Therapy pools differ

The therapy pool closing article of April 2 and the programs on TV leave the impression that one therapy pool is equal to another therapy pool and that the current participant’s needs will be covered.

There is a big difference: The Salvation Army pool is 18 yards long and 20 feet wide, 3 1/2 to 9 feet in depth. A lift is available, the water temperature 91 degrees, air temperature 78 degrees.

The YWCA/YMCA therapy pool looks like it is 35 feet by 35 feet, 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 feet deep. No therapy lift is available. Water temperature is said to be 94 degrees. It is a mistake to consider the two facilities as equal.

Cost: The Salvation Army is $30 to $45 a month and has free parking. The Y Central will be membership cost plus pool fee and pay parking. The majority of Salvation Army participants are disabled and/or lived on a fixed income.

I understand that pool upkeep is expensive, but I question much of what is happening and why. The pool allows many people to have a quality of life. Without financial help this unique pool situation will be gone from our community.

Margaret Fanger

Spokane