Aquatics Center & Pool Improvements Project
At a glance
Constructed in 2006, the Coronado Aquatics Center and Pool are currently in need of immediate repair. On January 16, 2024, the City Council authorized a contract with California Waters for the Aquatics Center & Pool Improvements Project. During the construction project, the Aquatics Center and Pool will be closed. The City understands the substantial impact to the community during the closure and appreciates the community's patience while the project is completed. Once the construction is completed, the City will reopen the Coronado Aquatics Center and Pool.
Questions or concerns? Please contact us at AquaticsCenterProject@coronado.ca.us.
The project will address the following conditions and challenges:
- The plaster in both pools is 18 years old and has greatly exceeded the 10-year life expectancy.
- Competition Pool’s bulkhead has been in disrepair for over four years, creating challenges for maintenance of algae growth underneath.
- Algae spores in the plaster cannot be eradicated until removal of the existing plaster.
- Grates, grate ledges and tiles are in need of replacement.
- Exposed aggregate on the pool deck.
- Recreation Pool pump has to be inspected internally to ensure the pump will not fail, and the inspection cannot be completed until the pool water is drained.
- Leaking Recreation Pool filter cannot be repaired until the pool water is drained.
- One of two internal heat exchangers in the Recreation Pool heater has failed and the heater is in need of replacement.
>> For construction updates, check the News Feed at the bottom of this webpage.
Construction schedule
AQUATICS CENTER & POOL CLOSURE
- The Aquatics Center and Pool closed February 9, 2024, for the construction improvements.
- The anticipated closure timeline to complete the project is from February 9 – August 21, 2024. The contractor has stated they require an additional 35 working days to complete the project than what was originally anticipated. The schedule may be further impacted by inclement weather.
- Construction Work: Monday – Saturday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm in accordance with Coronado Municipal Code 41.10.040 Construction noise curfew. The contractor will not work every Saturday, but plan to work most Saturdays during demolition. Typical hours for on-site construction will be 7:00 am to 3:30 pm.
PASSHOLDER UPDATES
- Effective January 31, 2024, all aquatics passes have been temporarily suspended and will resume when the facility reopens. Sales and renewals of all aquatic's passes were also suspended. Annual Aquatics Center Memberships with access to the Fitness Center can continue during this period at no additional charge.
PROGRAMMING UPDATES
- Boathouse operational hours are now operating Monday through Sunday from 7:00 am to Noon and the hours will expand with Daylight Savings Time.
- The BBMAC is offering a special lap swim 10-use pass for $40 for sale during the month of February. These passes will not expire and users may buy multiple passes to accommodate their swimming needs during the closure. The Lap Swim calendar is updated on the BBMAC’s website: https://bbmac.org/Lap-Swim/index.html
Swimming options to accommodate aquatic needs
Current pool passes will be paused until the reopening of the Aquatics Center. Additional opportunities will be posted on this site as details are confirmed.
- The City Aquatics team will be expanding programming at the Boathouse.
- The City is working collaboratively with the Coronado School District to help increase lap swim opportunities at the BBMAC (Brian Bent Memorial Aquatics Complex). BBMAC will be offering a special lap swim 10-use pass for $40 for sale during the month of February. These passes will not expire.
- Legacy Swim Academy offers swim lessons at the BBMAC. Please visit the Legacy Swim Academy website.
- City of Imperial Beach has partnered with Mar Vista High School to offer lap swim opportunities. Swim lessons are also held on Sundays. Visit the Imperial Beach Parks & Recreation website for information.
Scope of work
The project scope was defined by the Public Services & Engineering Department, Recreation & Golf Services, and Aquatic Design Group. It includes replacement to the pools’ 18-year-old plaster, repairs to the pools’ floors and walls, replacement to the pools’ tile and grout, replacement of all gutter grating, repair of damaged concrete gutters, replacement of pool deck and associated drainage, additional deck drainage to reduce standing water, water proofing of gutters and surge tanks, refinishing of existing grabrails and handrails, turf replacement, replacement of Competition Pool bulkhead, and refinishing the existing Recreation Pool water feature.
Why the Project Did Not Coincide with the 2023 Summer Competition Pool Closure
- The Aquatics Center & Pool Improvements Capital Improvements Project was in the design phase when the Competition Pool pump failed last summer. There are many steps that must occur prior to starting construction on a CIP. Some of the steps required for the Aquatics Center & Pool Improvements Project included defining the project scope, awarding design contracts to architects/engineers, geotechnical field investigation and analysis, preparation of construction documents, and applying for permits with the required full architectural designs. Pool projects require County of San Diego Health Department and the City of Coronado review of designs and permitting, bid solicitation, and City Council authorization to award a construction contract.
- The Competition Pool pump failure was unexpected and without notice. The progress on the CIP project continued but could not be accelerated to a pace which would have allowed for the unplanned closure during the summer of 2023 to coincide with construction of the Aquatics Center & Pool Improvements Project.
Photo: current pool bulkhead
Photo: pool plaster (Nov 2022)
Photo: current pool deck
Photo: current pool tile
Project Funding
The project’s construction cost is $4.5 million, which includes construction administration support, inspections, materials testing, contingency, and design services. This project is included in the FY2022-23 Capital Improvement Program.