Cally Pool & Gym

This pool is ideal for me: It has the best temperature and is much better than Highbury Pool. The showers, however, are always cold, which is terrible in winter. When I went again, today, on a cold December day, there was not one hot shower out of 10!

A 1980s-vintage community pool, not to be regarded as a destination to be travelled to but as a useful facility if you happen to be in the vicinity. On an early morning visit I found (i) segregated lanes (fast; medium; slow); (ii) no more than about 20 other swimmers (all adult and demonstrably able to lap swim); and (iii) reasonable lane discipline: I was able to complete 1,000 metres with neither interference nor irritation. I didn't particularly like the changing facilities (I'm not an admirer of shared sex arrangements where one has to use confined cubicles) but, as with the rest of the facility, they were clean and well maintained.

I've never failed to get a lane swim in here; even when they have swimming lessons on, they leave a lane or two out for swimmers. The changing rooms have recently had a complete overhaul into a changing village. It's taken some of the character away but it's certainly a lot cleaner as a result. I recommend it.

The opening times published on the official website are very wrong. Three times I've been there within their supposed opening times, only to be told the pool is closed or there is an event so I could not use the pool. I've repeatedly asked for opening times and listing of events but they don't have anything printed and actually don't know the opening times. It's worth avoiding the pool to avoid stress and disappointment.

I think the previous review is grossly unfair. The pool is ideal for swimmers, like me, who just want to "paddle about" and it is very conveniently located (for me, at least). Nothing was said in the review about the fact that it has two shallow ends and a deep bit in the middle; some people might find this a drawback. Otherwise, it is a very nice pool, and not over-chlorinated. Just don't go in the early morning when there are lots of macho male swimmers around who despise anyone not of Olympic standard.

I do not recommend this pool unless you are really in need of a workout. The pool is a typical English pool, over-chlorinated, too warm, and full of school children. There are often two lanes for lap swimming, but people use them randomly and often without real swimming skills. I noticed there were signs up around the pool warning against "lane rage"; after my swim, I understood why.