06/01/2026
Dear Barksdale Families,
Thank you to those who took the time to submit a comment card and share your feedback. We completely understand your frustration and disappointment regarding the recent closures of the base pool, as well as your questions regarding what items are permitted at the pool this year.
First, regarding the pool closure: you are certainly not alone in these feelings. We know how much the Barksdale Community relies on the pool, and it is incredibly upsetting when we have to close our doors. The decision to close was necessary because the water's sanitizing chemical levels had dropped to dangerously low or nonexistent levels. Swimming in a public pool without the proper chemical balance is a severe health and safety hazard. Without sufficient chemicals to neutralize harmful bacteria and algae, the risk of recreational water illnesses increases drastically. We cannot, and will not, allow swimming in conditions that might put your health at risk.
Additionally, by law and safety regulations, our lifeguards and the Pool Manager are not authorized to handle, mix, or apply the pool chemicals. That function is strictly contracted out to a specialized third-party vendor. Please be assured that our leadership is diligently working together with the contractor to fix this situation. We are doing absolutely everything within our means to get the chemical levels corrected so we can safely reopen.
We also want to take this opportunity to address feedback regarding the pool rules for this season, specifically concerning flotation devices and toys. We are required to strictly enforce Department of the Air Force Instruction (DAFI) 34-101, which mandates the following for all open recreational swimming:
20.9. Flotation Aids, Pool Toys, and Aquatic Equipment. The following applies to swimming
pools only. Only properly sized and fitted US Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices, types I, II, or III are authorized during open recreational swimming. (T-0). In accordance with the
recommendations of the Council for National Cooperation in Aquatics, “water wings” or inflatable rings are specific examples of flotation aids that must be prohibited during open swimming. (T
3). Flimsy plastic flotation aids create a false sense of security in the minds of children and parents which often leads to a dangerous situation. Large commercial inflatable play structures, either
provided by the patron or MWR, may be used if the inflatable play structures can be secured safely away from the pool edges.
We understand that water wings, noodles, and inflatable tubes are popular, but this Air Force-wide policy exists to protect our youngest swimmers. Flimsy plastic flotation aids can easily deflate or slip off, creating a false sense of security for both children and parents, which often leads to dangerous situations in the water. Our top priority is the safety of your children, and we must adhere to these national aquatic safety standards.
We know these changes and the current closure are frustrating, but the safety of our service members and their families will always be our absolute priority. Thank you for your patience, understanding, and continued support as we work to resolve the chemical issue and maintain a safe environment for the Barksdale Community.
Sincerely,
Barksdale Outdoor Recreation Staff
