GUSTINE — The Gustine Aquatics Center is entering its 73rd year with rising operational costs, aging infrastructure and shifting participation trends, according to a detailed financial and program report presented to the City Council on Feb. 3.
Recreation Manager Tiffany Vitorino delivered a profit‑and‑loss overview for the 2024–25 fiscal year, along with survey results and a three‑year comparison of revenue and expenses. Like most municipal pools, the facility does not operate on a cost‑recovery model and relies on an annual transfer from the city’s General Fund to balance its budget — a subsidy that has grown in recent years due to inflation, minimum‑wage increases and rising insurance costs.
Total expenses for 2024–25 reached $165,307.61, covering wages, chemicals, utilities, maintenance, training and insurance. Because the pool operates only from June through August, its costs span two fiscal years, complicating year‑to‑year comparisons.
Vitorino said several expense categories are expected to rise in 2025–26. Minimum‑wage adjustments and new Red Cross staffing requirements will increase payroll, and utility costs are projected to climb now that the facility has exhausted a large PG&E credit that previously offset bills. Chemical costs also increased last season due to a year‑round focus on water quality, which kept the pool clear and fully operational.
Insurance charges to the pool account dropped significantly after the city revised its allocation method, a change Vitorino attributed to turnover among city managers and staff in prior years.
Survey results show strong satisfaction, interest in expanded programming
Two surveys conducted after the 2024 season and ahead of 2025 showed strong community support for the Aquatics Center and interest in expanded offerings.
The first survey focused on hours of operation. Patrons requested more night swims, movie nights and weekend availability. In response, staff added additional night swims and shifted one daytime open swim to make room for more swim lessons. Two Saturdays in June were added but saw low turnout, while every Sunday in July drew stronger attendance — especially during community events such as the Westside Auto Club Car Show and the G.P.S. Festa.
The second survey evaluated program performance. Open Swim and Movie Nights were the most popular activities, and swim lessons and aqua workouts also drew strong participation. Private parties and lessons received positive feedback as well.
Patrons rated their overall experience an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars, a slight increase from the previous season. Comments praised lifeguards for professionalism and recent facility upgrades, while also requesting restroom improvements, exterior updates and shorter wait times. The introduction of credit‑card payments in 2025 significantly reduced entry delays, Vitorino said.
All concerns related to lifeguard interactions will be addressed during the 2026 orientation.
Future needs include fence replacement, restroom upgrades, Wi‑Fi
Looking ahead, staff plans to expand lifeguard training, add Wi‑Fi to the facility and continue improving customer service to boost attendance. Restroom upgrades are already included in the budget, and staff will continue working with the city’s Facility Maintenance Worker to address ongoing needs.
One of the most urgent projects is replacing the pool’s perimeter fence, which Vitorino said is outdated, structurally compromised and no longer meets safety standards. With a new playground now located next to the pool, a taller, modern fence would improve safety and eliminate the need for barbed wire. The estimated cost is $29,000, and staff will explore outside funding sources.
Other long‑term needs include relocating chemical storage for safety, upgrading the pool deck and repairing the snack bar area.
Despite the financial challenges, Vitorino emphasized that the Aquatics Center remains a vital community asset, offering recreation, fitness and social opportunities that contribute to residents’ well‑being.
Mayor Pat Nagy echoed that sentiment.
“We do subsidize our pool — not a mystery,” Nagy said. “We do it for the children of the city and the adults too.”
Vitorino said the “Sunday Funday” events in July were well attended and noted that the LIGHTS after‑school program will use the pool this summer, increasing youth access but also adding to staffing needs under new Red Cross standards.
The council took no action following the informational report.
