Since March 28, 2024, the Pool Committee has focused on one goal: a resort worthy pool! After 30 years of daily use and weathering, the Sabal Springs pool area was in disrepair. The three-year-old surface had dangerous cracks and spalls but the company that installed it had gone out of business. The furniture was soiled beyond cleaning and the umbrellas were faded and ragged. So, a half dozen of the morning Aquacise ladies formed a committee that envisioned a “pool area worthy of a resort.”
The committee consists of Cheryl Taylor, chair, Cathy Bowen, Lauri Mansky, Lori Dzielski, Susan Goyer, and Geri Gregorio. They penned a mission statement: “To identify needs of the Sabal Springs Pool and develop a plan to address these needs.” These ladies then divided up the project amongst themselves and got busy.
Cheryl poured over re-surfacing options. Cathy knocked out demolition quotes. Lauri dove into furniture revitalization/replacement. Susan concentrated on shade. Lori also had to tackle fencing issues because the current fencing would no longer be grandfathered into code. Of course, there were the necessary field trips, with lunch stops along the way, to investigate the vendors and suppliers.
Each piece of the project had three or four bids, which were submitted to the Contract Committee for review. The entire project had to be set up like a row of dominoes—one piece to fall in place when the other piece was finished. But we all know how that goes … a setback occurred early on, the project was supposed to begin on June 1, 2025, but the original demolition contractor could not perform due to a medical emergency. The committee pooled its resources to find an alternative, and it took a monumental effort to adjust. But it all came together with only about a one-month delay. The BOD President Jeff Duncan and Pool Committee arranged to have the pool available to the community during the lull.
The committee gives a lot of credit to the know-how, flexibility, and professionalism of the company selected to resurface the pool deck—Superior Surfacing—whose staff were exceptionally good to work with. Committee members selected the color mix to achieve the look they wanted and used those samples to coordinate the furniture strapping and umbrellas, resulting in a cohesive and sophisticated resort look and feel.
REWARDS FOR GOOD POOL BEHAVIOR!
The team had to stay on top of every step of the project—from the demo to the new fencing, from plumbing to new deck surfacing, from managing the refurbished furniture to coordinating delivery from two umbrella companies. Lauri even baked cookies that she and Geri served with ice water to the demolition crew on the scorching hot days as they “supervised” the progress. Geri, who joined the committee late, considers herself their cheerleader as she watched them “go above and beyond to spruce up the area.” Lauri’s tenacity was also instrumental in getting the spa working properly.
GRAND REOPENING ON JULY 22.
ROZEK FOR THEIR GENEROUS DONATION
OF THE TEAL POOL UMBRELLAS.
The committee is committed to maintaining the area’s fresh look. So much so that they are awarding prizes to folks “caught protecting the furniture with towels” in accordance with Cheryl and Cathy’s determination to protect this investment.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN THE HEAT.
The additional umbrellas may be one of the most eye-catching improvements. When the umbrellas are all open, all of which have been donated by Sabal Springs residents, there will now be 60 feet of shade around the pool. The team even thought to provide laminated instructions on the tables sporting the large corner umbrellas for ease of use. Thanks to Carl Rozek and Sandy Reichling, one of the Aquacise instructors (Tuesdays and Thursdays), who donated the new teal table umbrellas and the Entertainment Committee provided funds toward the larger extension umbrellas. The Pool Committee and Aquacise class pooled donations to cover the cost of tax and delivery.
JEANINE CLAPP ENDS HER THRICE WEEKLY AQUACISE CLASS WITH A BIG HUG AND A KISS.
In addition to the volunteers noted here who go above and beyond to make sure the pool area is not only safe but looks great, a host of others routinely donate their time and resources to keep the pool area tidy and pristine, including Sandy, Richard Roser, and Marty Zagarella who take care of the palm trees and plants in the flower beds.
Let’s all show our appreciation for the hard work by helping to keep the area “resort-worthy!”
