Watermania — Local services in Richmond

The 3 stars is ONLY for the facility itself and not the staff. The staff were excellent and deserved 5 stars on their own.

The people in the swim shop were very friendly and helpful. It may be a small shop but they know their stuff. Very Impressed.

The front desk people were very nice.

The facility is starting to look old. The change rooms and disability change rooms need updates - new paint, more support handles and hooks would be good. I did not see an emergency button in the disability change room but I may have missed it. The speakers have static and need to be fixed.

The lockers are beat up and need to be upgraded with refundable locks and new paint. Too few are bring your own lock style.

The hall is dim and dreary and the shower set up is not appealing.

Lifeguards are alert and I did see them care for someone in need. They seem like a good well trained team. Very important.

Unfortunately the pool is more designed for kids and family and that is great. It's very nice to see parents and kids there having fun. For elderly folks it's not the most ideal as the water is a bit colder and there was not a leisure lane in the main pool allocated to those of us who need a lane like that.

Lots of equipment to use in the pool which is great.

Lastly the city is growing. 2 aquatic centres is not enough. At least one more big facility that has a pool sectioned out specifically for people with health care needs and rehab as our population is aging...

We recently visited Watermania as a family of four on a summer weekend. Before we went, we called to confirm the pool was open and were informed there was a swim competition happening. Because of this, we were aware that the deep end, lanes, and diving boards would be closed, which they were.

Despite this, the wave pool and kids side slides were a huge hit and a lot of fun! The waterslide opened at 12pm, and while the height requirement was clearly marked, my seven-year-old was 1cm too short to go on. And the lifeguard would actually measure you.

A few other tips for your visit: Parking is free, but it can be tricky to find a spot on a busy weekend. We got lucky and found one quickly.

Lockers are available for 50 cents, so make sure to bring some change. And non refundable.

The change rooms had a strong smell of pee, which was an unpleasant part of the experience. And note that change room has no shower. Family shower is shared so you don’t get your own change/shower room.

Floaties are provided. And lots of places for shoes and a few lounge chairs for towels.

Overall, we had a good time despite the limitations and would recommend it for a fun family outing, as long as you're aware of the potential for closures and the state of the...

The wave pool runs every 15 minutes, and a buzzer goes off before the 5 minute wave cycle starts. There’s a kids area with small slides and a shallow lazy pool with jets. The larger water slides are for ages 7 and up, the red slide is open and slower, while the blue slide is enclosed and faster. Plenty of floaties and toys are available, though you can bring your own. The water stayed pleasant and never cold.

The building is on the older side, so the facilities aren’t modern, but the change rooms are very spacious with men’s, women’s, and a universal option. Lockers take two quarters, and the front desk can provide change if needed. The showers are warm, and while the wall hair dryers work fine, they may not keep up if you have long or thick hair. The lifeguards were attentive and on guard throughout the visit.

Overall, it’s a family friendly spot with enough to keep kids and...