HomeMy WebLinkAboutA005 - October 28, 2025, Regular Meeting of the Ames City CouncilITEM #:8
DATE:10-28-25
DEPT:P&R
SUBJECT:FURMAN AQUATIC CENTER POOL BASIN HEATER REPLACEMENT
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
Furman Aquatic Center opened to the public in summer 2010. The facility just completed its
15th season (did not open in 2020) and averages over 89,000 visits per year. The three basin,
718,000-gallon facility has a water heating system that includes 20 natural gas fired heaters
that heat glycol. The heated glycol is then pumped through heat exchangers which are
positioned in the surge tanks for each pool. Heat is transferred from the heat exchangers to
the surrounding water, which is then pumped out to each pool basin.
The current heaters and heat exchangers are original to the construction of the facility. The
approximate lifespan of this equipment is ten to twelve years, but since the Aquatic Center is
only used approximately 100 days per year, the heaters and heat exchangers have held up
well. However, over the last couple of seasons, staff has had to make multiple repairs in order
for the system to function properly throughout the entire season. The heaters and heat
exchangers are now past their useful lives. Since parts are no longer available, the equipment
needs to be replaced before the 2026 swimming season. Additionally, the pumps that circulate
the glycol through the system will be rebuilt as part of this project.
Besides the equipment being past its life expectancy, the new heaters will have a higher
efficiency rating. The current heaters have a rated efficiency of 80%, while the new heaters will
have an efficiency of 98%. Because of the increase in efficiency, the quantity of heaters will be
reduced from 20 to 14. This reduction will also result in lower natural gas and electricity
consumption.
The water heating system (heaters, heat exchangers, valves, pumps, piping, etc.) for the pool
basins was specifically designed for the facility. Except for the heaters, the heat exchangers,
and the pumps, the rest of the system functions properly and is in good working order. Since
the entire system is not being replaced, it is necessary to purchase heaters and heat
exchangers that are compatible with the rest of the system. The only available equipment
that is compatible with the current system is available through Sentry Aquatic
Innovations, of Woodward, Iowa. The City's Purchasing Department has reviewed the
information from the heater manufacturer and deems it is a sole source product.
PROJECT COST AND FUNDING :
New heaters, heat exchangers, and installation have been quoted at $297,600.30. This
amount may ultimately be reduced, as staff is working with Alliant Energy to determine if this
project is eligible for a rebate. The FY 2022/23 Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) allocated
$100,000 to replace the necessary equipment which proved to be insufficient. As a
result, an additional $231,500 was allocated as part of the FY 2025/26 CIP. Therefore,
the total funds available to complete this project is $331,500.
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ALTERNATIVES:
1. Waive the City's Purchasing Policy requirements for competitive bidding procedures and
award a sole source contract to Sentry Aquatic Innovations, Woodward, Iowa, in the
amount of 297,600.30 for the Furman Aquatic Center Pool Basin Heater Replacement
Project.
2. Do not proceed with this project at this time.
3. Refer back to staff.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The Furman Aquatic Center is a very popular amenity for over 89,000 individuals each
year since 2010. The pool basin heaters and heat exchangers are an important part of
the operation of the facility. The current heaters and heat exchangers are original to the
facility have served their purpose, and need to be replaced prior to the 2026 season.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative
No. 1, as described above.
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