PHS Aquatic Center FAQ

The district operates 34 schools, 12 support sites, and 230 portable classrooms, totaling more than 2.8 million square feet. A 2022 assessment identified $102.5 million in observed deficiencies expected within 0–5 years and $343 million in predicted renewals over 5–20 years. By February 2024, needs had grown, and the Capital Levy request increased from $125 million to $175 million. Even after voter approval in 2024, the district still faces more than $325 million in predicted renewals through 2038. These needs continue to grow as systems age and parts become obsolete.

* Update: At the March 13 Study Session, district staff recommended removing the PHS pool project from the budget restoration process.

The final budget reduction package will be presented at the March 13 School Board study session. For more information on proposed cuts and how to share your feedback, visit our website. 

Budget Restoration

* Update: At the March 13 Study Session, district staff recommended removing the PHS pool project from the budget restoration process.

If the Board approves the proposed closure of the PHS pool, operations will continue through the end of the current school year. The final day of pool operations would be June 16, 2026.

The PHS Pool has several significant facility needs identified for the coming years. The most urgent is replacing the failed dehumidification system for the pool building. This work is estimated at $4.4 million and is not included in the 2024 Capital Levy.

Completing it would require using about half of the levy contingency.

Additional needs are expected within the next six years and total an estimated $4.5 million. These future projects include replacing the electrical switchgear, updating the building’s HVAC system and controls, resurfacing the pool, and completing several locker room improvements such as flooring, plumbing, lighting, ceiling tiles, and paint.

• $1.8M from the 2024 Capital Levy was used for pumps, motors, and VGB compliance upgrades.
• That work was completed for $1,493,814, resulting in $306,186 in savings.
• These savings will be applied to the $4.5M dehumidification system.

Yes. Without a functioning dehumidification system, humidity will increase with warmer spring temperatures. Persistent moisture on windows, walls, and ceilings contributes to deterioration and potential mildew, creating unsafe conditions over time. In addition, many building systems districtwide are aging, with declining life expectancy and limited availability of replacement parts, even with required preventative maintenance.

Spring will bring higher humidity levels to the building due to outside air temperature. Not having a dehumidification system, it will cause moisture to build on windows, walls and ceilings leading to deterioration and potential mildew creating unsafe conditions in the future.

Exploration of aquatic options began with the 2021 Capital Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC) and would need to be reviewed by a future Bond Advisory Committee (BAC) for consideration before presenting any capital investment opportunities to the Puyallup School Board for consideration.

Any major renovation or replacement would require voter‑approved bond funding. Recent bond measures (February and April 2025) reached the 60% supermajority threshold but did not validate, and staff plan to recommend the Board consider running a bond again. The district’s aquatic planning page also outlines near‑term mechanical needs at PHS, including the dehumidification system.

Yes. Concepts such as expanded lane capacity have been considered at the study level.  Any option would require Bond Advisory Committee (BAC) review, School Board consideration, and voter‑approved bond funding.

When the levy was prepared in February 2024, the PHS pool dehumidification system was still operational. Community guidance at the time emphasized prioritizing the most urgent needs related to student learning. Because of this direction, the dehumidification system was not included in the levy proposal.

Total operation cost for the Puyallup Aquatic Center is approx. $692,553 per year. Pool revenue is approx. $60,941 per year.

Financial Considerations:
The estimated savings to closing the pool are $300K in operating cost. The pool building is adjoined to the Gym building and additional operational cost will remain to support the mechanical HVAC system in the building along with Custodial cost as we will not be tearing down the pool building.

Total operating cost for the Rogers Aquatic Center is approx. $708,265 per year. Pool revenue is approx. $142,250 per year.

Cost-sharing models with local government partners would require formal agreements and Board review. At this time the City of Puyallup has not expressed interest in partnering to share costs.

Public school facilities are governed by state law and board policy. Sponsorship agreements for cost-sharing would require formal approval.

Facility leasing depends on availability, scheduling, staffing, student safety / campus security, and insurance requirements. School-day instruction needs would be prioritized. However, the estimated revenue from leasing the pool would not offset the costs required from identified needs.

The levy included $1.8 million for replacing failing pumps and motors and for a Virginia Graeme Baker (VGB) Pool & Spa Safety Act main drain upgrade. This work is complete at a total cost of $1,493,814, delivering $306,186 in savings. Savings from this and other projects will be applied toward the pool’s dehumidification system (estimated $4.5 million).

When the levy was prepared in February 2024, the PHS pool dehumidification system was still operational. Community guidance at that time was to prioritize the most critical needs tied to student learning. Based on that direction, the dehumidification project was not included in the 2024 levy proposal.

• Immediate: Replace the failed dehumidification system for the pool building. Estimated cost $4.4–$4.5 million; not included in the 2024 levy and would require using a substantial portion of levy contingency if pursued now. 
• Next 6 years (≈ $4.5 million): Replace electrical switchgear; update HVAC and controls; resurface the pool; address locker room flooring, plumbing, lighting, ceiling tiles, and paint.

Operating and capital decisions for the pools occur within a districtwide facilities portfolio that still faces $325+ million in predicted renewals through 2038, even after the 2024 levy. This reality requires prioritizing projects that most directly support student learning and address critical life‑cycle risks

Closing the pool is estimated to save about $300,000 in annual operating costs. Some building operating costs would remain because the pool is physically connected to the gym building, which will continue to require mechanical systems and custodial services.

No. The District does not provide routine bus transportation for Emerald Ridge students to participate in swimming activities at Rogers Aquatic Center.

Yes. The district does provide transportation for students.

No. The District does not plan to provide daily bus transportation for students to travel between schools for swimming activities.

Yes. Ninth-grade students enrolled in 6th period PE may be transported from their junior high as part of their schedule.

There is no additional District-owned pool available. The district would need to enter into a facility use agreement with a nearby pool to accommodate student use. The nearest pool to consider would be PLU or Sumner High School.

The PHS swim team will continue to have full access to district aquatics programs by practicing and competing at the Rogers High School pool. Consolidating programs ensures that athletes still have the facilities and support they need without the high costs of maintaining two separate pools.

No. The PHS pool is not deep enough to safely accommodate diving. Students participating in diving currently use the Rogers Aquatic Center.

Any shared-site model would require coordinated scheduling to accommodate PE Classes, Swim and Water Polo team practices, Meets, and special programs such as community swim lessons. This would require detailed planning and may limit available access at times.

If the pool closes, community members may explore swim lessons at: Rogers High School, local aquatic centers and private swim providers such as Goldfish Swim, the Mel Korum Family YMCA, the Fife Aquatic Center, The Eastside Community Center or the Gordon Family YMCA. Availability and registration would vary by provider.

If the pool were opened for community use during school hours, the district would need to implement several safety measures to protect students. These measures would include review of parking, dedicated security staffing for the pool area and physical barriers, such as fencing or controlled‑access points, to prevent public access to student areas on campus. Additional procedures would also be required to close or restrict community access during student class periods when the pool is in use for instruction.

No students receiving special education services currently use the therapy pools at PHS or Rogers.

Yes, for students at RHS. Transportation is currently not offered as the program is only available at PHS and RHS currently.

The therapy pool is not currently being utilized by specialized programming students at PHS or RHS.

No. The District does not currently provide bus transportation for SPED students to access therapy pools at either the Puyallup or Rogers Aquatic Centers.