The Lehighton Community Swimming Pool is ready to start the 2015 season with a lot of new changes to look forward to.

This year's swimming season kicks off May 23, and once again, opening day will offer free admission to the general public.Free admission on opening day has been a long-standing tradition at the pool.Something new to expect this year is heated water, thanks to a solar water system currently being installed. The solar water heating system is a joint venture between the borough of Lehighton and the Lehighton Area Pool Pals.The Lehighton Area Pool Pals also announced they were able to obtain a generous donation from Trinity Lutheran Church in Lehighton that will be used to offer free admission on selected days and half days throughout the summer.On days when free half days are offered, the pool will be open until 8 p.m.Another event to look forward to over the summer is the popular Family Fun Night scheduled for the night of July 18.Besides the crowd favorite gold fish scramble, the Pool Pals are looking to host their first official water balloon toss with a cash prize going to the winning team.Also, Lehighton Hardware will sponsor a free day of swimming Sept. 5.The Pool Pals are hopeful other businesses and professional organizations think of contributing to this fund, looking at this as a way to promote their business or profession, while at the same time giving residents of the community the ability to enjoy the pool and the benefits it offers.There will be a calendar posted at the entrance of the pool listing the days when the pool will offer free admission, along with the name of the organization providing the funding.Any business or profession looking to sponsor a free day or half day may contact any Pool Pal member, or pool manager Tom Evans.Anyone who would like to rent a pavilion to host a party at the pool should contact Evans at 570-294-4532.