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Officials say the costs to repair or replace the pool may not be worth the short season it is utilized.

The pool that has served the community for many years, but has a leak that is more than likely underground, concrete issues and cracking in the decking around the pool and a deteriorating fence around the perimeter, plus the pool operating at a significant loss in revenue.

Parks and Recreation Chairman Bubba Gregory said, “Looking back at last year, we had a loss of $23,447. It will more this year.�

Currently, the loss is at $24,338 for the 2025 season, but this does not include the lifeguard bonuses that have not been paid or the last month’s water and electric bill. Estimates for the loss this year may reach $30,000.

“The pool has always lost money,� said committee member Chris Gregory. “We need to remember it is a great service we’ve always provided to Trousdale County.�

“In 2012 to 2014, the pool lost $12,000,� said Sallee. “Over the years, it has become more and more of a burden and in its current condition, it is too dangerous to operate as it is.�

An older estimate for some repair work around the pool and installing a chemical monitoring system with injectors that treat the pool every day without staff having to add chemicals all at once quoted an amount of $138,500. This quote did not address the potential underground leak repair, the replacement or repair of concrete decking or fencing or the rebuilding of the kiddie pool (this area would house the new pool monitoring system).

The statistics for the 2025 pool season averaged 45 visitors a day with a total of 3,214 visitors on the sign-in log. July 4th was the busiest day at the pool with 231 visitors and on the last day of the season on Aug. 1, the pool had three visitors.

Sallee reported a full staff of lifeguards was maintained this pool season and very few issues with guests at the pool.

“With the exception of the pool conditions and the weather this year, we had a great season,� he said.

The committee kicked around ideas of extending the pool season to be open on weekends once school started, opening the pool for extended hours “hotel style� with no lifeguard on duty signs, fundraising and grants to cover repairs and other options to be placed in the park for the community to use such as pickle ball courts and mud volley ball courts instead of a pool.

Even the outdated lowest bid to do the bare minimum of repairs to the pool was more than some committee members felt comfortable spending.

Unable to reach a decision about the pool and with two motions not passing due to a tie, the discussion was tabled until the next meeting on Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. at the Hartsville-Trousdale County Courthouse, 200 E. Main St.

In other news, Sallee reported that the park continues to draw visitors from all over. His team has completed many projects around the park including painting the stage area in the park and installing new lighting on it. Camera systems are in place to monitor the area.

“The walking trail is one of the most used attractions at the park,� said Sallee. “If you have been on the trail lately, you can see the need for repaving due to tree roots.�

Sallee’s department could peel up the current layer of asphalt and working with the Superintendent of Roads Bill Scruggs, Sallee believes the cost to repave the walking trail would be approximately $46,350. Parks and Recreation has applied for a grant that these funds could come from if awarded.