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Repairs to begin at Balmorhea State Park pool in West Texas

Posted at 4:06 PM, Aug 02, 2018
and last updated 2018-08-02 17:06:59-04

BALMORHEA, Texas (AP) – Crews will start repairing the Balmorhea State Park pool in West Texas after what’s touted as the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool collapsed during cleaning.

The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department on Thursday announced $2 million in repairs on the pool, located 120 miles southwest of Midland, should take several months.

Balmorhea State Park
Balmorhea State Park / photo: TPWD

Part of the historic pool, built by the federal Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, collapsed in May. Experts blame erosion linked to flow from San Solomon Springs.

The 3.5 million-gallon pool is up to 25 feet.

Officials say hand demolition will be required to protect endangered species.

The Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation has established an account to accept donations to help fund repairs prior to the pool reopening.

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