The UCalgary Aquatics Centre

Aquatic Centre

Public Welcome

The UCalgary Aquatic Centre is a competition pool that can transform into various lengths with a moveable bulkhead. Most often, the pool is set up in 25m format, which creates 16, 25m lanes (eight in the shallow end and eight in the deep end). The pool can also be set up in 50m format, which creates eight 50m lanes.

The shallow end of the pool ranges from 1.0m to 1.5m in depth, and the deep end of the pool ranges from 1.5m to 5.0m deep.

The pool temperature is normally set at 80.6 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. It is increased to 84 F for Saturday swimming lessons in fall, winter and spring.

The pool is open for public swim during certain scheduled times. 

A group of students in the pool

ADMISSION

Swimmers can either purchase a yearly Active Living membership or pay a drop-in pass rate.

Current UCalgary students can access the pool for free with their Unicard by checking in at Active Living Client Services (KNA 104). 

The pool is accessed via the change rooms located across from Client Services. Bring your own lock for day-use lockers, and longterm locker rentals are available from Client Services on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Person putting on wristband

SWIM SHOP

Active Living Client Services (KNA 104) has a selection of swim gear available for purchase:

  • Swim caps
  • Goggles
  • Fins
  • Hand paddles
  • Nose clips
  • Reusable or disposable swim diapers

PFDs and water running belts can be rented at Client Services.

A women putting on her swim googles

Have questions? Contact Client Services 403 220 5029.


Pool Rules and Regulations


General Rules and Regulations

  • Patrons are required to wear proper bathing attire.
    • Clean t-shirts are permitted.
    • Jeans or jean shorts are not permitted.
    • Full coverage modesty swimwear is permitted (Ex.Burkini’s).
    • Female identifying patrons are not required to wear swim tops. 
  • Showering is required prior to entering the pool. 
  • Infants or children who are not fully toilet trained must wear a swimming diaper or a plastic diaper cover while in the water.
  • One parent/guardian must be present for every 2 children aged 0-7 years.
  • Children aged 0-7 years of age must be within arm’s reach of a parent/guardian at all times.
  • Only children of the opposite gender under the age of 7 are permitted in the locker room. If assistance is required the lifeguard should be notified. 
  • Lane swimmers must be 14 years or older, unless otherwise permitted by the lifeguard.
  • Coaching is not permitted.
  • Personal equipment is expected to be cleaned and in good condition before being brought into the Aquatic Centre.
  • Water wings are not permitted. 
  • Infant neck rings are not permitted. 
  • No person shall use the pool if they have been instructed not to by a physician or regional health authority.

Deep End Pool Test

  • Lifeguards may require patrons (youth or adult) to perform a swim test before using the deep end.
  • Patrons must complete phase 1, in the shallow end, before attempting phase 2 in the deep end.

Phase 1 - 25m Swim

  • Option A – Front Crawl
  • Option B – Breast Stroke

Phase 2 - Entry and Surface Support

  • Jump (feet first entry) into deep water.
  • Tread water for 30 seconds.

Adult Lane Swim Rules

  • This is a quiet lane swimming session with at minimum four 25m lanes or two 50m lanes
  • Swim test completion may be required in order to access the deep end
  • Lane swimmers must be 12 years or older, unless otherwise permitted by the lifeguard
  • Please select the most appropriate lane based on posted signs
  • Swimmers are expected to circle swim, as posted on lane signs

Family and Lane Swimming Rules

  • Defined family swim space available in both the shallow and the deep ends
  • Four 25m defined lanes for lane swimming in the shallow end
  • Swim test completion may be required in order to access the deep end
  • Children under 8 must be within arm's reach of a parent/guardian at all times.
  • One parent or guardian must be present for every two children 0-7 years old.
  • Lane swimmers: please select the most appropriate lane based on posted signs.
  • Lane swimmers are expected to circle swim, as posted on lane signs.

Inflatable Swim Rules

  • Children must be at least 5 years old for Inflatable Swim.
  • Swim test completion is required to access the inflatables.
  • One parent or guardian must be present for every two children 0-7 years old. Children must be within arm's reach at all times.
  • No diving
  • No lane swimming
  • No family swimming