The pool was closed and two classes canceled April 27 over concern of possible fecal matter in the pool after “I pooped in this pool” was found graffitied on the bottom of the shallow end in Candler. Photo by Daniel Carde
This is the first time the pool has been vandalized, kinesiology chair says.
By Daniel Carde
dcarde@student.alamo.edu
The kinesiology department reopened the swimming pool today in Candler Physical Education Center after closing it Monday and canceling a class in response to graffiti including the message “I pooped in this pool.”
The pool’s closure canceled KINE 1150, Aquatic Conditioning 1, Monday, kinesiology Chair Brad Dudney said during an interview Monday.
“We don’t think someone pooped in the pool, but we can’t take that chance,” Dudney said.
Three other messages were also found on the bottom of the pool: “Swim crew” and “Joe was here” in the shallow end, and “sex” in the deep end.
Dudney said he thinks the vandal used a type of underwater pencil to write on the bottom of the pool.
The graffiti was noticed around 10:30 a.m. Monday by housekeeping foreman Minnie Balderas, who reported it to kinesiology facility manager Linda Casas, Casas said in an interview today. Casas then notified Dudney.
Dudney said that after Casas notified him, department personnel looked at the graffiti then contacted campus police and Adolf Sauceda, facilities services HVAC foreman. Sauceda immediately closed the pool.
Sauceda could not be reached for comment.
Casas said the pool’s chemicals were checked Monday and today by the pool cleaning service contracted by this college for twice-a-week cleanings. The chemicals are normally checked almost everyday.
The cleaners came around 6 a.m. today for the regularly scheduled cleaning and removed most of the graffiti, Casa said. The next cleaning service is expected to completely remove the graffiti.
Dudney said it didn’t cost extra to remove the graffiti.
Casas said the graffiti was noticed at 6:30 p.m. Thursday by adjunct Christine Augustine or Gabriela Garza, education freshman and lifeguard, at the end of continuing education course KIN 1012, Aqua Zumba.
Dudney said he thinks Garza and Augustine didn’t report it immediately because it was discovered in the evening. The college was closed Friday.
Garza said Monday during an interview that she is angry her shift was canceled because of the graffiti.
“It’s taking money from me,” Garza said.
Dudney said this is the first time the pool has been vandalized. Candler officials are still trying to figure out how it happened.
