Competitive pool reopens to public
Structural changes made at Charlottetown’s Bell Aliant Centre
The competitive pool at the Bell Aliant Centre in Charlottetown has reopened to the public.
The leisure pool opened around midDecember while the competitive pool opened on Dec. 28 after management had the floor replaced.
“There were a series of structural issues with the concrete after having been without water for several months,’’ said Sue Fraser, general manager of the centre.
Public health restrictions forced the centre to close in March. The pools were drained for a deep cleaning and painting.
The pools were refilled in August, and it was expected that the public would be able to use them after Labour Day. However, officials soon discovered a leak in the competitive pool.
Fraser said it took some time to determine the issue was structural and not one that had to do with the plumbing.
Contractors arrived on Dec. 3 to begin the installation of a new floor.
As part of the reopening, the centre is using a phased approach to ensure safety for the public and to work within the guidelines of public health restrictions.
In the first phase, the competition pool is limited to lane swimming, aquafit classes and user group bookings. In the leisure pool, times will be made available for self-directed aqua jogging.
The toddler pool, hot tub, Tarzan rope, waterslide and diving boards will be closed during the first phase.
Updates are provided on the centre’s Facebook page.
Fraser said it’s a relief to have everything sorted out and people back in the water.
“All is well, and everyone is happy to be back,’’ she said.