The Ponoka Aquaplex will undergo annual maintenance and facility improvements from Aug. 29 to Sept. 11, and will reopen for regular operations resuming on Sept. 12.

“The scheduled maintenance and facility improvements are part of the town’s annual, proactive maintenance program that helps ensure the smooth operation of the facility throughout the year, as well as providing optimal service levels and a greatly enhanced user experience for our swimmers,” said Andrew Jones, manager of Parks, Recreation and Facilities.

Work planned at the Ponoka Aquaplex during the scheduled shutdown will include:

• Installation of a new primary rooftop HVAC system that will replace an existing unit that has reached the end of its life cycle. The new HVAC system will help regular airflow, temperature and humidity in the facility for greater comfort and user enjoyment;

• Draining, scrubbing and deep cleaning of the main pool, deep tank, hot tub, wading pool and sauna; • Deep cleaning of the change rooms and washrooms, including floors, walls and lockers;

• Scrubbing and power washing the pool deck; and

• Painting throughout the facility as needed.

“September and the last week of August are a slow time with many people away on holidays in late August and over the Labour Day weekend. As well, we have no school lessons and typically very few public lessons in September which is why we have scheduled the work at this time,” said Jones.

The Ponoka Aquaplex office will remain open during the maintenance period with office hours from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with the exception of the statutory Sept. 5 Labour Day holiday in order to allow facility users to book fall swimming lessons and enroll in other fall programming.