Crews have completed more than $625,000 in facility enhancements at the Covington Aquatic Center.

Built in the 1970s the building was formerly a county pool and was sorely in need of upgrades when Covington took it over a few years ago.

Now it has the latest and greatest technology that will make it more comfortable for swimmers and spectators alike, as well as making the 15,519 square foot structure more energy efficient.

TAC, the Building Automation Business Unit of Schneider Electric, completed the work and guarantees that Covington will reduce utility costs at the aquatic center by more than $18,000 annually. In addition, more than $56,000 in utility grants will further contribute to the savings.

With the replacement of the old heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system in October, Covington officials were able to check off a major upgrade from a laundry list of improvements according to Recreation and Aquatics Manager Pat Patterson.

Inside the building there was little to no air movement, creating a stuffy, humid environment.

This was because the old system relied on 100 percent outside air 24 hours a day and as result the energy costs were almost as high as the temperatures.

“It was obvious that we needed a new natatorium HVAC unit and a control system that would allow us to schedule the operation of the pool area and the rest of the building,” Patterson said in a statement. “Our visitors want a pleasant environment when they are swimming, and our personnel need to be comfortable while they are at work. In addition, we have an obligation to our taxpayers to control energy costs.”

Funding for the project comes from three sources: a state department of Community, Trade and Economic Development grant, money left over from a previous pool improvement project, and a tax exempt loan financed through Cashmere Valley Bank.

Covington will also use Energy Savings Performance Contracting (ESPC) and a rebate from Puget Sound Energy (PSE) to pay for the debt service loan. Based on current estimates, the energy savings and PSE rebate will offset the cost of the loan over the life of the loan.

A key point for Patterson is that during the course of the installation of the HVAC system Covington staff have been able to keep the pool open.

Tools won’t rust and computers the staff use will last longer due to the better interior conditions that are a result of TAC installing a number of energy conservation measures.

Prior to transferring ownership in 2004, King County put in all new overhead lighting, a boiler, two new hot water tanks and a water slide as well as giving the building’s exterior a fresh paint job.

In addition, the county gave the city money to help with continued improvement projects at the pool, in the past two years Covington staff have worked on re-plastering and re-tiling the entire pool area, as well as re-painting the interior, re-finished the bulkhead, put in new bleachers and put in energy efficient LED lights underwater illumination.

“Once we completed the project, swimmers had a noticeably better experience while they were exercising, and the staff no longer feel like they are working in a sauna,” said Shon Anderson, vice president of sales for TAC. “Environmental control in natatoriums can be very difficult, but with the new EMS, the staff at Covington’s aquatic center has the tool they need to maintain the correct conditions around the pool and in their offices.”