West Seattle swimming: Colman Pool back to its salty self

Did today’s summery weather put you in the mood for outdoor swimming? Less than three weeks remain before this year’s first swim sessions at Colman Pool on the Lincoln Park shore. We checked on the plan for the upcoming season after receiving that photo from photographer/pilot Long Bach Nguyen, who noticed the pool had been drained as of a few days ago. You might recall that last year’s season started late because of the $1.4 million renovation project; that work also prevented the pool from being filled with salt water from Puget Sound last year, since its new lining needed fresh water. Seattle Parks spokesperson Joelle Hammerstad tells WSB the pool was drained last week for leak repair and was then filled with water from the Sound. First day of swimming at Colman Pool is Saturday, May 25th, for the first of three “pre-season weekends” before the 7-days-a-week summer schedule begins June 15th. Here’s the schedule booklet, including information on lessons, which are already being booked.

Bob La Marche May 6, 2013 (10:42 am)

A great picture reminding me of being a life guard there the summer of ’63 after graduation from West Seattle High School and on the way to the UW. Norm Sears was the pool maintenance guy and lived above the pool in the provided apartment.

The crazy days of that summer and I believe I made $2.16 and hour as a guard.

Nan May 6, 2013 (11:55 am)

Took free swim lessons there as a kid through Seattle Parks in the 60’s. Love being outside and on the point. At year end swim party, we even had a small sail boat in the pool. Nothing like walking down to the pool for classes early in the morning – flip-flops slapping, sweatshirt to keep you warm, smell of the salt air.

Carol O. May 6, 2013 (1:23 pm)

Loved swimming in the pool as a kid but was too scared to jump off the high diving board.

Christy May 6, 2013 (1:34 pm)

Grew up doing little jobs in the neighborhood in the am to make some money and then walking with all the neighbor kids down to the pool for the afternoon to swim. Good memories.