Carlsbad's Monroe Street Pool opens to swimmers Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 6 a.m. after a renovation and expansion that cost approximately $21 million.

The Carlsbad City Council and community members marked the milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Oct. 29, according to the city's announcement. The 44-year-old pool, built in 1982, had been closed for reconstruction since March 2025.

Carlsbad voters authorized up to $24 million for the project in November 2022. With annual inflation adjustments, that cap could have reached nearly $27 million, the city said. The final cost of approximately $21 million came in under the voter-approved amount.

The project is finished.

City Manager Geoff Patnoe called the renovation "an investment in the future of this community" at the ceremony. He said the pool "will continue to provide a place for people of all ages to swim, learn and stay active for years to come."

What's new

The city said the renovated facility was shaped by community input. Upgrades include:

  • A larger pool with 50% more lanes
  • An expanded pool deck with lockers and outdoor showers
  • An 8-foot wall with metal gates along Monroe Street to reduce noise for the surrounding neighborhood
  • Updated locker rooms and new family restrooms
  • More shade and bleacher seating
  • A larger parking lot with new entrances, including an outdoor entrance that bypasses the locker rooms
  • Replacement of the solar water heating system and installation of rooftop solar panels to generate electricity
  • Upgraded pool equipment, including new tile, plaster, piping, pumps and filters

A redesigned lobby, new first aid administration offices and a room for meetings and small gatherings like birthday parties are also part of the overhaul, according to the city's pool improvements page.

Some remaining work may continue in limited areas after reopening, but the city said it is not expected to affect public use.

New unified membership

Monroe Street Pool is one of two aquatic facilities in Carlsbad. The other is Alga Norte Aquatic Center, located further south.

Swimmers no longer need separate passes for each pool. One membership now covers both facilities, according to the city's aquatics page.

Monroe Street Pool fees, including monthly and quarterly memberships, drop-in fees and lane rentals, will increase to match Alga Norte rates. The city called these the first fee updates in more than 10 years. A 10% discount on memberships and lane rentals remains available for Carlsbad residents.

Passholder details:

  • Monroe Street Pool passholders: Purchase the new combined pass online or in person starting Tuesday.
  • Alga Norte passholders: No action needed. Existing monthly or quarterly memberships now include both pools.
  • Drop-in visitors: Day passes can only be purchased in person.