Baldwin ? A new surface on the floor of the Baldwin City Public Pool has Monte Ezell hoping it will improve the pool’s appearance and save money on maintenance at the same time.

“The idea is longevity and to cut down on the work load. And I think the traction on it is better,” said Ezell, Baldwin City Recreation Commission director. “Plus, I think it looks great.’

The new surface, a slightly raised, pebbly surface called Pebbletec, was installed in the zero-depth entry area and underneath the slide.

“The main reason we went to it is because we couldn’t keep any paint down,” he said. “The paint just wouldn’t stick.”

The past couple of years the pool surface has needed to be repainted. Ezell said keeping paint on the pool has been necessary to protect the concrete, to make it easier for lifeguards to see the bottom of the pool and to help improve sanitary conditions.

It cost $14,000 the first year to repaint the pool, and an additional $10,000 last year.

The Pebbletec cost $35,700 to install, but Ezell said it had a warranty of 12 years, and he expected it to last as many as 20 years.

“I figure we can save a minimum of $50,000 in painting that area,” he said.