Rough Waters At Shadle Pool Put Off Until June

Thu., April 1, 1999

By Kristen Kromer kristenk@spokesman.com

Though waves were expected to reach Shadle Pool by the end of spring break, it now looks like choppy water will be postponed until June.

The new and long-awaited MaxaWave system is trudging through the state review process since there are no regulations currently written for it.

A hybrid of regular swimming pools and water parks, the MaxaWave system provides windy lake-like choppy waves with the flip of a switch.

David Early, aquatics director for the city, said they are in the middle of responding to the State of Washington’s required conditions.

They are addressing questions about ladders and access, how the MaxaWave’s containment wall maintains adequate water flow through the pool filter and the safety of the wall.

“The wall is 16 inches wide on top, and not considered a pool deck, which has to be 4 to 6 feet wide,” Early explained. “Their concern is that people not walk on it.”

The waves will provide realistic conditions for kayak, scuba and triathlon training, as well as for learn-to-swim programs.

Early said they hope to install the MaxaWave system prior to the opening of summer swimming pools June 14.

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