UCalgary Aquatic Centre

Swim program transition FAQs

IMPORTANT - Read before you visit: Active Living COVID-19 FAQs

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. 

View the Pool Schedule View the pool rules and regulations
Two young women swimming with flutter boards

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. Day-use lockers are available for 25¢, and longterm locker rentals are available from Client Services on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Learn more about lockers and towel service
Modesty swimwear burkini available at UCalgary Active Living Client Services desk

SWIM SHOP

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

  • Swim suits
  • Swim caps
  • Modesty swimwear
  • Goggles
  • Fins
  • Hand paddles
  • Infant wetsuits
  • Reusable or disposable swim diapers

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

Call for availability.
T: 403-220-5029

Women at UCalgary Aquatic Centre swimming in lane

Pool Schedules

Public swim times can vary from week to week. Check the schedule before you visit.

View this week's pool schedule
Aerial shot of University of Calgary campus and sport fields

Where to park

Find the best parking lot to access the Aquatic Centre.

View maps and parking info

 Aquatic Certifications

Become a lifeguard, assistant lifeguard or water safety instructor with classes at UCalgary.

View all Aquatic Certification programs

Call our Client Services desk for answers to all your questions: 403.220.7749

Lifeguard in the pool at UofC

UCalgary Lifeguard Games

Open to teams of lifeguards from across Canada

You've never seen a lifeguarding competition like this before. Put yourself to the test while having more fun than should be allowed.

Learn more about UCalgary Lifeguard Games

UCalgary Mermaid University

Mermaid University

Earn your lifeguard certification, learn what it takes to be a babysitter, or become a mermaid! There's so much you can do at UCalgary's Aquatic Summer Camps. 

View our exciting Summer Camps

Pool Rules and Regulations

Please note that our COVID-19 safety measures will be different from our general set of rules. You will be notified of these requirements when you register for programs.

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. 
  • 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. 
  • Children under the age of 14 are not permitted at Adult Lane Swim but are allowed with an accompanying adult during Family Lane Swim
  • 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 

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 14 years or older.
  • Diving boards will be closed. 
  • Please select the most appropriate lane based on posted signs.
  • Swimmers are expected to circle swim, as posted on lane signs.

Family, Diving 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 7 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