De Anza College’s pools will be closed all of winter quarter for major renovations. Work will be done on both the smaller diving well and larger racing pool as well as parts of the surrounding concrete deck replacing damaged tiles, re-plastering both pools, replacing parts of the deck. The pools are expected to be reopened by spring quarter.

The construction will be done by California Commercial Pools Inc., which was awarded the contract based on its bid of $884,900. The project will be constructed with funds provided by Measure C, a bond measure passed in 2006.

The renovations come almost nine years after the last major work completed on the complex. Between 2001 and 2003, $1.6 million was spent on the pools, including a $1.2 million makeover that was finished in 2003. Work then was spurred by leaks in the pool that led to the loss of 1,500 gallons of water each day. Work done by Pool Scene Inc. was extensive and included re-plastering the pools and replacing tiles, pipes and the entire concrete deck.

There are currently several issues with the smaller diving well, larger racing pool and surrounding deck. In some areas of the deck, rebar rusting is visible on the concrete. In one area, the rebar has actually risen to the surface, breaking through the concrete and exposing the metal. At times it has been necessary to put tape over the area to protect water polo players’ bare feet.

In the racing pool, tiles marking the lane dividers did not adhere completely after being installed. As a result, the tiles pushed up and cracked. There are also several damaged tile areas ringing the pools that will need to be replaced.

The viewing room underneath the diving well, used by instructors and coaches to watch students’ technique in a number of activities, leaks water from the ceiling.

As a result of the closure, De Anza will offer only one swimming class during winter quarter, a water safety instructor course that will be held at Foothill College. The men’s and women’s swim and water polo teams, whose season starts on Jan. 15, will also relocate their practices to Foothill.

Dean of physical education and athletics Rich Schroeder said winter quarter was chosen because the fewest classes would be affected. In a normal winter quarter, around six swim and four Adapted PE classes are held.