Calgary boasts delightful warm and sunny summers, perfect weather for a trip to your local outdoor pool. However, residents are well acquainted with the city’s unpredictable weather, which can shift through four seasons within a mere 24 hours. This unique weather dynamic prompts the question: When is the optimal time to enjoy a visit to your nearby outdoor swimming pool?
In essence, the answer hinges on your preferences. At COSPA we have eight outstanding outdoor pools that cater to a variety of interests. Whether you’re into lane swimming, public swim sessions, swim lessons, water aerobics, pool rentals, or more, our diverse offerings ensure there’s something for everyone. Our pool season spans from mid-June to early September, aligning with the more stable summer weather. However, for precise planning, we recommend checking the schedule of your local pool. This allows you to tailor your pool trip according to your preferred activities and ensures you make the most of Calgary’s outdoor swimming pool experience.
View Our Pool Schedules (Check Back in June for Our 2024 schedules)
- Bowview Outdoor Pool
- Forest Lawn Outdoor Pool
- Highwood Outdoor Pool
- Millican Ogden Outdoor Pool
- Mount Pleasant Outdoor Pool
- Silver Springs Outdoor Pool
- South Calgary Outdoor Pool
- Stanley Park Outdoor Pool
When is the Best Time to Visit When I Want to Avoid Crowds?
We recommend visiting during off-peak hours, early in the evening can provide a quieter experience allowing you to unwind and enjoy the pool without the hustle and bustle of the midday crowd. Opting for weekdays over weekends is advisable, as our pools generally experience higher attendance on Saturdays and Sundays, ensuring a more serene atmosphere for your swim. Identifying and steering clear of peak hours, typically during lunch breaks and immediately after traditional working hours, contributes to a more relaxed pool experience during quieter intervals. You can also call your local pool ahead of time as the staff have firsthand knowledge of the ebb and flow of visitor numbers. Additionally, staying informed about local events, holidays, or pool maintenance schedules can help you plan your visit to coincide with periods of lower attendance, enhancing your overall pool experience.
When is the Best Time to Visit with Small Children?
Ensuring a safe and enjoyable pool experience with small children requires thoughtful planning. Optimal times include weekday afternoons when pools are less crowded, providing a serene environment away from the rush of older children on weekends. All of our eight pools offer special swim lessons for toddlers, these are perfect if you want to introduce your little ones to the pool in a safe and fun way. Avoiding peak times, such as weekends and late afternoons, reduces overcrowding and enhances safety. Choosing warm weather days ensures a pleasant atmosphere, and regardless of the time, prioritizing safety measures, like dedicated shallow areas and certified lifeguards, is essential. The Stanley Park, South Calgary, Highwood and Forest Lawn Outdoor Pools offer zero-depth entry and many of our other pools offer wading pools and spray parks for the little ones to enjoy. Keep an eye on pool activities and events to plan visits during quieter periods. It’s crucial to check your local pool’s schedule and policies, always placing safety first and aligning your visit with your child’s routine for an overall enjoyable experience.
I am new to Calgary, what is the Weather Like During the Swim Season? (Mid- June to Early September)
Ensuring a safe and enjoyable pool experience with small children requires thoughtful planning. Optimal times include weekday afternoons when pools are less crowded, providing a serene environment away from the rush of older children on weekends. All of our eight pools offer special swim lessons for toddlers, these are perfect if you want to introduce your little ones to the pool in a safe and fun way. Avoiding peak times, such as weekends and late afternoons, reduces overcrowding and enhances safety. Choosing warm weather days ensures a pleasant atmosphere, and regardless of the time, prioritizing safety measures, like dedicated shallow areas and certified lifeguards, is essential. The Stanley Park, South Calgary, Highwood and Forest Lawn Outdoor Pools offer zero-depth entry and many of our other pools offer wading pools and spray parks for the little ones to enjoy. Keep an eye on pool activities and events to plan visits during quieter periods. It’s crucial to check your local pool’s schedule and policies, always placing safety first and aligning your visit with your child’s routine for an overall enjoyable experience.
I am new to Calgary, what is the Weather Like During the Swim Season? (Mid- June to Early September)
- Spring– Spring in Calgary starts in mid-March and ends around the end of June. Highs can vary from 16 to 20 degrees Celsius (61 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit), and lows may range from 3 to 7 degrees Celsius (37 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Summer– Summer starts in late June and ends in September. The average temperature during the summer months, can range from around 16 to 25 degrees Celsius (61 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). However, temperatures can vary, and occasional heatwaves may bring higher temperatures. It’s worth noting that evenings can be cooler, but all of our eight outdoor pools are heated to approximately 27 degrees Celsius so you can enjoy our pools regardless of the temperature.
Keep in mind that weather conditions can vary, and it’s always a good idea to check current forecasts for more accurate and up-to-date information.
Will the Pools Close Due to the Weather?
Yes, if there is heavy rainfall or during stormy weather conditions, our pool operators will determine if the pools need to be closed or not. Before your visit, check your local pool’s social media pages in case of any closures. We also recommend checking local forecasts before you plan your visit, however, if a swim time is cancelled (due to unsafe weather or mechanical failure), facility staff will cancel swim times before their designated start times. Patrons will not be allowed to enter the facility and refunds will be issued to the original method of payment.
Ultimately, the best time to visit Calgary’s outdoor swimming pools involves a balance between weather conditions, personal preferences, and a bit of flexibility to adapt to the ever-changing Calgary climate. Whether you’re a fan of the lively summer pool atmosphere or prefer a more peaceful weekday dip, Calgary’s outdoor pools offer a diverse range of experiences to suit different preferences and schedules. Find your closest pool here and check out their schedules, if you have any further questions about our pools, fill out our online “Contact Us” form. For the latest updates and notices, we recommend following your local pool’s social media pages or subscribing to our email list.
About COSPA
The Calgary Outdoor Swimming Pools Association (COSPA) manages eight outdoor swimming pools on behalf of The City of Calgary for use by Calgarians during the summer.
