Fecal Matter Forces Closure Of Montclair Public Pool—Again

Montclair's Mountainside public pool has been closed twice in just over a week due to fecal matter incidents, said Michele Cammarata, the acquatics director for Montclair's Department of Recreation, on Friday.

She said that both events—the most recent of which occurred Thursday—happened in the lap lane area of the main pool.

"This would lead one to assume that a child was not responsible for the event," she asid.

Montclair has three public pools—Mountainside, Nishuane, and Essex.

Cammarata said that when fecal matter is discovered, lifeguards must close the pool for at least three hours to clean and chlorinate.

Mountainside pool was closed Thursday but was re-opened Friday afternoon.

In addition to fecal matter, Cammarata added that vomiting is another reason pools have had to be closed on occasion this summer.

"There have only been a handful of times [when this has happened] at each pool this season," she said.

Fortunately, Cammarata noted, Montcalir has three public swimming pools so that when one pool has to be closed, patrons are able to use the town's other pools.

"When events of this nature occur at surrounding municipalities with only one municipal pool, patrons are forced to go home for the day," she said.

Mountainside and Nishuane pools are open until Monday, Sept. 3 (Labor Day), weather permitting. Hours are 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 7 p.m. on weekends. Essex pool closed on Aug. 19.