Here’s a look at some of the various work done during Aquatics and Locker Room Shutdown 2025.

by Abby Brady,
Aquatic Coordinator, Operations and Events

Every year, during the week before Christmas, our Aquatics team and support staff take on what can only be described as the impossible—all to ensure our pool remains in top‑notch condition. This period, known as Shutdown Week, doesn’t simply mean closing the facility. Instead, it’s a highly coordinated, full‑scale effort where we tackle an entire year’s worth of maintenance, deep cleaning, and special projects in just one week. By temporarily stepping away from daily operations, the team can focus fully on the work that keeps our facility safe, functional, and looking its best—and you could say the team really dives in headfirst to make it happen.

This year’s shutdown featured a major pool deck improvement project addressing ongoing tile issues—specifically, tiles that had begun popping out both on the deck and in the locker rooms. With this multi‑day project requiring significant time and coordination, 2025’s Shutdown Week was a lighter one for additional large‑scale projects. However, that didn’t mean the team was just treading water. The lighter schedule allowed staff to dedicate extra time to thoroughly disinfecting and deep‑cleaning equipment and surfaces throughout the pool facility. While staff supported cleaning efforts wherever needed, the management team conducted detailed equipment inspections across the pool deck. During these inspections, a crack was discovered in one of the diving boards, which was immediately taken out of service. Fortunately, a replacement board is already on campus in storage and will be installed when time allows.

Several notable improvements also came out of this year’s shutdown, making a noticeable splash across the facility. The locker rooms in the Zesiger Center now feature rubber matting in and around the showers. This addition helps protect tiles and drains while also improving safety by reducing the risk of slipping or injury should a tile ever come loose. Another highlight is the reorganization of our two main aquatic storage closets, which are now more streamlined than ever. This will make it easier for staff, coaches, and rental groups to find what they need quickly. To support this effort, new organization charts have been added so users can easily identify where items belong—and ensure they’re returned to the correct place.

An undertaking of this scale would not be possible without the leadership of our Senior Assistant Aquatic Director, Christopher Krupa, who takes the lead during shutdown. He coordinates the extensive task list and works closely with multiple departments to ensure everything runs smoothly. While Shutdown Week may only last a few days, it truly takes months of planning and a collaborative team effort to accomplish everything on the list—proof that it takes a whole pool of people to pull it off.

Finally, shutdown isn’t just about maintaining the pool and natatorium—it’s also a critical time for staff training, helping ensure our team stays confident, capable, and afloat. As part of this year’s shutdown, and many before it, staff dedicated time to refreshing their rescue skills and completing recertifications in Lifeguarding and CPR. Some team members also renewed their Lifeguard Instructor certifications. By the end of the week, everyone is understandably a bit tired, but with the holiday break just around the corner, it’s a well‑earned and well‑deserved rest after a productive and impactful week.