The Clairemont Pool renovation has taken longer than any of us expected. We know that — and we know the wait has been frustrating. Our community built this pool. We fought for it in the 1970s, we celebrated when it opened in February 1979, and we’ve shown up for it ever since. That’s exactly why this matters so much.
As a project of the South Clairemont Park and Recreation Council, the Clairemont Pool Booster Club works alongside the City and other community groups to advocate for real change for the good of all our neighbors. That’s how we get things done — through relationships and collaborations.
Here’s the latest on where things stand.
We Were at Clairemont Family Day
Earlier this month, the Clairemont Pool Booster Club and the City of San Diego Parks & Recreation Department set up side by side at Clairemont Family Day. Together, we answered neighbors’ questions about the renovation—what’s happening, what’s left, and when we can expect to be back in the water.
It was one of the best conversations we’ve had with the community in a while. People shared stories about learning to swim at Clairemont Pool, joining the recreational swim and water polo teams, and even working at the pool when they were younger. We brought scrapbooks from Molly Simental’s personal archives, and people loved flipping through them—pointing out faces they recognized, remembering events they’d forgotten, and connecting with a piece of Clairemont history that belongs to all of us.
One question came up more than any other: Is the high dive coming back? We wish we had better news on that one, but unfortunately, no — the high dive will not be part of the renovated facility.
When Will the Pool Reopen?
Clairemont Pool is expected to reopen in Spring 2027. That target could still shift depending on construction schedules, equipment delivery, and final inspections — but Spring 2027 (April 2027) is what the City is working toward.
What Work Is Left?
The renovation has cleared several major milestones. Demolition, grading, plumbing, electrical, heating infrastructure, pool tile, deck resurfacing, and lighting are complete.
What remains is a sequence of final steps: installation of permanent fence panels, followed by the pool plaster work. Those two have to happen in order. During the plaster phase, crews will also install the new pump and filtration system. After that, it’s final inspections and permits — and then we get our pool back.
What We’re Getting Back Will Be Worth the Wait
This isn’t a patch job. When the pool reopens, it will be a meaningfully better facility than the one that closed.
A larger pool deck — more room for spectators, families, and swim meet crowds. The old deck was tight, and anyone who sat through a summer league meet knows it.
Modern, reliable heating and filtration — the new system will hold water temperature more consistently and keep water quality higher. That matters whether you’re a lap swimmer, a parent of a young kid, or someone who just wants the pool to be open when you show up.
Updated lighting — new pool lights and electrical upgrades throughout the facility mean better visibility for evening programming, safer conditions around the deck, and a pool that feels like it was invested in — not just maintained.
A smooth, safe pool floor — if you ever walked out of Clairemont Pool with cuts on the bottom of your feet, you’re not alone. The old pool surface constantly peeled and chipped. The new finish means no more dodging rough patches or worrying about your feet after a water exercise class.
Fewer unexpected closures — aging equipment was behind many of the unplanned shutdowns over the years. New mechanical systems mean less downtime and more predictable scheduling for programs and open swim.
A Pool This Community Built — Together
It’s worth remembering how we got here. In 1974, the Clairemont Swimming Pool Committee — led by Molly Simental — began working with the City to bring a public pool to our neighborhood. Five years of community advocacy later, Clairemont Pool opened its doors. It didn’t happen through confrontation. It happened because neighbors showed up, built relationships, and stayed at the table until the job was done.
That same approach guides the Booster Club today. We believe the most effective advocacy happens when the community and the City work toward the same goal collaboratively—and on this renovation, that’s exactly what we’re doing.
Follow Us and Stay Connected
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates on the renovation, community events, and information about upcoming local meetings where you can hear directly from City staff about the project.
Questions or comments about the renovation? Please contact the City of San Diego Parks & Recreation Department directly at 858-581-9923 or askparks@sandiego.gov. They own the project and are the right people to contact.
Clairemont Pool Booster Club 