CARLSBAD — Community members and city officials gathered at Monroe Street Pool on Oct. 29 to celebrate a completed renovation and expansion ahead of the facility’s Nov. 3 reopening.
The 44-year-old pool underwent reconstruction beginning in March 2025 after voters approved Measure J in November 2022, authorizing the city to spend up to $24 million on the project. The city completed the work under budget at about $21 million.
The renovated aquatics facility, at 3401 Monroe Street next to the Carlsbad High School football field, features a larger pool with 50% more lanes, an expanded deck, updated locker rooms, new family restrooms and additional shade and bleacher seating.
“After more than four decades of serving the Carlsbad community, this major renovation and expansion of Monroe Street Pool represents an investment in the future of this community,” said City Manager Geoff Patnoe. “Monroe Street Pool will continue to provide a place for people of all ages to swim, learn and stay active for years to come.”
Other improvements include a larger parking lot, outdoor showers, deck lockers and new entrances, including an outdoor entrance that allows swimmers to bypass the locker rooms. The project also added a redesigned lobby, first aid and administrative offices, and a room for meetings and small gatherings.
An 8-foot wall with metal gates along Monroe Street is designed to reduce noise for the surrounding neighborhood. Energy improvements include replacing the solar water heating system and installing rooftop solar panels to generate electricity.
Built in 1982, the pool needed significant repairs to remain operational and meet current health, safety and building codes. The project replaced aging piping, pumps, filters, tile, plaster, decking and drainage systems.
The City Council approved the construction contract on Jan. 14, 2025, after voters approved Measure J.
Proposition H required the public vote, a city law approved in 1982 that requires voter authorization for certain construction projects using more than $1 million in general fund money. Measure J’s $24 million spending limit included annual adjustments tied to a regional construction cost index, which could have raised the allowable amount to nearly $27 million, the city said.
The renovation also reflects public input gathered in 2020, when the city presented three approaches: essential repairs, modernization without expansion, and a more extensive renovation and expansion.
A renovated aquatics facility survey conducted from Aug. 31 through Sept. 30, 2020, drew 944 respondents and 591 comments. Participants ranked the most extensive option highest, despite its higher estimated cost and longer construction period. The City Council subsequently selected that approach.
Among potential improvements, 49% of respondents gave a larger pool the highest importance rating, followed by maximizing solar energy use (47%) and increasing availability for lap swimming (45%). About 59% gave the highest rating to completing improvements at once to avoid additional work in the near future.
Public comments also addressed construction disruptions, project costs, pool fees, youth sports access and the need for more swimming opportunities. The city cautioned that the voluntary survey was not scientific and its findings could not be generalized to all Carlsbad residents.
Monroe Street Pool is one of two city aquatic facilities, along with Alga Norte Aquatic Center farther south.
The pool is scheduled to reopen to the public at 6 a.m. Nov. 3. In the days leading up to reopening, contractors, lifeguards and administrative staff will finish preparations and staff training.
Some work may continue in limited areas after reopening, but the city said it is not expected to affect facility use.
