As pool problems go, this one is a real gagger.
Overlook Pool in Manheim Township is having a problem with a pool pooper.
The culprit - pool officials think it's an adult or teen pulling a prank - has defecated in the pool a half-dozen times in the past three weeks, leading to temporary pool evacuations.
The problem is distressing patrons and lifeguards at the pool, which is between the Fruitville and Oregon pikes in the township.
Pool officials are on the prowl for the pooper, and say they will press charges if they catch the person. Possible charges could include disorderly conduct.
It's extremely frustrating, said Margie Lewis, township recreation director.
Said pool patron Beth Deliver of Manheim Township, It's pretty disgusting. It's ruining the good times that other families could be having.
The problem began earlier this month, Lewis said. The pool actually has had eight incidents, but she believes two of them could have been little children having accidents, as they occurred in the shallow end of the pool.
The other six incidents have occurred in the deeper end of the pool, mostly early in the afternoon.
When the problem has been detected, the pool is cleared for a half-hour, while lifeguards clean up the mess, test the chemicals and allow the pool's filtration equipment to help cleanse the water.
When the announcement is made over the loudspeaker to clear the affected pool, the lifeguards sometimes have a tough time managing people, two guards said today.
Emily Pendleton said people rush to get out of the water, which makes it hard to keep the situation under control.
Co-worker Devin Leahy said the pool had a week when the problem seemed to be happening constantly.
But there have been no incidents since Tuesday, when pool officials posted a sign saying they will remove the perpetrator and his or her family if the person is caught. Guards are patrolling the pool, looking for signs of trouble, Lewis said.
The sign also notes a reward will be offered for information regarding the pooper. Lewis said the reward will be a candy bar.
When the problem has occurred, some people have headed for the exits, receiving a coupon for a free return visit or a visit to the other township pool, Skyline, on Eden Road.
Lewis said Skyline has not had a similar problem this year.
The problem has put a damper on the recent unveiling of renovations to the facility, which now features three pools with water slides and other features.
Pool regular Charles Crumling of Lancaster said he is concerned about the effect of feces in the water, noting that is how some diseases are spread.
If the person doing it is trying to pull a prank, it's not a successful one, he said.
It's pretty obvious people aren't finding it funny, he said.
Pooping in the pool is not a new phenomenon.
In 1999, Overlook dealt with an isolated outbreak of the problem, which occurred twice in one day. The Lancaster County Pool had to close four times in the summer of 1997, due to the problem.
Staff writer Cindy Stauffer can be reached at cstauffer@LNPnews.com or 481-6024.
Copyright 2008 Lancaster Newspapers. All rights reserved.
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