Crews work to resurface the bottom of the Williamstown pool. (Photo Provided)

WILLIAMSTOWN — Williamstown’s public pool is getting a much-needed facelift after 15 years of service, a project city officials say was critical to keeping the facility safe and available for residents.

Williamstown City Councilman Shane King, who oversees the pool as part of his council duties, said the resurfacing had been discussed for some time but became unavoidable as the pool aged.

“It was a long-standing project, but it was also a necessity,” King said. “The pool was going on 15 years old. It had been repaired over the years, cracks sealed and that kind of stuff, but there hadn’t been a major resurfacing of the bottom floor of the pool since it was constructed.”

The pool’s vertical sides are stainless steel, while the bottom is coated in a fine concrete material known as Diamond Brite. King said the original surface lasted well beyond its expected 10-year lifespan.

“We got more good out of it than technically we should have,” he said. “But it was time.”

The resurfaced public pool in Williamstown. (Photo Provided)

The city first advertised the project for bids last winter but received only one proposal that did not meet specifications. A second bidding round in the spring produced three offers, and the city ultimately chose Aqua Pools and Concrete as the contractor.

King said officials had hoped the project would be finished in time for the 2025 season, but delays pushed completion beyond the summer. The resurfacing ensures the pool will remain open in future years, he added.

“If we had let it go any longer, there was a possibility that the pool wouldn’t open because the surface could be chipping up,” King said. “That could be a hazard, and you don’t want pieces of that material going into your pumps and filter systems.”

The city previously invested in a new pump in 2024 after a breakdown forced a 10-day closure during the hottest part of the summer. With the pumps updated and the new surface installed, King said the pool is in good shape.

“We love having the pool for the community,” he said. “We’re a small community, and to have a pool that’s as nice as the one we have is a good thing.”

While no additional major projects are planned, King said he hopes to complete painting and other cosmetic improvements before the pool reopens next year.

“This resurfacing was the big one we had to get done,” he said.

Gwen Sour can be reached at gsour@newsandsentinel.com.