KBAC Annual Maintenance Shutdown

Each year the Kenn Borek Aquatic Centre is closed to complete annual maintenance tasks that require the pools to be closed and emptied. The closure is typically scheduled during the late summer or early fall. This is to avoid closing during peak seasonal times, such as when the local swim clubs are in session. Recreation attendance typically decreases during the first month of school as well, so September is preferred for a full shutdown in the industry. 

2024 Shutdown

The Annual Maintenance Shutdown typically lasts for approximately four weeks; however, the 2024 shutdown, as well as the 2025 shutdown, will be longer than the average length.

The Kenn Borek Aquatic Centre, as well as the Climbing Wall, is closed from  August 17, 2024 to October 11, 2024. It will reopen again on October 12, 2024.

There are several problems areas that need to be addressed before they become severe problems. Ignoring these issues at this stage would result in greater costs and longer shutdowns in the future, so we are taking a proactive approach. 

What we are working on

Decorative Rocks

The decorative rocks around the leisure pool and swirl pool are not in good shape. Many of them are disintegrating and in need of repair. This is an approved Capital Project. View our Capital Projects page to learn more.

New Sanitizing Equipment

Our pools use both primary (salt-water chlorine generation) and secondary (ozone generation) sanitizing systems, to keep the water safe. We have kept these systems functioning within acceptable parameters, well past their expected lifespans. It is becoming more and more difficult to source parts for them, so we need to replace them before they fail. We will be using very similar technology, so we should not need to make any major structural, electrical, or plumbing changes.

Regrouting the Leisure Pool

Both the leisure pool and the main lap pool are in need of regrouting. This year we are focusing on the leisure pool. Failing to address this could result in damage to the pool basin itself. Tiles are coming loose, and the maintenance team does their best to fix these tiles, but fixing them underwater does not provide long-lasting results.   The contractor for this project is using a specialty grout, which is designed for high-traffic pool floors; it has a cure time of about two weeks before water can be put back in the pool. Refilling the pool before that can result in weakened grout, with a diminished lifespan. It is a somewhat expensive and time-consuming process, so we would rather take the extra time and do it right.   There will be a longer closure in 2025 as well to regrout and repair the main lap pool.

Removing Rust

There are many areas of rust, which are a common occurrence with salt-water pools. We have researched the best methods for dealing with this, and have formulated a plan which should remove the existing rust, and help us stay ahead of it in the future.

Additional Cleaning, Painting and Minor Repairs

We are taking advantage of the longer shutdown window to do additional cleaning, painting, and minor repairs, in addition to our normal shutdown cleaning and maintenance tasks.

Doing the work

Kenn Borek Aquatic Centre Staff, along with the maintenance team, are working with contractors through the shutdown to complete all of the projects scheduled for this year. The Staff are responsible for cleaning, painting and performing crucial repairs and maintenance. Staff do a wonderful job cleaning up the facility each year before opening to the public.