Piedmont’s new community pool project reached a major milestone last week as both pools were plastered and filled with water. With this step complete, the project now moves into the next phase: commissioning.

Commissioning process ensures every system is ready for safe, reliable operation

Commissioning is the critical process of testing and fine-tuning each of the complex, interdependent systems that keep the pool operating safely and reliably. More than a one-time test, commissioning provides an extended period of monitoring, adjustment, and verification.

In the coming weeks, crews will:

• Stress-test pumps, filters, sensors, and heating, treatment, and control systems to ensure they are ready to run continuously, 24 hours a day

• Configure chemical treatment systems and monitor balance, which may cause the water to look cloudy at times – a normal, expected part of the process

• Simulate a wide range of real-world scenarios, repeating them over an extended timeframe to confirm the facility will perform as intended during full use

If issues are identified, they must be addressed and the systems tested again until they are fully resolved.

This careful, behind-the-scenes process lays essential groundwork for safe and successful operations. An expected opening timeline will be announced once commissioning has advanced far enough to confirm that systems are operating as intended and the facility is ready to welcome the community.

Hiring ramps up as staff prepares to operate new facility

As commissioning begins, the Recreation Department is stepping up recruitment efforts for the many staff needed to open the pools, particularly lifeguards and swim lesson instructors.

Hiring has been underway for several months, but the City is now ramping up efforts as we build out the large team needed to support the pool’s full range of programs and services. Community members interested in seasonal or part-time positions are encouraged to apply at piedmont.ca.gov/jobs.

On-site preparation will follow once systems are ready

Once key commissioning milestones are met, Aquatics staff will move on-site for a period of site-specific training and preparation, which can be conducted concurrently with final system testing and calibration.

Over the past year, staff have developed detailed operating protocols on paper. This on-site phase is when those procedures are tested in a working facility, refined as needed, and paired with hands-on training covering everything from operating new equipment to emergency response drills, ensuring that daily operations run seamlessly once the facility is operational.

Together, these next three stages – commissioning, staffing, and on-site training – ensure that when doors open, the City will be able to welcome our community into the water smoothly and safely.