The City Council has approved the final design for a major renovation of Monroe Street Pool, meaning the project is now ready to be put out to bid for construction.

What’s planned
After more than 40 years, the pool needs significant repairs and upgrades to remain operational and comply with health and safety and building codes. The new design will not only extend the life of the pool but also add modern amenities, including:

• A larger (33-meter) pool with 50% more lanes 
• Expanded pool deck with outdoor lockers and showers  
• Renovated locker rooms
• Family restrooms  
• More shade and bleachers 
• More parking spaces
• Addition of an outdoor entrance (instead of going through the lobby and locker rooms to get to the pool) 
• New 8-foot wall with metal gates along Monroe Street to reduce sound for neighbors 
• New and expanded solar

The new design reflects what community members said they wanted in the renovated pool – balancing the need for more space and amenities while minimizing impacts on the surrounding neighborhood.

Monroe Street Pool through the years
The renovation is part of the City Council’s 5-Year Strategic Plan, which emphasizes maintaining Carlsbad’s unique community character and connectedness. For decades, Monroe Street Pool has served as a hub for the community, whether it’s teaching kids how to swim, providing a space to cool off or supporting fitness routines and sports training.

The city has gathered some aerial images of the area around the pool from the past 20 years to highlight how the area around the pool has changed and evolved.

The project is estimated to cost $23 million, which is within the range presented to Carlsbad voters in 2022. Certain projects using over $1 million of general city funds must get voter approval.

Next steps 

• City staff will put the project out to bid for construction and return to the City Council for approval of the contract. 
• Construction is expected to start next year and take about 18 months.  
• It will begin after planned repairs at Alga Norte Aquatic Center are completed to ensure a city pool remains available to the community during construction.

More information
Monroe Street Pool webpage
Sept. 10 City Council meeting video
Sept. 10 City Council staff report