Cardiff International Pool & Gym

A much needed replacement for Cardiff's Empire Pool, demolished in 1998 to make way for an enlarged rugby stadium. The drawback is its location: The Empire Pool was right in the heart of the City; the International Pool is a couple of miles away, a stiff walk both from the City Centre and from Cardiff Bay. Although it is served by buses from both places, the routes to what is now called Cardiff International Sports Village (a number of other sports are also catered for nearby) do not get going until about 8 AM, far too late for those looking to get there when the pool opens (generally at 6 AM). Despite this, a visit is well worth the effort. It's an outstanding facility. When I went there (at 6.30 AM on a weekday morning) the three lanes that were available for casual users' lap swimming were adequate to meet the demand (the remaining lanes were being used by Cardiff Swimming Club). Outdoor shoes to be removed before entering the mixed-gender locker area; locker use requires a £1 coin for a returnable deposit; there's plenty of space poolside for stuff that you want to keep with you.

I have used this pool on a regular basis and became a member. The pool is light, spacious and very attractive and would seem like a swimmers dream. However, a number of times I turned up to swim only to have to go home because an event was in the main pool. No notice was give by email (although I suggested this) and no take away leaflets were produced to let customer know about changes. If I phoned to check times no one answered the phone and nothing was posted on the website. I found the staff dismissive and on occasion predatory towards females in a bathing suit. This attitude was mirrored by other members on the odd occasion I used the spa area. It was like walking into a boys club, comments and jokes were made about my bikini clad body and I was made to feel very uncomfortable. This swimming pool should be very nice, however, I would never recommend it to a friend because the management and staff attitude is so bad.

It's new, spacious, light and clean. There are fun facilities for kids and those just wanting to splash about, flumes, etc. The main pool is the best that I have trained in (Cardiff Masters SC), in terms of water quality,temperature and support facilities. We have waited a long time for this!!