MARTINS FERRY — The city of Martins Ferry’s swimming pool is set to reopen for the season on Saturday after weeks of mechanical repairs and searching for needed parts.

Officials made the announcement this week via the pool’s Facebook page.

“Wow! We would like to say a big thank you to the city of Martins Ferry, Mayor John Davies, Water Superintendent Bill Suto, city workers Don Mew, Jeremy Shrodes, Don Headley and everyone else that worked to get the pump up and running.

“We would not have been able to do it without you,” according to the post.

It was also noted opening day will be a free swim sponsored by the Martins Ferry Purple Rider Booster Club. The pool will be open from noon to 6 p.m.

While getting the facility ready for the season during the past few weeks, officials discovered the pool’s pump and engine were not working. A mechanic was hired to rebuild the engine, but a new pump also had to be purchased. Some of the plumbing also needed to be replaced.

There was some concern it might take a month or longer to get the repairs done, but the project came together quicker than anticipated.

City Council approved paying for the work and parts, which cost $10,500.

The city’s pool is a large one, holding 500,000 gallons of water. It has a shallow area starting at 2 feet and gets deeper at the other end for more experienced, stronger swimmers. It has diving boards where the water is 12 feet deep.

It is also home to the Martins Ferry Aquatics Club, which practices and competes there during the summer.

The pool is managed by the Martins Ferry Park District, but is owned by the city of Martins Ferry. The pool has daily admission fees and also sells passes to families and individuals. It also hosts free swims sponsored by various clubs and organizations in the city each summer.

The pool is also planning to continue its movie night swims this season during which patrons can float on the water while a film is projected onto a big screen on the side of the Rec Center building.