Spelthorne Leisure Centre

It's difficult if your schedule leaves no option but to swim after work - the only after-work fitness swimming session begins at 9 PM, often in a pool shared with water aerobics and clubs. Last week, we were given one tiny lane to swim in while the water aerobics was going on.

The pool is wide and during the morning lanes-only sessions is divided into two halves: one half has two wide lanes (fast and medium) the other half is open to those who like to amble up and down. The wide lanes are very wide: enough for simultaneous overtaking in opposite directions. Unfortunately lane is discipline is appalling, and the lifeguards do not intervene. There have been boiler problems for the past 18 months/two years and the pool temperature fluctuates and is often too warm. No issues with water quality in my experience. Showers have finally been sorted (after 18 months) and are nice and hot! Wet-side changing facilities are average for UK council-owned-privately-managed facilities. For better, head over to the dry side changing facilities. Sauna alongside the pool has recently been refurbished and is excellent. People generally friendly. There is lots of free parking.

When I went recently, it was not pleasant. The water was cloudy and felt oily. It tasted horrible. The lanes are too narrow for passing. There is no attempt to separate slower from faster swimmers - and there were slow swimmersin every lane. The changing rooms were dirty and there was rust inside the changing cubicles. On the plus side the receptionist was nice and there was adequate car parking.