The Powell Aquatic Center closed on April 2 for its annual maintenance. Due to delays in equipment deliveries, the city isn’t certain when it will reopen. 

This year’s maintenance list included the replacement of the rooftop HVAC units. 

In August, the city hired Cody-based Rawhide Mechanical Inc. to replace the multi-ton units. The 11-year-old HVAC system wasn’t designed to handle the corrosive air of a pool facility, and its performance has greatly diminished since the center opened in May 2010.  The effects are increased humidity and the creation of negative pressure inside.  

“You try to open a door, and it seems like it’s locked,” said Tanya Bonner, aquatic facility supervisor.

Last week, Rawhide erected a crane beside the facility, hoisted the old units off the roof and lifted the new units onto it. The city also replaced the rooftop dehumidifiers and will be refurbishing and replacing chlorine-corroded ducts. 

While the units came on time, the city is still waiting for variable-frequency drives, which are needed for the units to run properly. As with so many supplies these days, delivery on the drives is delayed. 

The doors, which are rusted and warped, are also scheduled to be replaced, but delivery of those is also delayed. However, the pool can reopen and complete the door replacement at a later date, if needed. 

The city signed an $875,875 contract with Rawhide for the HVAC replacement, for which it had budgeted $800,000. 

Two other bidders came in more than $100,000 higher than Rawhide’s bid. 

The new units will be better able to handle the center’s corrosive air, and they have more advanced controls for monitoring. The new system is expected to last longer than the old ones.