It’s the hottest time of year. Kids are still out of school. You head to the Trail Aquatic and Leisure Centre, hoping for a dip in the pool … only to find it’s closed for annual maintenance. Why does the shutdown always happen in August?
There are a few factors, the city explains.
They choose this part of summer because pool use is at its lowest, staff are available before the school year begins, and it fits a tight operational window between major ice installations at the Trail Memorial Centre. The main surface is installed in late July and the kids’ rink and curling rink are completed in mid-September. That only leaves a narrow window for maintenance staff to do other big projects.
The annual pool shutdown keeps the facility running safely and efficiently, the city says, and allows for deep cleanings, essential maintenance, and upgrades.
In the summer, the city encourages people to swim at Gyro Park. In addition to the beach, it’s also home to a spray park and other amenities.
This year, new lighting and tiling is being installed at the aquatic centre, and the steam generator is being replaced in the steam room. Plexiglass has also been removed up front, which is intended to make the building more open and inviting.
The fitness centre, which has already reopened following its maintenance period, received new lighting. The floors were also waxed and polished.
The pool reopens on Sept. 8.
One key user group, the Trail Stingrays, had some success last week at the BC Summer Swimming 2025 provincials in Prince George with one member home a medal.
Trail isn’t the only local rec centre that shuts down in August. Pools in Castlegar, Nelson, and Creston all do the same.
