Kitsilano (Kits) Pool is one of five outdoor swimming pools in Vancouver. It first opened in 1931, having been constructed at a cost of $50,000. At 137 meters (450 feet), it was, and may still be, the longest salt water pool in North America; almost three times the length of an Olympic pool.
Originally, the pool’s waters where filled and replenished by the changing tide. The pool locked the ocean water in place giving bathers a place to swim at low tide. It even had a sandy bottom until that was replaced with concrete in the 60’s.
The pool was almost entirely rebuilt and pumps and heating systems where added in 1979. Then after falling into a state of disrepair, it was modernized once again with a $3.3 million renovation in 2018. Changes included the removal and replacement of the pool basin membrane, repairs to the pool deck, and the addition of pumps to replenish sea water. Improvements to the concrete, new pool coating and control joints meant less water would escape. Prior to this upgrade, 430,000 gallons of potable water where used each month to keep the pool topped up.
On January 7, 2022, the pool was badly damaged by a harsh wind storm and surge that combined with a king tide. Waves smashed up its sea wall causing structural damage to the pool basin. After over two and a half years of political wrangling, it finally reopened on August 7, 2024.
My view looks north-east, across the pool and English Bay to include Kits Beach and park. Further back is Vancouver’s West End and City, and behind it all are Vancouver’s famous mountains.