Ashburton pool to reopen after near-permanent closure scare

Ashburton Swimming Pool is set to reopen this season after coming very close to not being able to open at all. 

The pool faced a real risk that, once closed, it might never reopen. 

However, after securing £51,000 so far for phase one of vital repairs, the pool is set to reopen next month. 

But a further £53,000 is still needed to complete phase two of the repairs and ensure the pool can continue to serve the community.

The pool has been facing several issues, including ground movement causing a crack along the deep end and old, leaking skimmers that need replacing. 

Without the remaining funds, the pool will not be able to complete the necessary work to remain operational and will risk being closed indefinitely.

Lucy Wood, Chair of Ashburton Swimming Pool, said: “We came very close to not being able to open this season, with a real risk that once closed, we would never be able to reopen.”

Ashburton Swimming Pool has long been a beloved part of the town, offering health, leisure, and wellbeing opportunities for locals and visitors. 

For many, the pool is more than just a facility; it holds a special place in their memories.

Lucy shared: “The pool holds a special place in the memories of many local people. For example, we received a donation from a man whose late wife had learnt to swim in the pool and he was moved to donate to us in her memory. More recently, we have had feedback from an adult who has taken swimming improvement lessons, and she says it has completely changed her enjoyment of swimming.”

The total cost of repairs is estimated at £104,000, which includes stabilising the deep end wall, replacing the skimmers, and fitting a new specialist liner.

While the pool has managed to support itself over the years through ticket sales and local fundraising, the scale of these repairs has put a strain on its finances. 

As Lucy noted: “Although we have been able to build a small reserve this time, we simply haven’t accumulated enough to cope with an issue of this scale.”

The pool is actively fundraising to cover the remaining costs. If sufficient funds are not raised the pool will have to re-evaulate next steps. 

Lucy explained: “Phase one of the repairs must be completed for us to open this year. Phase two can be carried out during our closed period, which is from September to May next year.”

In addition to the fundraising efforts, the pool will host several events throughout the season to engage the local community.

“We will have an opening party, plus we are collaborating on a fun day with the local primary school in June. We run events throughout the year, such as midnight swims, to help raise funds and keep the community involved.” 

If you would like to support the pool please go to: www.ashburtonpool.com/donations