Annually, the indoor pool area at the Drumheller Aquaplex undergoes a shutdown for maintenance. Annual shutdowns in aquatics ensure that the equipment and facilities can have routine inspections, have equipment swapped out for refurbishment and allow for facility upgrades and deep cleaning.  

The wear and tear of aquatic facilities often happens quickly due to the constant wet/damp environment and the use of chemicals to keep the water to health and safety standards. Generally, this shutdown takes place during the month of September, though annual shutdowns can depend on the work that needs to be completed.  

This year, in addition to the standard and ongoing maintenance, our teams completed additional projects to maximize improvements while the facility was anticipated to be unavailable to its users. This included the replacement of the air handling unit and new ducting in the pool area for more balanced airflow, new doors on the west wall and the removal of the door in the northwest corner because of berm construction.  

Through the anticipated work, there were a number of projects identified by our staff and contractors that needed to be amended and brought forward to bring the facility up to new safety codes. The significant modifications include: 

• Identification and repair of two areas where water was leaking under the mechanical room floor
• New hydrostatic valves put in the main pool
• New piping installed from the pool and filters through the circulation mechanics, which will expand their lifetime and improve staff safety
• Pipe repaired in the hot tub
• Pool basin was drained and cleaned
• Replacement of the hot tub air compressor (aptly called “the bubbler)

While these modifications have caused delays, the top priority of our teams has always been the safety and well-being of patrons. The local swimming pool is noted as a hub for recreational activities, fitness and community engagement, and these facility improvements are intended to extend the overall life expectancy of the facility as a while and allow for a more streamlined operations and prevent further short-term closures.  

This work would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of Town of Drumheller staff and contractors, and we extend our gratitude for everything that has been done to ensure the facility is safe and prepared for reopening. We also would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to the community for the continued support, patience and understanding throughout this process.  

We understand that unforeseen facility closures are inconvenient and can cause disruptions to normal practices, but we are looking forward to welcoming everyone back to the Drumheller Aquaplex.  

Our teams are still working on some of these tasks, but as we move forward, we hope to have a timeline of reopening shortly. Follow our social media pages and check drumheller.ca for updates on the Drumheller Aquaplex construction! 

For more information and updates, please contact the Drumheller Aquaplex by calling 403-823-1370. We will provide updates as they become available.