COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- The hot temperatures have many people looking for a place to cool off. And while months ago it seemed like people wouldn't have a city pool to go to thanks to a partnership with the Colorado Springs Swim School (CSSS) two outdoor pools have remained open.
City budget reductions forced the closure of six of the city's seven pools. CSSS took over operations of two outdoor pools: Portal Pool and Wilson Ranch.
But with only two options for those looking to cool off sometimes the pools can reach capacity.
"Wilson Ranch has hit capacity several times and Portal Pool we've come close a few times but it's been a good summer," said Tina Dessart, co-owner of the CSSS.
When the pools hit capacity it means people have to wait their turn to get in, but Dessart says the wait is usually only a few minutes.
"It hasn't been long at all before we've been able to let people back in again and continue the flow of people coming and going," said Dessart.
Dessart says people are just grateful for somewhere to cool off.
"We've heard a great deal of excitement from the public and a great response for the fact that we've been able to keep these two facilities open. There really isn't a lot in the area as far as places for people to go during the summer heat trying to cool off," said Dessart.
If all goes well, in the future Dessart says people may have even more options.
“We'll continue this for the next several years and as we move forward we'll start looking into opening additional facilities, but for now we're sticking with these two," said Dessart.
And as the heat rages on, for now people will just have to get in line.
"Yesterday we were counting heads as we got close. The hotter it gets and the more sun we have the more people come out," said Dessart.
Dessart says the pools are typically the busiest between 11:30am and 3:00pm.
She says they hope to keep the pools open through Labor Day.
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