Keota residents will have to travel elsewhere to go swimming this summer.

The Keota City Council voted 3-1 to not open the pool for the 2018 summer season. The council discussed the issue at a recent meeting. Council member Mike Bender said that due to the low number of lifeguards that applied and the cracking pool floor the city should close the pool for the 2018 season. Bender stated the pool committee should take the time to make a plan of what to do with the pool. Council member Rod Hill asked city employee Kevin Slaubaugh if he thought there would be more issues with the pool if it’s left sitting for another year. Slaubaugh said the pool was winterized last fall and he thinks there won’t be any more problems than what already needs to be fixed. Keota Pool Manager Mary Pat Redlinger said she doesn’t want to see the pool close but there are safety issues with kids getting their feet cut on the pool floor, and tripping hazards with uneven concrete around the pool.