Aquatic Center Filter & Pump Replacement Project

Update, April 24, 2026: Aquatic Center Opening Update

Progress continues at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center as renovation work moves toward completion. During final testing of new pool systems, additional adjustments were identified that must be completed before reopening. Because this work involves interconnected mechanical systems and requires health inspections, the Aquatic Center’s reopening will be delayed to allow for proper completion and verification.

The City is currently targeting reopening on Saturday, May 23 (Memorial Day weekend). If work is completed sooner, the City and YMCA will reopen the facility as soon as it is safe to do so.

We appreciate the community’s patience as we complete these final steps to ensure a high-quality and reliable facility experience.

Pump Room Renovation Project:

The pump room renovation project was initiated in 2024 due to aging equipment needed to operate the three pools at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center. The facility’s pumps, heaters, and filter tanks are all part of the aquatic center’s original construction, completed in 2011. In that time, the existing equipment has become degraded through use. In addition, new technologies have been developed that allow more energy-efficient operation of the swimming pools.

Following a public bid solicitation process, the City contracted Rogers, Stringer & McClelland, Inc. (RSM, Inc.) to design improvements to the Palm Desert Aquatic Center pump room. The scope of work for the project includes professional engineering and design services for project management, alternatives analysis development, preliminary engineering, aquatic, facility, and hardscape design, engineering design, and bidding support and construction engineering for:

Renovation of the pump room to include the following:

• Remove and replace three pool filtration systems
• Remove five heaters and replace them with four pool heaters
• Reconfigure the pump room to accommodate new equipment and optimize space

Since the contract initiation, RSM, Inc. provided a conceptual design of the renovation plans in December 2024 with an accompanying narrative providing insight into the design principles that guided the development of the project up to that point. In January 2024, City, YMCA, and RSM, Inc. staff met to discuss the project and review design development plans. With the completion of the final construction plans, RSM, Inc. is working with the Riverside County Health Department to receive plan approval.

City staff is developing a bid package that will be advertised on the City’s online bidding portal, OpenGov, in July 2025. A construction contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive bidder in September 2025. In addition, a quote for the new equipment is being provided for City Council approval at the upcoming August 28, 2025, City Council meeting. The equipment needed to complete the project has an 8- to 10-week lead time. This schedule allows the contractor to begin work as soon as possible, with equipment provided by the City. A full-facility closure is planned in November 2025, with the Aquatic Center being reopened in mid-2026.

Accessibility Assistance
The City of Palm Desert is committed to ensuring accessibility of its website for all users. If you require assistance accessing information on this site, please email ada@palmdesert.gov.