Roger Holthaus, president of Holthaus Law Offices and Creighton alum, uses the KFC pool an average of six days a week. In fact, he’s qualified for six events in next year’s Summer National Senior Games in San Francisco. After Dec. 19, Holthaus will have to find a new place to swim.

The Kiewit Fitness Center pool and spa will be closed indefinitley because of federal guidelines that require costly repairs. To meet the guidelines the pool liner leak must be fixed and the pool and spa drain covers must be replaced.

John Cernech, vice president of Student Affairs, said the drain covers will cost an estimated $5,000. The pool will have to be drained before the liner costs can be assessed. Cernech said facilities has cited other improvements that must be made before the pool can be reopened, including fixing the pool ventilation system, revamping the pump room, new equipment room doors and a new monitor control for the room. These improvements are estimated to cost about $500,000.

Holthaus said the Creighton pool is convenient for him because he lives and works downtown.

“I’m getting other users calling me,” he said. “Over a dozen calls from other users of the pool who really feel displaced.”

Holthaus said he’s talked to Creighton officials and is confident they’ll reach a solution. He hopes to gain membership to another pool for a prorated fee.

Cernech said they are researching solutions for outside members who use the KFC pool, but they will most likely have the option to refund this year’s membership.

“A refund is probably the best thing for both sides,” Cernech said.

For students, it’s more complicated.

Kaitie Tamura, third-year OT student, uses the pool at least three times a week.

“It seems unfair because now I need to look for an alternative way to exercise when I really just want to swim,” she said.

Cernech said university officials are trying to negotiate a package deal with another local pool for students. A final decision hasn’t been made and it’s possible students may not have a swimming option next semester.

An average of 26 people use the pool daily, Cernech said.

“Unless you’ve got a very active swim team, the pool is just an expense,” Cernech said. “It’s kind of a no-brainer. It’s an action that’s going to have the least impact.”

Tamura said she thinks it’s an investment the university should make.

“Not only do students and faculty use it, but alumni and people within the Omaha community enjoy it as well,” she said. “It isn’t fair to take away the pool because it is well-utilized and accessed.”

Holthaus said he hopes university officials will seek outside feedback when they decide what improvements to make to the pool.

He would like to see it expanded to competition size. When Peter Kiewit donated money to implement the pool, he required the length to be 28 yards – just short of competition size.

“He wanted to make sure that it would be used for student recreation,” Cernech said.

Holthaus said increasing the size of the pool could open it up to outside organizations and sanctioned meets. For now, Holthaus will continue to search for a solution to his swim problem.

“I feel that they will negotiate with me in good faith,” he said.