Aquatics Center & Pool Improvements

Reopening of Aquatics Center & Pools

The fully refurbished Aquatics Center officially reopened with a free Grand Re-Opening Pool Party on Saturday, August 17, 2024. Please check the Aquatics Center webpage for the hours and programming information.

At a glance

Constructed in 2006, the Coronado Aquatics Center and Pool were 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. The Aquatics Center and Pool closed February 9, 2024, for the construction improvements and reopened August 21, 2024.

The project addressed the following conditions and challenges:

18-year-old plaster exceeded the 10-year life expectancy.
Competition Pool’s bulkhead in disrepair, creating challenges for maintenance of algae growth underneath.
Algae spores in the plaster had to eradicated until removal of the existing plaster.
Grates, grate ledges and tiles that need of replacement.
Exposed aggregate on the pool deck.
Replacement of a failing pool heater in the Recreation Pool.

Scope of work

The project scope was defined by the Public Services & Engineering, 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: pool bulkhead before constructionPhoto: pool plaster before construction

Photo: pool tile before construction

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.