Swimmers and aqua-fitness enthusiasts will be happy to notice the Comox Valley Aquatic Centre back up and running on Sept. 11.

The Aquatic Centre has been closed for its annual month of maintenance, which started Aug. 12. It will reopen on Monday with a series of upgrades and new programs.

The changing rooms were painted, the walls at the base of the pool were painted and the wave pool went through a 鈥渉ardcore cleaning.鈥�

According to CVRD recreation services manager Susan Bullock, the annual maintenance period always takes place during the summer because it is the quietest time of year for the Aquatic Centre. She said there is a considerable drop in attendance in the spring and another drop during the summer.

鈥淚t鈥檚 the best way to ensure customers鈥� needs are being made. There鈥檚 also of course the [19 Wing] pool and the outdoor city pool [open during the summer].鈥�

The waterslide also underwent repairs. Crews took apart the slide and re-grouted the spots in-between the slide pieces.

鈥淲e had some problems with the waterslide. We had to have it disconnected. They re-grout all the slide pieces to make it nice and smooth,鈥� said Bullock.

New programs available starting this fall.

The reopening of the Aquatic Centre will also see some new programs and other minor changes.

Due to public feedback, Bullock said the Aquatic Centre will always have at least two lanes open during public swim times. The Centre will also offer an 鈥榚veryone welcome鈥� swim Monday鈥揟hursday from 6:00 p.m鈥�7:30 p.m. and Friday from 3:00 p.m.鈥�9:00 p.m.

鈥淭hat鈥檚 new. I definitely think that鈥檚 something the public has been asking for,鈥� she said.

The Aquatic Centre will also offer an increased variety and number of swim lessons.

New programs also include a new early morning fitness class.

For more information on programs and schedules, visit the Aquatic Centre鈥檚 website at