Pitzer pool closed indefinitely following misuse

Pitzer College’s Gold Student Center pool was closed indefinitely Monday morning due to misuse and numerous health and safety hazards, officials said.

Vomit, patio furniture and beer cans and bottles were all found in and around the pool last week, Pitzer’s Dean of Campus Life Dan Hirsch said in an email to students, citing “continued misuse” of the pool.

“The water currently looks more like a 3-day old protein shake than a pleasant and inviting place to cool off in the hot weather,” he said.

Hirsch’s email emphasized the pool’s rules against alcohol, marijuana, other substances and glassware, as well as the policy prohibiting placing furniture into the pool.

“Not only do these [violations] represent a significant health risk and a blatant disregard for GSC Pool policies, but it is also incredibly disrespectful to our facilities staff,” he said. “It is abundantly clear that some students who used the pool in the past week  do not respect our staff or their well-being and that is completely unacceptable.”

Hirsh said the pool area’s alarm system will notify Campus Safety if anyone attempts to enter it during the closure, and trespassers will face punishment. It’s unclear when the pool will reopen.

A Scripps Associated Students official denied the issues occurred during SAS and Pitzer Student Senate’s joint new party, called Spritzer, that took place at the pool Saturday evening.

“Two campus safety officers were present throughout the entirety of the event to ensure the pool was being used in accordance with their rules,” SAS’ 5C events chair Daniela Altamirano-Iniestra SC ’22 said. She added that SAS and Pitzer Senate are looking into the situation.

Pitzer Student Senate President Clint Isom PZ ’20 declined to comment.

As of Monday afternoon, the pool appeared normal and was not noticeably contaminated.

This article was updated Monday at 5:33 p.m. to add information about a party that was hosted at the pool Saturday night.