City Seeks More Answers on Bay Club Pool Proposal
Sep 02, 2025 11:17PM ● By Jeanne Fratello
Manhattan Beach's Begg Pool, while popular among residents, is nearing the end of its usable life.
Bay Club Would Pay for Pool - And Maintain Control
(The Bay Club's proposed location for a new Manhattan Beach community pool, to be located just west of the Manhattan Country Club.)
(Side-by-side comparisons of a one-pool or two-pool proposal by the Bay Club.)- All programming would be provided directly by the Bay Club and not the city;
- The Bay Club would have control over operating costs, revenue streams, and scheduling;
- The pool would not be deeper than six feet, thus eliminating the possibility of using the pool for competitive water polo;
- Residents would be charged a $15 "daily use" fee (an amount that would essentially triple or quintuple the going rate: currently lap swim is $5/hour and recreation swim is $3/hour for residents).
Residents Express Concerns About Cost, Partnership
The Bay Club proposal sparked nearly two hours of spirited debate among council members and residents.
“I’m concerned about affordability,” said one resident during public comment. “Fifteen dollars per swim is a lot for families and seniors on fixed incomes. That’s more than double what other public pools charge.” [Manhattan Beach charges $5 per hour for residents; El Segundo charges $7 per hour for nonresidents].
Others questioned the city’s loss of control over programming and staffing. Under the proposed arrangement, Bay Club would manage all operations, including swim lessons and recreational programs, with its own staff. While the club pledged to “mirror” city programming, critics worried that the city’s Parks and Recreation team—praised for its community engagement—would be sidelined.
The issue of long-term control loomed large. Under the proposal, the club would need to renegotiate its lease with the city. (Currently the club has a ground lease with the city for parking purposes only.) Some residents expressed unease about partnering with a private entity, citing potential instability and lack of public oversight.
“This isn’t just about a pool,” said one community member. “It’s about who controls our public assets and how we ensure access and equity for all residents.”
Begg Pool Renovation Expected to Be Costly
Meanwhile, renovations to Begg Pool are expected to be costly. A May 2024 study estimated that modernizing the existing pool and buildings would cost $27.9 million, with $800,000 in annual operating costs. Building a new aquatics center with two pools would cost $40.3 million, with $1.8 million in annual operating costs.
The city currently has several repairs planned for Begg Pool - including plumbing repairs that began on Tuesday - and there is more than $800,000 budgeted in the city's 2026 capital improvement plan for Begg Pool upgrades. However, those upgrades would not address many of the facility's deficiencies; and future equipment failures beyond the designated repairs could further impact operations.
Funding for a Begg Pool replacement remains an ongoing question.
While a 2022 survey of city residents showed a strong desire for a renovated aquatics facility, there was less appetite for increasing sales or property taxes to fund such an effort. Additionally, a May 2024 survey of city residents regarding a half-cent sales tax found that Begg Pool did not rank as high as other funding priorities within the city.
