Major work is under way on the pool at the Marine Hills Swim and Tennis Club. Officials are hoping it’s back up and running in time for opening day.

Contractors from Orca Pacific are retrofitting the 25-yard pool for the swim and tennis club’s annual festivities on May 7 to ensure it meets the guidelines outlined in the 2008 Federal Virginia Graham Baker Pool and Safety Act.

The Virginia Graham Baker Pool and Safety Act requires all public pools and spas to ensure anti-drain entrapment devices are in place. While this requirement caused financial challenges for many small neighborhood and community pools, the volunteer board members of Marine Hills were in unanimous agreement to provide the safest environment for pool users.

“This was an unexpected expense for older pools across the country”, said Marine Hills Pool spokeswoman Susan Dolland in a news release. “Many older pools struggled to find the funds to meet this federal requirement. Happily, we operate a tight, but effective ship, with lots and lots of donated volunteer hours.”

The renovations by Orca Pacific cost about $22,000. Other projects also being completed include the installation of new underwater lighting, donated by several Marine Hills supporters including Steve Freeborn of Freeborn Law Offices, as well as a diving board refurbishment.

Marine Hills Swim and Tennis Club will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2013. The pool provides public summer swim lessons, among other activities. For more information, contact the pool at (253) 839-4690 or visit marinehillspool.org.