My mum's favourite form of exercise is swimming, so I've been a customer of the Aquatic Centre ever since I can remember. From being left in the capable hands of their child care staff, to finally being old enough that we were trusted to play in the kid's pool unsupervised, to graduating to lap swimming myself. It's always been a great public pool and the renovations that have taken place over time have only (for the most part) made it better.
I've been away for a few years so my timeline of when changes have taken place may seem a bit odd, but when I returned after my hiatus for the first time recently, I was a little dismayed to see the water polo pool attached to the Olympic sized lap pool is now separated by a barrier. I'm sure this was done because it increases safety in some way, but I always enjoyed the huge openness of the 50 metre pool with a deep little alcove attached. The kid's pool has also been redone since the days when I used to splash around; for one summer attempting to keep my arm cast dry (my wrist is slightly crooked to this day). It's a lot smaller but is now shaded and has a few added amusements.
The lap pool itself is great; Olympic sized and outdoor. The only problem is that it's a popular place for swimming lessons. Sometimes when I got for a mid-morning visit there are only a few lanes available due to all the kids splashing around doing their best to keep their arms in a straight 'rocket' and kick ferociously. Still, there's usually enough space for everyone to share harmoniously.
Not only are there the outdoor options but there is also an indoor pool. I've only used it once many years ago so my expertise is far more limited there. I do know that it is 25 metres and I believe it is heated. Apart from the pools there are also fairly well kept toilet and shower facilities, as well as a gym that overlooks the pool.
The pool opens at 5.30am Monday to Friday. read more