On November 9, University of Washington (UW) Campus Recreation held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the completion of the Intramural Activities Building (IMA) Locker Rooms and Pool Renovation Project. The goal was to modernize the locker rooms and provide a thorough aquatics renovation to the swimming pool, its first since construction in 1966.
The collaborative effort prioritized equity, accessibility and universal design principles, resulting in three gender-inclusive locker rooms, a renovated 14-lane pool complete with a zero-entry ramp for enhanced accessibility, floor-to-ceiling windows and multiple access points.
Katie Beth, the associate director for UW Facilities and Operations, said the former IMA pool needed a complete demolition to start fresh with modern mechanical, electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems, including a regenerative perlite filter and ultraviolet disinfectant which processes 1,007 gallons per minute.
“The pool and deck space needed to meet all ADA requirements, of course, but universal design goes much further than that,” said Beth. “A good example is offering a variety of options for pool entry access including a zero-entry lane, chairlift, staircase and ladders. The IMA Pool is the only pool remaining on campus, so the size and number of lanes was crucial.”
Renovation Details
Beth said the completed renovation has given them 14 total lanes for lap swimming, swim lessons and other programming, more than doubling the original number of lanes available. The pool goes from four feet deep in the shallow end to nine feet in the deep end. The nine-foot-deep area now meets the requirements for lifeguard certification training.
“The new design included large floor-to-ceiling windows and a beveled ceiling with upper windows to bring in natural light throughout the space,” said Beth. “The new, upward facing lighting fixtures mounted on the walls allow for a bright space without glare affecting users. Adding an HVAC system solely for the pool allows for better air quality and circulation, in addition to temperature control.”
Being the only pool on campus allows UW Recreation to provide access to aquatics-based programming and swim lessons, which Beth said benefits the campus community.
Josie Vander Klay, the Aquatics and Safety manager, said students are excited for the pool to be open and have also noted surprise at how large it now is. “Fourteen lanes and a raised ceiling create a wow-factor you can read on students’ faces as they enter the space for the first time,” said Vander Klay. “There are already regulars making use of the pool since its opening only two weeks ago.”
The project also placed a strong emphasis on reducing water usage. By integrating low-flow sinks, toilets, and showers in the locker room and pool renovation, the project achieved an annual water use reduction of 42% compared to a typical similar facility.
An outdoor rain garden — landscaped with native plants — treats roof water and establishes a connection to nature through the large windows. The design team explored biophilic design principles to guide the locker room design, using calming colors from nature in the all-gender locker rooms to depart from traditional gender-coded palettes. The project is registered with the certification goal of achieving LEED Gold.
Crucial Advice
When it comes time to renovating your own aquatics space, Beth first said to create a clear, well-defined list of priorities for what programs and activities you want to support with the pool. This will then affect the pool design regarding size, number of lanes and depth.
While natural light is important, it’s just as significant to remember to factor in glare and how that affects lifeguard coverage.
“Remember to also seamlessly integrate how patrons will access the pool from the locker room, including pool-side showers to rinse off before and after swimming,” said Beth. “The type of filtration and disinfection systems used are also critical to how you maintain the pool chemical levels and the safety of all patrons using the facility.”
Thanks to this careful, mindful process, UW’s IMA project serves as a beacon of progress, inclusivity and sustainability in campus recreation. Not only does the aquatics renovation meet immediate needs, but it anticipates and addresses the evolving expectations of a diverse and dynamic campus community for years to come.
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