MADISON, Wis. -- Hot temperatures nearly packed Madison's Goodman Pool at full capacity on Monday, prompting some pool-goers to ask whether another public facility is on the way.

The public pool's continuing popularity, especially on sweltering days, nearly hit its capacity of 1,000 swimmers on Monday, just as the summertime temperatures soared. Officials said that the crowds have been pretty steady since the pool opened for the season on June 13.

However, some swimmers and waders said that it's time for the city's second pool, which was already slated to go in Warner Park on the city's north side.

Madison resident and McFarland teacher Luann Russell-Salas said that more than a refuge on a hot day, she views the pool as a family hangout.

"We come here quite often, about three or four times a week," she said.

She is at the pool so often that she doesn't think one city pool is enough.

"We could definitely use another pool on the other side of town," said Russell-Salas. "I'll see some of my McFarland students coming here and enjoying the pool. So, there (are) kids from all over the surrounding areas (coming here)."

Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz said that he'd like it to happen, but it won't happen immediately.

"There are a lot of needs in the community and right now, I think people are focused on basic needs for people who are losing their jobs and other human needs in the community," he said. "So while I don't see it happening in the next few years, but eventually, it will."

Cieslewicz said that he has already called for a new pool to be built, but half the capital funds will have to be raised privately. He said it's obviously not an easy time for fundraising right now, given the ongoing economic recession.

For now, the Goodman Pool is just trying to break even. For the last two years, it has needed a city subsidy.

"I think if we can show that this pool is successful, that it doesn't require a long-term subsidy," Cieslewicz said. "Then, I think it's going to be easier for the public to accept a second pool."

Russell-Salas said she's now a pool cheerleader.

"Before the Madison pool was built, I know we'd go into Monona so that our children enjoyed the summer without spending a lot of extra money and especially with the economy, I think the pool is a great asset to the Madison community," she said.

This year, officials said they're hoping that hot weather and more people sticking around town instead of vacationing that they can bring in more money.

The Goodman Pool was funded by a donation from the Ron and Irwin Goodman family.

Stay tuned to WISC-TV and Channel 3000 for continuing coverage.