FAQ's
Check out our frequently asked questions below before your visit to Cleveland Pools.
Swimming
How do I book a swim?
You can book your swim via the Cleveland Pools website or download the Fusion app and search for Cleveland Pools. You'll need to register if you are a first-time user, this can be done by both the website and app, but after that booking a swim is a simple three click process.
If you experience any difficulties or have any further enquiries please email clevelandpools@fusion-lifestyle.com.
How much will a swim cost?
Click here to find our price list.
Can I just turn up and swim?
Yes, priority will be given to those who book in advance but if the pool is not already at capacity, then you can turn up and swim in the designated sessions. We would always recommend booking in advance.
Please note Cleveland Pools is a non-cash site so you will need a method of payment.
Will there be season tickets available?
Fusion is considering offering season tickets from 2024 for the heated swimming season, April to September.
In the Autumn/Winter season the nature of the site and unpredictable weather means that we are unlikely to offer a season ticket. During these times the pools will be operated on a pay as you go basis.
What are the opening hours?
You can always find the latest opening hours on the website or Fusion app.
As a general rule, we won't open earlier than 8am on a weekday, 9am on weekends and no later than 7pm in the evenings, although we reserve the right to exceed these timings in exceptional circumstances.
The opening hours will vary throughout the year in response to the weather conditions, temperature, light levels, customer demand, bookings and hirers and a need to be considerate to the local neighbours.
What will the water temperature be?
The water temperature will vary seasonally. From 2024 in spring/summer the pools will be heated by our water source heat pump. We anticipate temperatures up to 28 degrees. We may be able to heat the water before that once the final work on the heat pump is completed later this autumn.
In the autumn/winter the heat pump will be turned off and the temperature will drop to around 5 degrees over time.
Will you be offering cold water swimming?
Yes, we recognise that there is an increasing amount of interest in cold water swimming. Sessions will be offered on a pay as you go basis.
Whilst lifeguards will always be present we will be offering an informal cold water buddy group using WhatsApp and running some cold water swimming workshops on Sat 23 September for anyone who would like to learn more about safe cold water swimming. Please keep an eye on our website for more details about how to book on these sessions.
Can I wear a wetsuit or rash vest?
Yes, of course.
Is there chlorine in the pools?
Yes, chlorine is our primary source of disinfection.
Where does the water in the pools come from?
When the Pools first opened in 1817 they were river fed but this is no longer possible due to the level of contaminants in the river. Both pools are now filled with mains water.
Is there a pool suitable for children?
Yes, we have a shallow smaller pool next to the main 25m long pool. It is suitable for all swimmers.
Can I bring inflatables?
There will be special sessions when inflatables will be allowed but for normal sessions inflatables will not be permitted.
Can I bring my pet?
Animals are not permitted on site unless they are guide or support dogs.
Facilities on site
Showers
There are warm showers outdoors at either end of the Pools. We have an accessible indoor shower for any wheelchair users or anyone who needs assistance changing.
Lockers
There are small lockers on site. They are only suitable for small bags or valuables. You will need to bring your own small padlock, for example a luggage padlock, to secure your locker.
Changing rooms
There are 12 family sized changing rooms available on a first come first served basis. There is a disabled changing room within the kiosk. There is also an additional accessible toilet that is spacious enough for changing at the end of the main pool.
We would kindly ask that you do not leave your belongings in the changing rooms.
Toilets
The main toilets are located next to the small pool. There are 3 accessible toilets, one next to the kiosk, one in the kiosk and one next to the end of the main pool.
Baby changing facilities
There are baby change facilities in the main toilet block and in the accessible toilet next to the kiosk.
Kiosk
There is a kiosk on site selling refreshments and light snacks. Please note that the kiosk may not always be open especially at quieter times.
Getting to Cleveland Pools
How do I get there?
We kindly ask you not to drive to the Pools to park or drop off unless you have a mobility issue.
Walking: The Pools are just under a mile from Bath Abbey, and just over a mile from Bath Spa train station. It takes approximately 15 minutes to walk to the site from the city centre or from Larkhall.
Bus: You can get the 734 bus to Forester Avenue, which is just a four minute walk from the pools. Alternatively, you can get buses to the Forester Road stop, on Beckford Road, and walk six minutes to the pools. Buses that stop at Forester Road are:
- 11 Bathcity- 94- 734- D1 DIscover- X84
Bike: There are a limited number of bike racks on site and some nearby at the edge of the canal. We are working with B&NES Council and the Canal and Rivers Trust (CRT) to try to make additional spaces available off site.
Disabled access: There are two disabled parking bays for blue badge holders at the entrance to the pools. For full access details please see https://www.clevelandpools.org.uk/planning-your-visit
Can I access the pools from the river?
Not at the moment. Once the pontoon is in place it will be possible to arrive by boat. This will not be available until spring/summer 2024.
Responsibility for the Pools
Who are Cleveland Pools Trust?
A charity, established in 2005, to restore the Pools and secure its future for community use. The Cleveland Pools Trust holds a 150 year lease from the Council who are the freeholders of the site. Now the Pools are restored the Trust have appointed Fusion to operate the site and Fusion will continue to work with the Trust and its volunteers.
Who are Fusion?
A charity created to promote the benefits of healthy lifestyles and encourage participation in sport, physical and cultural activity. Fusion manages sites across the UK, including other community lidos.
Other
Will there be much noise?
Sound emitted from the Pools won't be much different from what is heard now across the river from Kensington Meadows. Managing 'sound leakage' was part of the architects' deigns brief and the Bath and North East Somerset Council required an acoustic study based on sound leakage, the recommendations of which were added to the conditions attached to the planning permission. ON hot sunny days in summer, at maximum occupancy, it could get fairly noise during peak ties (as it did historically).
What will you do about flooding from the river next to the site?
The lower part of Cleveland Pools is on a flood pain. Flooding may happen in the autumn/winter season and we have a contingency for any clear-ups. Once the flooding has subsided we can return the pool to normal operation within 10 days.