Frequently Asked Questions
About the facility
How deep is the pool?
16ft/5m at the deepest; the shallow end is 3.3ft/1m.
Why is the pool so cold?
Centennial Pool is primarily a practice pool for aquatic sports. We keep the pool at about 28°C – although this may seem cold, we don’t want our swimmers overheating during their workouts.
Is the pool water clean?
Yes, we maintain a chlorine level sufficient to kill off bacteria in the water quickly, and use an advanced diatomaceous earth filtration system to clean impurities. Our lifeguards test the pool water on an ongoing basis to ensure high quality and cleanliness.
How tall are the diving boards/platforms?
The shortest springboard is 1m; the taller springboard and the shortest platform are 3m. The remaining dive platforms are 5, 7.5, and 10m tall.
Can I jump/dive off the tallest diving platform?
No, the top two levels of the diving tower are reserved for the use of our diving teams. It wouldn’t be safe to allow untrained patrons to use them.
Are you affiliated with HRM?
We do receive funding from HRM, however we are not a municipal facility. The Centennial Pool Association operates the pool independently.
Where can I watch my child’s practice?
Centennial Pool has a viewing gallery accessible from the lobby. Ask for directions at the front desk.
About swimming at Centennial
If the lane is already in use, should I wait, or hop in?
Unless the lane is already crowded, you can share with other patrons. Please choose a lane with swimmers going about your speed. Let them know you’re going to enter the lane, and use circle swimming to avoid collisions.
What is circle swimming?
Circle swimming is a simple method used when sharing a lane with other swimmers. Simply agree to stay to the right side of the lane while swimming, no matter which direction you’re swimming. If you’re swimming with a buddy, swim one behind the other, not side-by-side. Like the rules of the road, this will help you avoid collisions. If you need to rest, simply stay in any corner of the lane.
Swimming lessons
My child is X years old – what level should I register them for?
There is no easy answer, since the right level depends on how independent your child is, how comfortable they are in the water, and their level of ability. You should contact the front desk to arrange an assessment so our staff can place them in the right level.
Where can I get more information about an advanced aquatics course?
For courses offered at Centennial Pool, basic information like prerequisites are listed here. If you still have questions, feel free to contact our Aquatics Director, preferably by email.
How long does my certification last for?
All advanced aquatics and first aid certifications are good for 2 years from the certification date, however employers may require more frequent recertification.
I want to join a swim/dive/synchro/water polo team – can you give me information on the teams or how to join?
The teams that practice at Centennial Pool are listed here – you can contact them directly for information on joining the team, or the sport in question. Regrettably, due to the number and variety of teams using our facility, Centennial Pool staff are typically unable to provide detailed information, and will simply direct you to contact the team in question.
Lifeguarding
I want to be a lifeguard – what qualifications do I need?
The first step is taking Bronze Medallion, then Bronze Cross. Following that, you can take the National Lifeguard Service and Standard First Aid courses, which certify you to be a lifeguard anywhere in Canada. Centennial Pool offers all of these courses. Please contact the front desk for information on when the courses will next be offered.
Are you hiring?
If we are, job opportunities will be listed here. However, please feel free to submit your resume. If we’re not currently hiring, we’ll keep it on file.
