The Nanton Pool in the Tom Hornecker Recreation Centre is opening May 1 - almost three weeks earlier then usual this spring.

Recreation director John Dozeman says the change will help the Nanton Marlin Swim Club and the High River swim clubs affected by the closing of the pool at  the Bob Snodgrass Recreation Centre.

"The Nanton Marlins have been starting all over the place, " said Dozeman.

He added the High River Swim Clubs needed a place to practice while their pool undergoes extensive repairs.

The pool is outdoors, but it is surrounded with the skating rink on one side and the curling rink on the other.

"This is a couple of weeks ahead of when we usually empty the pool, get the ice out, fill it again and turn the boiler on," said Dozeman.

The closure of the High River pool helped to move up the dates.

"All around it helps the swim clubs with the start of their season, especially the summer clubs."

For the first three weeks public swimming will be available on the weekends with the regular season getting going after the May long weekend.

"We are usually into full swing Friday before the long weekend. So it is just a few extra weeks of staffing and we will put in some extra public times on the weekend.

Hopefully we will be able to help out the swim clubs and the public it will be good.