CRANSTON — The water was clear, the pool filled to the brim. Even with an overcast sky on Thursday afternoon, it was obvious that the Budlong Pool was missing just one thing — people.

City officials expect that to change on Friday when the renowned crowd pleaser opens for another summer season.

“We started filling it last week,” said pool director Denise Cipolla. “We’re just grateful that it’s opening.”

At 265 feet by 85 feet, Budlong is said to be one of the largest outdoor pools in the country. But its status this spring was more than a little murky. With deficits and cuts in state aid poking holes in the city budget, Mayor Allan W. Fung said the pool might have to stay closed.

In the end, after cutting back the pool’s hours and raising user fees for nonresidents and reaching out to private donors, Fung had good news — there would be a 2009 season.

“I’m glad we were able to open the pool, especially for the kids,” he said. “I recognize how important it is for the community.”

Located on Aqueduct Road, the pool has been a fixture in Cranston since it was built with federal dollars from Roosevelt’s New Deal. It has been closed just two summers since then: in 1955, because of a polio outbreak, and in 1996, for repairs.

One look establishes why the pool is such an attraction. The size offers something for everyone — a shallow end for beginners that starts with a depth of about 2 feet, and a deep end for advanced swimmers that includes three lap lanes for people who want to test their prowess in the water.

The 2009 season will run eight weeks, through Aug. 21, Cipolla said. The pool will be open seven days a week, weather permitting, from 12 to 6 p.m.

Opening for those eight weeks is expected to cost about $150,000, said Robin Muksian-Schutt, Fung’s director of administration. But helping to offset the costs are several donations: $10,000 from Randolph Savings Bank, $1,000 from the Randolph Savings Peter T. Pastore Charitable Foundation, and $1,000 from the Washington Trust Charitable Foundation.

Also helping are donations of supplies from HTP Pool Chemicals, Muksian-Schutt said.

Day passes for the pool are $3 for Cranston residents and $6 for nonresidents. Individual season passes are $25 for Cranston residents and $50 for nonresidents. Family season passes are $50 for Cranston residents and $100 for nonresidents. And senior season passes are $20 for Cranston residents and $35 for nonresidents.

Those charges will not be in effect on opening day, when swimming will be free.

redgar@projo.com