The indoor and outdoor pools are 33m

At its deepest it is 3.6m

Children aged 8 or over can swim unaccompanied. Under 8’s must have an adult in the water with them at all times - regardless of swimming ability.

We aim to keep the teaching pool at 31C, the main pool at 28C and the outdoor pool at 24C.

We aim to open the outdoor pool at the beginning of May and it closes at the end of September – weather permitting.

As we are a family facility we ask that swimmers are dressed appropriately in swimming specific attire. We do not permit the wearing of t-shirts in the pool or shorts/trousers that are below the knee.

We do not provide any buoyancy for use in the pools.

Unfortunately we are not permitted to ‘lend’ goggles for Health and Safety reasons.

You are welcome to use your own float, pull buoy, armbands, woggles or small rubber ring in the pool. Flippers, hard hand paddles, snorkels and masks are not permitted. We do allow the use of swimming gloves.

You are welcome to use your own submersible toys (specifically designed for swimming) in the pools. We are also happy to allow the use of small floating toys for young children. Unfortunately we can not allow the use of balls or large inflatables such as lilos or rubber rings.

Children can not be left unattended either on poolside or in the café and must be with a responsible adult at all times.

Unfortunately we do not have towels for hire or purchase. We do have a ‘Haystack’ dryer which is £1 per use.

We have an extensive range of Speedo merchandise available for purchase however we do not sell swimming costumes.

We have lockers and these are operated by a token which can be purchased from reception for 50p. The token is reusable but can not be returned to reception for a refund.

We do not have a buggy park however you are welcome to leave your buggy at the far end of the café whilst you swim.

You are welcome to enjoy your own food in our grounds however this can not be eaten in the café. We do not permit alcohol or sharp objects such as glass or knives.

Unfortunately we can only accept bookings up-to 2 weeks into the start of term. After this you will have to wait for the next course.

This varies depending on the ability level of the class, the amount of pool space allocated to the class and the number of teachers. The ratio and maximum class size is kept within industry guidelines. If you would like further clarification over a specific class please do not hesitate to contact the Swimming Development Manager.

The last 2 weeks of term are priority booking period and during this time the children are assessed by the teachers and are then advised whether they need to remain at the same level or move up to the next level. Parents then have until the end of the booking period to re-register the child and get priority over the classes. Unfortunately anyone not re-booking during this period loses priority.

Anyone remaining in the same class on the same day is guaranteed a space in the class if they rebook during priority booking (1st PRIORITY). Any spaces available are then allocated according to the following criteria:
- 2nd PRIORITY – children changing classes but remaining on the same day
- 3rd PRIORITY – children changing days so that they swim on the same day as their sibling
- 4th PRIORITY – children changing days
Unfortunately as our classes are very popular we can not guarantee that we will be able to accommodate everyone’s requests.

Unfortunately we do not offer priority to anyone not attending the current course of lessons.

We can accept application forms in advance and this makes the booking process quicker and easier. However you can not register your interest in a particular class in advance of the bookings opening. Spaces are allocated on a first-come first-served basis.

When choosing a class for your child to attend please be realistic and remember that your child will have to complete the minimum distance numerous times during the class and therefore must be comfortable. It is better for a child to start off in a class that is within their comfort zone and if necessary the teachers will recommend they move after the first lesson rather than a class that is too challenging which can be upsetting for a child and they may be asked to leave the lesson.

The following table gives a comparison between our lessons and the ASA National Plan For Teaching stages-      

We currently do not offer assessment or trial lessons however we run a selection of the classes during school holidays and these can be booked as single lessons so are an ideal ‘tester’ class.

Where spaces allow a child in the wrong class will be transferred to a different class however this is not always possible.

If a space can not be found you will be offered credit notes which can be used for a future course of lessons or any purchase from reception.

If a child misses 2 or more consecutive lessons due to the same illness or injury credit notes will be offered for the missed lesson if the Swimming Development Manager is notified in writing of your child’s absence. A doctors letter or certificate may be required. Unfortunately credit notes can not be issued for single missed lessons or if a lesson is missed for other reasons.

We can not allow children to be left unattended either on poolside or in the café.

We are happy for children with verucca’s to attend swimming lessons as usual. We would ask that any child with a verruca wears with a latex sock or has a barrier cream (such as Bazuka) where possible.

We ask that any child who has a contagious illness does not attend swimming lessons. We recommend that any child who has had an upset stomach does not swim for 7 days following the illness.

We ask that children attending lessons wear suitable swimming attire and where possible baggy shorts, sunsuits and rash vests are avoided. Any child under 3 or who is not toilet trained should wear an aqua nappy under their swimming costume. If your child likes to wear goggles they are welcome to bring them to the lesson - however please make sure they are adjusted to fit in advance. We do not insist on children wearing swimming hats however we do ask that any long hair is tied back away from their face. Pools on the Park will provide the necessary buoyancy aids.

If a lesson is cancelled due to circumstance beyond our control we will try and contact you in advance if we know more than 30 minutes in advance. I am sure you will appreciate though that sometimes we have to close the pool at short notice!

Where a lesson is cancelled we will issue a credit note and these will be given out at the end of term with the priority booking form.

Children attending the after-school classes will get the option to buy a distance badge if they are recommended to move up at a class. These can be bought from the teachers on the last lesson of term.

We are currently fully booked for term time private lessons after 3:30 on a weekday and at weekends and are not currently accepting anyone onto the waiting list.

There is some availability for lessons before 3:30 on a weekday and during school holidays. Please contact the Swimming Development Manager for further information on these.

Most school holidays we offer crash courses and these are run over a week/s and can be booked as any combination of days you wish. This are charged per lesson and the current cost is £6.80 a lesson.

The classes offered as crash courses vary depending on popularity in previous holidays. The crash course timetable is advertised on our website or can be picked up in person from Pools on the Park. If the class you are interested in is not offered please feel free to email the Swimming Development Manager as if there is enough interest the timetable can often be changed.

The Swimming Development Manager is best contacted via email sarahm@poolsonthepark.com