This review is solely about the Swimming Pool facility Kirkstall Leisure Centre. I do keep promising myself that I'll try out a class or the gym but that's more a reflection on my natural reluctance towards exercise rather than the centre!
As a Leisure Centre, the pool here is never going to match-up to those at a private gym so I'm going to benchmark this against other similar facilities that I've used. All that you can ask for is that it's clean, functional and value for money. A swimming session here costs on average £3.50 but if you get a Leeds Card then it can cost as little as £1.50, what else can you do for £1.50?! It's best to check online before you attend as various sessions and lesson times are timetabled. I usually go to a lunchtime lane-swimming session, which is well staffed but, like lane-sessions everywhere, can be populated by people who seem to think that the definition of lane-swimming is stopping for a gossip, swimming two abreast or going way, way, too slow for the lane they've chosen. Grumbles aside, the changing rooms, whilst not sparkling, are clean enough and I would recommend bringing along a pair of flip-flops, you'll also need a pound-coin for the lockers. Showers and grooming facilities here are limited with nowhere to plug in the straighteners and only a handryer to dry your hair so I'd advise a plan-b if you want to go straight out for a night out after a swim.
Basically, as a no-frills pool, this does exactly as you'd expect it to and your bum will thank you if pay a visit. read more