Hard work, teamwork make splash with redesigned pool Published May 16, 2013 By Staff Sgt. Jason McCasland 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Barksdale members will soon have a redesigned pool for summer fun, exercise and relaxation. The North Gate pool is planned to open May 24, with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 4 p.m., followed by the annual Pool Bash at 6 p.m. The newly redesigned pool will not only look better but be safer for the environment. "We [2nd Civil Engineer Squadron] rebuilt the shower rooms, added a concession stand, added a slide and converted the chlorine pool to a salt water pool," said Master Sgt. Christopher Clark (Title). "The salt water pool will save more than $11,000 a year on chemicals to keep the pool clean for guests. Guests of the pool will also like the added benefit of no chlorine because salt water is easier on clothes, eyes, skin and more." Additionally, 2nd CES personnel were able to use this opportunity to practice expeditionary taskings while conducting the pool upgrade. The upgraded pool will also have new extended hours to include hours for lap swim, swimming lessons and general swim. Barksdale will still host two pools here, but the North gate pool is run by the 2nd Force Support Squadron, and the East Side Reservation pool is run by the housing office for residents of the East Side Reservation. The North Gate pool hours are: Monday - Thursday 5:30 - 7:30 a.m. Lap Swim 8:00- 11:00 a.m. Swim Lessons 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Lap Swim 12:30- 6 p.m. Open Swim 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Swim Lessons 8 p.m. - 11 p.m. Pool Parties (By reservation only) Friday - Sunday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Open Swim 7 p.m. - 11 p.m. Pool Parties (By reservation only) The East Side Reservation housing pool hours are: Tuesday - Sunday 7 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. Closed Monday for maintenance.