Fort McPherson (July 17/06) - Fort McPherson's public pool might soon be open for the summer after a delay due to the lack of a trainer.

Jackie Pascal, recreation co-ordinator in Fort McPherson, said the person hired as trainer was not from the region and could not arrive until her school year ended.

Thus, the pool could not be opened before now.

"It's getting kind of late for this year, but we are opening it," she said.

Eileen Kabernoff, pool supervisor, said staff are currently working to get things ready for the big day when it comes.

Part of the work involves sending water samples to Inuvik, so their quality can be assessed.

"We have to clean everything out and balance the chemicals, it takes a few days," she said.

Though the Abraham and Ada Stewart swimming pool is under a roof, like many in the North, it is closed during the winter.

The pool is housed in a "bubble" building, which is not heated or insulated.

Perhaps because it is not available most of the year, the pool is very popular in Fort McPherson.

Kabernoff said she is thinking of expanding its hours by starting a midnight swim this summer.

"It might be something to get the teens out," she said.

Pascal agreed the late night sessions would be a good idea.

"The kids would love it," she said.

Though no one can say exactly when the pool will be ready, Kabernoff expects swimming to begin soon.