Welder at dawn on the Roof of the Plunge
Photo taken mid-December 2008
by Muffy Deslaurier

The Plunge is currently Closed

Will the newly restored Richmond Plunge be the healthiest public swimming pool in America?

1. Our pool water will be treated with ultraviolet technology which will eliminate the chorine and chloramines from the water making it chemical free for our swimmers. This will lead to healthier skin and hair and eliminate the intake of chlorine based chemicals into the swimmers bodies, a known danger to human health and unfortunate consequence of swimming pool use in this country. See attached document on UV technology

2. Our pool will be 100% naturally lit during daylight hours. Studies have shown that human health and performance increase indoors if their activity is lit with full spectrum daylight. With over 170 windows, The Plunge will have over 2,000sf of glass which will provide a brilliant and beautiful interior for swimmers. See the attached studies on health and natural light.

3. Our natatorium is 100% naturally ventilated. We will have an amazing 132 operable 3 x 4 foot windows for an astonishing 1,584 square feet of window openings in the building making the pool virtually an outdoor pool with a protective roof. If you think of this area as a vertical wall it would be 15 feet high and over 100 feet long. Most indoor pools suffer from not enough fresh air for the swimmers resulting in a muggy feeling and reduced health and performance. Our pool will have the capacity for over 10,000 times the amount of fresh air exchanges per hour than a typical indoor pool. Sadly the Kennedy pool is a prime example of what happens to an indoor pool when it relies on mechanical dehumidification and has no natural ventilation. It is unhealthy for swimmers and for buildings!

4. Our heating system is radiant heat. Radiant systems heat the bodies in the space not the air. This keeps the air moist, cool and refreshing for swimmers. Radiant heat is the only effective way to heat a building that will have so much fresh air exchange. This allows us to have the wonderful advantage of lots of fresh air and staying nice and warm while using the pool in the colder months. See attached document on health benefits of radiant heat

Todd Jersey Architect for the Richmond Plunge October 23, 2008

Questions and Answers about the Richmond Plunge

Did the City of Richmond really have to close the pool in August of 2001?

Yes, absolutely. Currently all systems of the building – structural, mechanical, plumbing. electrical, pool and pool mechanical, finishes and building fabric – are failing and are unsafe. These conditions are the result of four primary factors: age and long service; deferred maintenance; seismic activity; and the humid environment of the natatorium. Further, codes and building standards have evolved since the building was constructed, so that many elements are obsolete.

Why couldn’t the City have just patched it up as they did in the past?

As with any patching situation, there comes a time when patches just won’t work. The load bearing walls were failing at an accelerated rate causing the building officials to declare it unsafe for human occupancy.  Also, the pool was often closed as much as it was open because of mechanical failures. In its current state, the Plunge needs to be made safe for occupancy.

When will the Plunge re-open? Will it be like our old Plunge?

It will take 400 days until completion of Phase 1. Yes, it will be still look like our beloved Plunge. The historic architects have deemed the front facade of the building of historic importance. This means that when you enter the building the entry will be the same. We will still have the magnificent presence of the Natatorium as we walk and drive by. Upon entering, the lobby area will be entirely reconfigured to make user traffic flow smoothly and will have large windows to allow those entering a panoramic view of the pool area. The building will be made ADA accessible allowing full use by all potential patrons.

What will all this cost?

Phase 1 will cost $5 million. Phase 2 is estimated at $2.5 million.

Will the citizens of Richmond be able to afford to use the Plunge?

Yes! The City of Richmond Parks and Recreation Department as well as the City Council of Richmond insist that usage of the Plunge be affordable to all. User funds will not cover the costs of renovation. The renovation fees will come from grants from the City, State, and Federal government, foundations, corporations, and individuals. User fees will cover most of the cost of staffing and maintenance with the City of Richmond providing a subsidy to make up the difference. .

Do we have any funds now?

Currently there is about $5 million dollars available. This is money from the redevelopment agency, a state grant, money donated from the community at large and a California Heritage Foundation grant. The Richmond Friends of Recreation and the Save the Richmond Plunge Trust are in the process of applying for additional funds so that we might be able to more seamlessly transition from Phase 1 to Phase 2, thereby saving money in the long run.

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