The pool in The W’s Schuldt Natatorium, drained and cleaned.

Work continues on maintenance for the Schuldt Natatorium, which includes the pool, the hot tub, and the steam room at the Ohle Wartburg-Waverly Sports & Wellness Center.

The facilities have seen increased use the last two years, including hosting swim meets, since the city of Waverly demolished its pool as part of construction of a new aquatic center.

“We’ve always had a great partnership with the city, so it really made sense for us to step up and host swim lessons during this time of need,” said Sheila Kittleson, executive director of the W. “We needed to do some of this maintenance anyway, but more people in the pool meant some of our needs became more urgent.”

So far this summer, the Community Wellness & Recreation initiative of the Our Brightest Days campaign has supported work including an acid wash of the pool and deck; plaster and tile repair; new grout and caulk for the pool, deck, and hot tub; and repair/rebuild of pool and spa pumps.

Further plans include rebuilding the sauna, installing new fixtures, and more general cleaning and maintenance before the natatorium reopens this fall.

“We want to provide top-notch facilities for our students and our community members,” said Kittleson. “These upgrades will help us continue to be proud of the services we offer to Wartburg and Waverly.”