Member’s Guide

Information about the daily operation of Valois Pool

Special Events Requiring Pool Closures

On occasion the pool will need to be closed for ALPS competitions including, but not limited to, swim meets, diving meets, water-polo games and special events. Please check the notice boards for pool closures and schedule changes due to competitive or social events.

Free Swim

Free Swim is open to all members and their guests. During Free Swim, the lifeguards regulate the use of the deep end. When a lifeguard calls “BOARDS,” members can only use the deep end if they are going off the diving boards. When “FREE DEEP” is called, members can swim in the deep end but they cannot use the diving boards.

Adult Swim

Adult Swim is open to any member 16 years of age or over. An Adult Swim will take place Monday to Friday from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m. As well, they are scheduled for the last 15 minutes of each hour during Free Swim times–provided that there is sufficient demand. The lifeguards will use their discretion each day to determine how many adult swims are required.

Fun Swim

Fun Swim is offered on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This is the only time when water wings, inflated toys, balls, snorkelling equipment, etc., are permitted in the pool. The supervisor on duty reserves the right to prohibit the use of any equipment deemed unsafe or unsuitable.

Wading Pool

The wading pool is for children 6 years of age and under. While your child is in the wading pool, you or your babysitter must be within the enclosed area to supervise your own child. In addition, a lifeguard will remain in the wading pool area during its hours of operation.

The wading pool is scheduled to be open Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 1:00 pm. In the afternoons from Monday to Thursday, the baby pool is open from 9:30am to 5:00pm, Friday 1pm – 7pm and weekends from 11am to 7pm. Children must be accompanied and surveyed by a parent or responsible person all times. The gate is to remain closed. No parent may use the facilities without a lifeguard present on duty within the enclosed area. Any questions or concerns may be directed to the head lifeguard on duty.

Lap Swim

There is an Early Bird Swim reserved for adults only to do laps Monday to Thursday from 7:00am to 8:30am. During Free Swim, any member can request to have a lane rope in for lap swimming.

Barbecues

We have barbecues available for use by members during normal operating hours, and when not in use for a special event. Please feel free to bring your food to the pool and use them. If the pool is unavailable for Free Swim or Fun Swim while you are using the barbecues, you, your children, and your guests must stay away from the water.

During canteens hours you may borrow BBQ utensils from them; otherwise please bring your own.

When using the BBQ’s please offer to share your BBQ with other members cooking at the same time. And turn off the propane tank (under the BBQ) if you are the last one using the BBQ.

Bicycle Racks

Bicycle racks are available just outside the pool gate. We strongly suggest that you lock your bike with a secure lock. Valois Pool cannot be held responsible for lost or stolen property.

Gate Guarding

Anyone coming to Valois Pool can’t help but notice our gate guards. These young people are pool members (12 years and older who have completed grade 6) who attentively ensure that only members and their paying guests use the pool facilities. The gate guards receive a small honorarium as compensation for their time and effort. Amongst the experienced Gate Guards, there is also the opportunity to apply for the position of Head Gate Guard. In addition to regular Gate Guard duties, the Head Gate Guard works with the responsible committee member to assist and run the programme. There is a bonus fee paid to the Head Gate Guard. This program offers our young people an opportunity to experience the responsibility of a real job within a supportive environment. What a win-win situation!

So even if you’ve been a member for many years, please be sure to stop and offer your address to the gate guard on duty so that your membership can be verified each time you come through the gate. Remember, the gate guards are there to protect YOUR membership!

For more information contact the Gate Guards director at gateguards@piscinevaloispool.ca.

Canteen

Our pool canteen sells everything from freezies and candy to hot chocolate and coffee. Whether it is a cold swim meet night or a sizzling summer day, our canteen in available for the convenience of all our members and guests. The canteen has been very popular, especially among our youngest members during adult swim.

If you are interested in helping out or have any ideas or suggestions, please contact our canteen director at canteen@piscinevaloispool.ca.

Social Events

There is so much more to Valois Pool than general swim and the morning shuttle to and from swimming lessons! Each year, the volunteers on the pool’s social committee plan a series of special events for our members – everything from barbecues to children’s parties to adult nights. The social committee’s goal is to enrich our members’ enjoyment of their summertime pool and foster a real sense of community. All members – the young and the not so young – are encouraged to participate in the pool’s social events. Your suggestions and help are most welcome. And, of course, the success of any of our events is directly related to our members’ participation. So come check out one of our events and get to know your pool neighbours. It’s a blast!

For information or to volunteer to help with an event please contact the social events director at social@piscinevaloispool.ca.