Lew Wentz Pool | Ponca, OK

Wave Divider

Project Outline

The historic Lew Wentz Pool underwent an extensive structural and mechanical restoration to preserve its structural integrity and stabilize operation. Built in 1930 by philanthropist Lew Wentz, this Olympic-sized public facility required a specialized multi-phase approach over nearly a year to address severe sub-surface deterioration and water loss.

Lew Wentz Pool
Lew Wentz Pool
Lew Wentz Pool

Project Specifications:

Lew Wentz Pool
Lew Wentz Pool
Final Pic Full Pool
Final Pic Full Pool

Challenges Solved

  • Extreme Hillside Logistics:  Built into a steep hill with no direct machinery path, a crane hoisted a skid steer into the pool basin. Floor blocks cut with a ring saw were lifted via a "monkey paw" attachment into a custom skid pan, which the crane hoisted out to dump directly into a waste container.
  • Subterranean Soil Washout:  Demolition revealed that undetected leaks had washed away subgrade soil, leaving hollow voids up to 6 feet deep. The team used GPR to map the hidden cavities, then adapted a plaster pump to inject a specialized slurry through drill holes until the entire subgrade was stable.
  • Custom Security Fabrication:  The city required an after-hours locking guard for the 1930s-era lifeguard stands. Because standard covers would not fit the exceptionally thick material, the team custom-built full-length locking steel guards that anchor over the top rung and secure at the bottom via padlock.

Special Considerations

  • ADA Requirements:  A new ADA-compliant entry lift was integrated, and the primary ADA access steps were fully replaced.
  • Mechanical Overhaul:  The aging sand filter was replaced with an 8-foot dual-cell glass media filter, and the mushroom feature was upgraded with 3-inch piping.
  • Seasonal Timing & Coordination:  Work was segmented into strategic phases over 11 months to accommodate weather shifts, manage rolling material orders, and ensure proper concrete curing.

From Our Team

“This was the first project on which we used the paint-removal blades, and it worked well… The city loved it, and I was super happy with the outcome.”

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