Manheim Township School District is hoping $750,000 buys it another 25 years of life for its antiquated swimming pool.

The school board had considered building a new pool in conjunction with a school for grades five and six the district plans to build in the coming years.

The pool project was to be a joint effort involving the district, the township and swimming organizations.

But municipal support never materialized, and board members in December decided to move forward with the 5-6 school without a pool, which could have added $7 million or more to the $41 million project.

The district now plans to spend an estimated $725,000 to $750,000 to upgrade the infrastructure of its 55-year-old swimming pool at Manheim Township High School.

A structural engineer evaluated the pool last month and found it was "in excellent condition," district plant manager Tom Koch said.

"The engineer told us there's no reason why we couldn't get another 25 years out of it," he said.

The school district plans to replace the pool's plumbing, filtration and chemical control systems and install new perimeter gutters and diving platforms.

Also planned are acoustical upgrades, a new ultraviolet light treatment system to reduce airborne chlorine and new indirect lighting to replace underwater lights.

Koch said school officials also are considering installing a new deck surface, a computerized chemical control system and a wireless timing system for use during swim meets.

The deck surface would be upgraded with new ceramic tiles, seamless vinyl flooring or an epoxy "poured floor" coating, Koch said.

Depending on cost, the school board will decide which of those optional upgrades it wants to include in the project.

The work would be in addition to about $75,000 worth of upgrades completed in the past two years on the pool's heating, ventilation and electrical systems, windows and decor.

To pay for the new work, the district plans to tap into its capital reserve fund, which totals about $3 million.

"I think it's a good project, and it's long overdue," Koch said of the upgrades, which would address many of the complaints swimming program supporters have aired about the pool in recent years.

The project won't address two major gripes, however: that the pool is too small and provides too little space for spectators.

Bids on the upgrades are scheduled to be opened April 1, and the project could begin May 1.

The project is expected to be completed by the start of next school year.

bwallace@lnpnews.com