The Coplay pool cut its losses by 30 percent in 2013.

At Tuesday's workshop meeting, Councilman Charles Sodl said the pool lost $24,923 this year, which is nearly $11,000 less than last year's loss of $35,885.

"We can be pleased with this but we can't be satisfied because we can make it much better," Sodl said.

He recommended greater marketing efforts for next year as well as cosmetic improvements.

"Our revenue was low this year," said Sodl, clarifying he meant revenue from pool admissions. "So that's one area that we need to work on next year ... It's the only way we're going to reduce that $24,000."

In May, just three weeks before the pool opened for the season, Sodl pushed to close or outsource the concession stand because of losses he called "unacceptable."

Overall, pool losses averaged $37,257 during the past five years.

During the same period, losses from the concession stand alone averaged $6,712.

In June, Sodl announced the snack stand would be outsourced to Milander's Market, who paid the borough $650 rent and assumed responsibility for snack stand expenses.

While losses at the snack stand were not at issue this year, Sodl said, revenues at the gate were lower than usual. The weather played a role but it can't be controlled, he said. Instead, the borough needs to concentrate on what it can control.

"I think the first thing we should think about ... [is] the facility we have there now. I think we need to paint it and refresh it," he said.

Public Works Director Dan Pavelko said the last time the pool house was painted was at least eight years ago.

Council President Lou Bodish estimated the paint would cost about $1,500.

Sodl said adding more benches and umbrellas may also make the pool more appealing.

"We need to go the next step and increase the revenue by marketing it and selling it as a good place to go," he said.

Mayor Joseph Bundra asked Sodl if he got financial information on nearby pools.

Sodl said he has not but he will do so over the winter.

"It's a known fact [other pools] are all losers," Sodl said.

Councilman Bill Leiner Jr. suggested conducting a survey of season pass holders to find out how pool users perceive its strengths and weaknesses.

"You need some input from folks who actually use it," he said.

Councilman David Royer said the borough should consider the life span of the pool before investing a lot of money.

"The [life span is] projected at 25 years," said Pavelko. "We're at 40, 40 plus."

The pool is generally in very good condition and the decks are safe. They're just "ugly," Pavelko said.

Sodl acknowledged the efforts of Councilman Steve Burker, who in late spring became chairman of the parks and recreation committee and oversaw the operation of the pool this season.

"We just need a good product to sell and we can sell it," said Sodl, "I know Stevie [Burker] can sell it. No question in my mind."