Alder Recreation Centre
Orangeville, ONT, Canada
Project Overview
Located near the heart of Orangeville, Ontario Alder Recreation Centre is a community centre that offers a variety of programs for residents within the area. As the community grew, so did the need to update the facility.
An Expansion Turns into a Complete Replacement
In 2021, the Alder Recreation Centre Pools closed to remove and replace the existing pool liners and expand the lap pool from six lanes to eight. However, as Austin Carroll Pool Construction began their demolition work, significant problems were discovered, including missing rebar under the pool deck and basins, and structural issues with the building’s steel framework.
After an assessment was completed and it was determined that both pools had to be gutted and completely rebuilt to meet current codes and standards, Natare was brought in for their expertise and high-quality equipment and systems.
Despite the renovation taking place in 2021, the global pandemic of COVID-19 still presented challenges during the course of the project. Subsequent supply chain disruptions unfortunately significantly delayed the construction timeline which prompted postponement of the original opening date.
The New Pools
Both pools at Alder Recreation Centre utilize Natare’s All-Welded System, a permanent, watertight system that is pre-engineered and fabricated to the exact requirements of a project.
The original 25m six-lane pool was easily turned into an eight-lane pool. It also incorporates a parapet headwall system that can easily be removed so the pool can meet various competitive swimming code requirements. One of the most unique features about the main pool is that the interior finish is polished stainless steel, giving it a modern and futuristic look.
The AWS pool system was an ideal choice for the leisure pool as the stainless steel provides the flexibility needed for a few of the curves the pool features. Since the pool is zero entry with a ramp and is accessible for all ages, the interior is finished with our slip-resistant Natatec® PVC pool lining system.
A Grand Reopening
The Alder Recreation Centre Pools successfully reopened in May 2024 to much excitement and anticipation by not only the community, but the staff as well (video).
To allow the staff ample time to easily transition and get comfortable with the new pools, the Centre opted to introduce mini-series swimming lessons to reengage the community. They will offer a full program of swimming lessons starting in the fall.
The comprehensive renovation of the Alder Recreation Centre Pools is a reminder that what is a seemingly simple update can quickly turn into a complete overhaul. But when you have the right people involved and a community that truly loves their pool, an amazing partnership forms with one goal in mind: brand-new pools with enhanced aquatic amenities that foster improved recreational and competitive opportunities for years to come.
Solutions Used for Alder Recreation Centre
AWS Pool System: Natare’s All-Welded System (AWS) was chosen to replace both the main pool and leisure pool. It is a permanent, watertight system that is prefabricated in six-meter sections to the required sizes and then assembled on-site using TIG welding techniques.
Stainless Steel Pool Gutters: Our MS1200 Roll-Out gutters were used on both pools and incorporate our automatic surge control weirs within the gutter systems. This allows for continuous perimeter skimming and continual flow during periods when the pool is not in use. The gutters also incorporate an integral air removal conduit that removes chloramines from the air and pushes them outside of the facility.
Reinforced PVC Pool Liner: The leisure pool’s floor is lined with our Natatec® pool lining system in our slip-resistant white color. It is soft to the touch, but also rigid enough to help prevent slip and falls within the pool.
MicroFlo® Regenerative Vacuum Sand Filters: Both pools utilize our MicroFlo vacuum sand filtration systems. They are prefabricated and arrive onsite as a complete, ready-to-install filter plant. Thanks to its robust design, maintenance costs, water consumption, and time spent cleaning are significantly reduced.
Removable Parapet Headwall: The 25m main pool features one Natare removable parapet headwall system. This allows a swimming pool to be easily adapted to meet various competitive swimming code requirements. It can also be used as a supporting structure for starting platforms, water polo goals, and more.
