Puyallup School District Aquatic Centers

This page is intended to provide background information about our pool facilities, including operational and capital considerations, as the district evaluates options and engages in ongoing facilities planning discussions.

The Puyallup School District operates and maintains two aquatic centers that support K–12 aquatic education, school athletics, and community swim opportunities. These facilities provide space for physical education instruction, competitive swimming, and water safety education while also offering designated access for community swim programs. 

Pool Operations, Revenue, and Costs 

Daily operations and long-term maintenance of district aquatic centers are funded through multiple district funding sources. 

Funding sources 

• General Fund: Supports daily operations such as utilities, staffing, and routine program costs. 

• Capital Budget: Supports ongoing facility maintenance and repairs. 

  • Voter-approved Capital Levies: Fund system repairs and smaller facility updates. 

  • Voter-approved Bonds: Fund major repairs, renovations, or new construction projects. 

Annual Operating Costs and Revenue

Each year, the district’s aquatic centers serve students through physical education classes, athletics, and aquatic programs, as well as community members through public swim and community access opportunities. 

Why Aquatic Facilities Cost More to Operate 

Aquatic centers are among the most complex and resource-intensive facilities to operate in a school district. Unlike standard classrooms or gymnasiums, swimming pools require continuous mechanical systems, specialized maintenance, and strict safety standards to remain operational. 

Several factors contribute to the higher operating costs of aquatic facilities. 

Water Heating 

Swimming pools must maintain a consistent water temperature for safe use during physical education classes, athletics, and community swim. Heating large volumes of water requires significant energy use year-round. 

Air Temperature and Humidity Control 

Indoor pools require specialized ventilation and dehumidification systems to remove moisture from the air and maintain safe humidity levels. These systems help prevent condensation, protect building materials, and maintain a comfortable environment for swimmers and spectators. 

Water Treatment and Chemicals 

Pools require continuous water filtration and chemical treatment to meet health and safety standards. Systems must operate throughout the day to circulate water, maintain proper chemical balance, and ensure water quality for users. 

Mechanical Systems and Equipment 

Aquatic facilities rely on specialized equipment, including: 

• High-capacity pumps and filtration systems 
• Heating systems for water and air 
• Dehumidification and ventilation systems 
• Safety and monitoring equipment 

These systems operate for long hours and require regular maintenance, repairs, and periodic replacement. 

Staffing and Safety Requirements 

Operating a pool requires trained staff to supervise activities and maintain safety standards. This may include: 

• Certified lifeguards 
• Aquatic instructors or coaches 
• Facility operators trained in pool maintenance and water chemistry 

Facility Wear and Moisture Exposure 

Because pools operate in high-moisture environments, building materials and equipment are exposed to humidity and chemical vapors that can accelerate wear. As a result, aquatic facilities often require more frequent maintenance and system upgrades compared with other school facilities. 

Dehumidification Systems in Aquatic Facilities 

Indoor pool facilities require specialized mechanical systems to manage humidity created by warm water and evaporation. 

A dehumidification system is designed to: 

• Remove excess moisture from the air 
• Control temperature and humidity levels 
• Protect building materials from moisture damage 
• Maintain a safe and comfortable environment for swimmers and spectators 

Because pools continuously release moisture into the air, proper humidity control is critical for the health of the building. 

Why it matters 

Without adequate humidity control: 

• Moisture can condense on ceilings, walls, windows, and structural elements. 
• Prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to corrosion, mold growth, and wood rot. 
• Structural materials may deteriorate over time. 

What happens if the system fails 

If a dehumidification system stops working or becomes ineffective: 

• Condensation can build up inside the building. 

• Moisture may accumulate on the ceiling and structural members. 

• In severe cases, condensation can drip from overhead surfaces, creating a “rain inside the building” effect. 

• Long-term exposure to moisture can contribute to dry rot or structural damage, requiring significant repairs. 

For this reason, aquatic centers require ongoing monitoring, mechanical maintenance, and periodic system upgrades to maintain safe building conditions. 

Community Conversations

The Puyallup Aquatic Center and the Rogers Aquatic Center have been under review in our community facility and planning processes for several years. This page provides an overview of operational costs, replacement needs, master plan proposals, and key points shared during community meetings.

Learn more:

2024 Bond Advisory Committee discussed the Puyallup and Rogers High School master plans during the October 10, 2024, meeting. These discussions included information and discussion related to both the Puyallup and Rogers Aquatic Centers. Multiple campus reconfiguration options were shared.

Review the BAC presentation (PDF)

The 2021 Citizens Facility Advisory Committee noted that aquatic facilities are highly valued in the district. After reviewing construction and operational costs, the committee recommended building a new districtwide aquatic center to best support the range of athletic programs.

Read the full CFAC report (PDF) 

The 2019 Bond Advisory Committee focused its recommendations on improving safety and security, which included a plan to consolidate the campus into a single building. As part of that plan, the removal of the Puyallup Aquatic Center was proposed.

June 17, 2019, BAC Presentation (PDF) 

June 3, 2019, BAC Presentation (PDF)

The 2012 Bond Advisory Committee identified the Puyallup High School gym and pool for replacement as part of Phase 3 of the PHS master plan developed by the previous CFAC. These projects were not advanced for inclusion in the bond package.

2012 BAC Report (PDF) 

Why Aquatic Education Matters 

Aquatic education provides important life skills and learning opportunities for students. In addition to supporting school athletics, swimming instruction helps students develop water safety awareness, physical fitness, and confidence in aquatic environments. 

Benefits of aquatic education include: 

• Water safety skills: Learning how to swim and respond safely in the water can help reduce drowning risks. 
• Lifetime fitness: Swimming is a low-impact activity that builds strength, endurance, and cardiovascular health. 
• Inclusive participation: Aquatic activities allow students of varying abilities to participate in physical education. 
• Team and leadership development: Swim and water polo programs build teamwork, discipline, and personal responsibility. 

District aquatic centers support physical education classes, swim teams, and aquatic learning opportunities for students across the district.