What are you planning?

The idea is simple: Create a space for active recreation including lap swimming, water aerobics, lane walking, scuba, lessons in swim safety and swimming, injury recovery, basic exercise and rehabilitation. 

Do people really want this?

Yes. An October 2004 survey by Cambria’s PROS (Parks, Recreation and Open Space) Commission showed that the number two desire of the community was for a pool. The first and third most popular desires have now been met: nature trails and a dog park. Another PROS survey, in 2018, showed that most respondents wanted a new pool at Shamel Park. 

What will it cost and where will you get the money?

The cost depends on what is built. We are thinking we should have a pool for lap swimming, water aerobics, swim lessons and physical therapy. With one pool and locker rooms/bathrooms the cost is estimated at about $10 million, along with an endowment for maintenance to build on the money the county is currently spending for the old pool’s maintenance. There are a variety of potential ways to fund the effort, including a combination of private gifts, government and nonprofit grants, and possibly county park and recreation funds.  

How big will the pool be?

We’re planning to build a pool that would be 25 yards or meters long and 6 lanes wide, with a walk-in entry.  

Will the pool be covered?

Yes it will be covered with the capability to open. We would have a greenhouse-style cover that will allow fresh air and sunshine into the pool area when the weather is nice but would provide a warmer environment when it is cold, foggy or rainy. 

What will be in the pool house?

The pool house would include women’s and men’s locker rooms with bathrooms and a few showers. It would also include the mechanical equipment necessary to run the pool. 

Would it be free to use the pool?

The pool would be open to the public. As with other public pools, modest fees would be charged to help pay for maintenance and programming.  We anticipate providing a year-round pass and a day pass options, as well as swim scholarships for classes and activities. 

Who will use it?

The pool program would be enjoyed by virtually the entire community, young and old, full-timers, part-timers, people recovering from injuries and health problems, and those just looking for fun and accessible recreation. The pool we envision would be heated, available year round, and would be large enough to support a variety of community aquatic activities.

What hours will the pool be open?

We’re thinking it would be something like 7 or 8 am until 5 p.m. but that has not been decided yet. We want the pool to be dark-sky compliant and not have lighting that could disturb the neighbors. 

Can a community like ours do this?

Yes. There are many examples of similar communities that have created this important recreational outlet. 

Is this mostly just for lap swimmers?

It’s for everyone. Water exercise is increasingly popular for a broad range of people and abilities because it puts virtually no stress on the joints. Some people benefit from walking in the shallow end of the pool, or use the deep end with a floatation belt. Because water provides 12 times the resistance of air, you can significantly strengthen and build muscle as you walk in water.

What about water?

As Cambrians, we are concerned about our limited water supplies. However, the new pool we envision would not have a significant impact on Cambria’s overall water consumption.

After the initial filling of a pool (which can be done with water that is imported from outside the community, if necessary), the amount of water necessary to maintain the water level is low. It takes 123,000 gallons – about 0.4 acre-foot -- to fill a 25 meter by 12 meter pool with an average depth of five feet. A properly maintained pool can go for a number of years without being emptied and refilled.  Water loss from evaporation can be minimized in a number of ways, such as by enclosing the pool and/or covering it when not in use. Residents’ water use in the pool house locker rooms – such as for showers -- will be offset by savings in water that they otherwise would be using at home. 

Why can’t we just use other community pools?

Having a community pool close to home makes it more accessible for everyone, and more likely that people, young or older, working or retired, with personal transportation or without it, can participate.  Many people have tried participating in pool programs that are farther away and the time and distance make it difficult.