Annual Aquatics Maintenance Shutdown

September 3 to 27, 2024. 

Contractors and City staff will prioritize the following tasks during the shutdown:

• Repairing the 50-metre competition pool bulkhead (moveable wall).
• Refurbishing the splash pad.
• Re-grouting shower rooms and the family hot tub.
• Replacing filtration components at the end of their lifecycle.
• Refurbishing the sauna. 
• Installing new shower heads.

Various other preventative maintenance and mechanical repairs will also be completed during the aquatics shutdown.

To ensure longevity, functionality, safety and efficiency of the aquatics area in order to meet the evolving needs of our community.  
 
By prioritizing all repairs and maintenance to occur during the annual shutdown, the Eastlink Centre can provide a superior experience for residents during the rest of the year.

Four weeks is a typically shutdown time for aquatics facilities. This allows contractors and staff to complete preventative work, repairs, a deep clean and upgrades to amenities. 

Last year's shutdown was seven weeks long to accommodate more extensive and larger maintenance work required in 2023.

Various reasons, including:  

• Cleaning/sanitation: Pools require regular cleaning and sanitization to maintain water quality while operational.  During the shutdown, the pools are drained for deep cleaning and sanitation including scrubbing of the walls and floors. During this process, the pool area needs to be closed to prevent the public from entering the area and being exposed to workplace activities and potentially harmful environments. 
• Repairing/replacing equipment: Pools have extensive mechanical and electrical systems, such as pumps, filters, heaters, and lighting, etc.   Over time, these components may require repairs or upgrades. When these maintenance repairs or upgrades are needed, the pool area must be closed to allow workers to access and service the pools and equipment safely, and minimize risk to the workers and the public. 

The Aquatera Outdoor Pool will remain open for as long as the weather allows and will close for the season once the forecasted temperatures on average reach plus five degrees overnight to ensure no damage is done to the infrastructure.

Yes. Most aquatics facilities in Canada have annual shutdowns to ensure longevity, functionality, safety and efficiency of their amenities. 

The maintenance is scheduled for fall as the timing is typically when kids go back to school, summer camps are finished, summer tourism ends and there are a few weeks between the end of summer programs/user groups and fall programming.  
 
Given the timeline, the Aquatera Outdoor Pool will remain open for as long as weather allows, however, it cannot solely accommodate the influx of visitors from the Eastlink Centre aquatics - including not only families but also user groups, physical therapy, rehabilitation and more.

Yes, by filling out the Membership Hold and Cancellation Form. However, if you still use the Eastlink Centre twice a week, then we recommend keeping your membership active. 

Yes. However, if you still use the Eastlink Centre twice a week, then we recommend keeping your membership.

If you plan on returning after the aquatics shutdown is finished, we suggest putting your membership on hold instead of cancelling. Memberships can be placed on hold or cancelled by filling out the Membership Hold and Cancellation Form.

The Eastlink Centre will not offer reduced rates during the shutdown. General maintenance, closures and shutdown periods are built into membership prices, which are set by the City's Fees and Charges Bylaw.  
 
Memberships can also be put on hold during the aquatics shutdown at members request. Drop-in users at the facility visit other amenities which will continue to be charged the regular daily drop-in rate.

The maintenance is scheduled for fall as the timing is typically when kids go back to school, summer camps are finished, summer tourism ends and there are a few weeks between the end of summer programs/user groups and fall programming.  
 
The Aquatera Outdoor Pool will remain open for as long as weather allows, however, it cannot solely accommodate the influx of visitors from the Eastlink Centre aquatics - including not only families but also user groups, physical therapy, rehabilitation and more.

There is so much more to do at the Eastlink Centre outside of aquatics! The following features remain available through an Eastlink Centre membership or drop-in while the aquatics shutdown takes place: 

• Access to the fitness centre, track, squash and racquetball courts, fieldhouse, concourse and Design Works Centre.  
• Drop-in dryland instructor-led fitness classes including ZumbaTM, yoga, cycle and more. 
• Drop-in activities including basketball, pickleball and more.  
• PlayCare for children ages six-months to seven years old.  

In addition to Eastlink Centre membership benefits, Grande Access pass holders also receive access to the Design Works Centre, Aquatera Outdoor Pool, and Dave Barr Community Centre, discounts on City programs and birthday party packages, and unlimited skate rentals at the Design Works Centre. 

Aquatera Outdoor Pool access for passholders and members

During the Eastlink Centre annual aquatics shutdown maintenance, the following options are available at the Aquatera Outdoor Pool:

• Eastlink Centre members can enter free of charge as part of their membership.
• 10-punch passes and Fall Fitness Passes can be used at the facility.
• Grande Access passholders can bring a friend for free as part of their membership.

Our staff have created dryland workout, class and other alternatives for various aquatics activities. See our dryland schedule at cityofgp.com/schedules.

Active Eastlink Centre members and Grande Access passholders can access the following facilities for a member exclusive free or reduced rate during the shutdown:

• Free access to Aquatera Outdoor Pool.
  • Eastlink Centre members can enter free of charge as part of their membership.
  • 10-punch passes and Fall Fitness Passes can be used at the outdoor pool.
  • Grande Access passholders can bring a friend for free as part of their membership.
• Free access to the Beaverlodge Swimming Pool, located in the NuVista Energy Centre, during public swim.

The facilities listed are also available for drop-in users during the aquatics shutdown at the regular rate. Visitors attending partner facilities are reminded to follow each individual facility’s schedules, requirements and rules for pool use.

The Eastlink Centre has other initiatives during the shutdown to encourage visitors to explore and try something new at the facility including:

• Special dryland fitness classes in place of existing aquatics fitness classes.
• The Fall Fitness Pass, featuring five drop-in visits for the price of three from August 24 to September 9, 2024.

Partner facilities continue to be available for drop-in users during the aquatics shutdown at the regular rate. Visitors attending partner facilities are reminded to follow each individual facility’s schedules, requirements and rules for pool use.

Yes! Please scan the QR code once you get to the partner location you are visiting, or visit their guest services desk to check-in.

Through the check-in procedure where you will provide your full name and email address to confirm active membership.

Nope! Just check in at the front desk or using the QR code and leave the rest to us.