Just like students in the summer, the pool is taking a short break too
The Aquatic Centre Pool will begin its annual shut down for maintenance repairs next week.
Beginning on Monday, August 11, the pool will be closed to the public until Saturday, August 30.
This is being done to extend the life of the pool and to avoid shutdowns throughout the rest of the year.
Director of Community and Leisure Services Mike Ulriksen says in the past the shutdown occurred in January but was switched over to August for a couple of reasons.
“The feedback from our residents and those in the region was we're the only indoor pool in in the entire region, so being shut down in January when there's no other options available to people was something that our regular users weren't overly pleased with.”
Ulriksen added there are other reasons for August to be a more convenient time to close the Aquatic Centre to the public.
“First being we've got several outdoor pools and lakes and other options for people to get out and swim during the summer months.”
Another factor in choosing August is the number of staff available at the Aquatic Centre.
“We don't have any staff at the school. So, our university students that come back for the summer are still with us, all of our high school kids that work throughout the year aren't in school. So, we can put all of them to work for the shutdown.”
With more staff on hand, Ulriksen says they’re able to get more tasks completed in a quicker fashion including cleaning, painting and other touchups.
An additional aspect to holding the annual shutdown in August is the weather Ulriksen explains.
“It's so much nicer doing maintenance in the summer when you can come and go from the building with tools and equipment and supplies not having to do that in in possibly -30 weather obviously makes a big difference too.”
Ulriksen noted during the upcoming shutdown, the majority tasks completed over the two weeks will be the ones that routinely completed including tile work to the pool. An inspection of the mechanical systems, along with touchup work like painting the building and waxing the floors.
With the pool closed for the next two weeks, Ulriksen encourages residents to enjoy the Spray Park at Water Ridge Park or outdoor pools in other communities.
When the Aquatic Centre reopens just before the beginning of the new school year, Ulriksen says the facility will be busy once again including another set of swimming lessons and other aquatic programs.