From: Kellie Carter
Prattville Parks and Recreation
The City of Prattville has made the difficult decision to close the municipal pool for the 2026 season, following a formal structural assessment conducted by a licensed professional engineer.
Originally constructed in the 1970s, Pratt pool has faithfully served generations of Prattville families for more than four decades. While the facility has been an important community asset and summer destination, the age of the infrastructure is now a contributing factor in the current structural concerns.
Of particular concern is the possibility of undetected voids beneath the slabs and behind pool walls. According to the engineer, these voids could result in sudden structural failure without warning. While stabilization methods such as pressure grouting or foam injection were previously tried, the engineer advised that making such repairs again could potentially damage pool walls or interfere with critical plumbing systems.
Out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of public safety, the City will not open the pool for the 2026 season. “This decision was not made lightly,” said Kellie Carter, Parks & Recreation Director. “The safety of our residents — especially our children and families — must always come first.”
The Parks & Recreation Department has worked overtime to address leakage and deterioration concerns through ongoing maintenance efforts, professional evaluations, and attempted repair options. However, the current structural findings indicate that temporary measures are no longer sufficient to ensure safe operation.
The closure will allow the City to conduct further evaluation, determine the full scope of required repairs, and develop a responsible long-term capital improvement plan.
The City understands the impact this closure will have on families who look forward to summer at the pool and appreciates the community’s understanding as it works toward a permanent and safe resolution. In the meantime, the City is working with the YMCA to explore alternative options for local water lovers, including opportunities for swim team participation, water aerobics and swim lessons.
