaced this winter after being in a “state of failure” for the past few years and on “life support” for the 2023 summer season.
Despite being replaced, electrical component issues during the startup process, which has delayed the start of the 2024 outdoor pool season.
The city added that issues with pool infrastructure aren’t the only challenges that have made opening the pool difficult.
“Hiring lifeguards has also been difficult. Earlier this year, in March, the hours in the Recreation Center Natatorium were reduced due to a lifeguard shortage. This shortage and difficulty in hiring lifeguards continue and is a national trend,” the city said.
The city now offers a higher starting pay, signing bonus and retention bonus. There is also a referral incentive for existing employees who recruit family or friends to work for the city.
Positions that are open to individuals aged 15 and older are currently being recruited, including lifeguards. There are part-time and full-time city positions available.
Those who are interested in seeing open position can go to the city’s job page at https://www.cortezco.gov/jobs.aspx.
