Berkeley High Pool Closed by City – Abnormal 'Water Chemistry'

The Berkeley High School indoor swimming pool was ordered closed by the City of Berkeley on Wednesday due to an imbalance in the "water chemistry," according to the high school.

Berkeleyside reported that the closure followed parent reports that members of the school water polo team were "displaying alarming symptoms, including burning eyes, bleached hair, and, in some cases, the disappearance of body hair."

A message on the school e-tree from Vice Principal Jorge Melgoza said the closure was "due to water chemistry levels exceeding normal operating conditions." 

"We are actively and diligently working on this problem," he said. "Depending on the adjustments, the pool could be closed for the rest of the week. However, the pool will remain closed until the problem is corrected and it passes inspection."

The school’s water polo coach, Bill Gaebler, said a defective carbon dioxide tank had caused a high pH level of 8.5, according to Berkeleyside.

The pH level measures the acidity or alkalinity of a substance. Pure water has a pH level of 7, which is defined as neutral. Levels below 7 are acidic and those above 7 are alkaline, increasing in degree as they approach 0 or 14. Advisory guidelines on drinking water from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommend a pH range between 6.5 and 8.5.

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