Greystoke Swimming Pool has been at the heart of village life since opening in 1973. Built following ten years of community fundraising and hard work, the outdoor heated pool continues to provide a safe place for young people to learn to swim while offering opportunities for recreation, fitness and community events for residents and visitors alike.
A community-owned asset
Owned and managed by the volunteer-led Greystoke & District Sports Association, the pool is much more than a swimming facility. The charity also cares for the village playing field, playground equipment and associated facilities, ensuring they remain valuable community assets for future generations. Since becoming a registered charity in 2018, volunteers have overseen significant improvements, including the redevelopment of the café and changing rooms to create a more welcoming experience for visitors.
Planning for the next 50 years
Now more than 50 years old, the pool requires increasing levels of maintenance. The current community project aims to rebuild the pool using more sustainable construction methods while improving efficiency and reducing long-term running costs.
Key objectives include:
- Rebuilding the ageing swimming pool
- Introducing more sustainable and efficient heating systems
- Reducing water and chemical usage
- Improving accessibility and safety
- Future-proofing the facility for generations to come
Recent investment has already seen the replacement of two ageing air source heat pumps with a new, more efficient system, helping reduce electricity consumption and operating costs. A feasibility study is also exploring options for extending the swimming season and improving accessibility for less mobile users.
Supporting health and wellbeing
The pool operates each year from May to September and is used by people of all ages. Activities include public swimming sessions, AquaFit4All classes, reduced-price Splash Squad sessions for local schoolchildren, Go Tri events, swimming lessons and private bookings for youth groups, clubs and family celebrations. More than 100 members regularly use the pool for both physical exercise and mental wellbeing.
Powered by volunteers
Volunteers remain at the heart of Greystoke Swimming Pool’s success. They organise fundraising events throughout the year, including film nights, beer festivals, cafés and community events, while also contributing practical skills ranging from grant applications and business planning to maintenance and day-to-day management. This strong community spirit continues to drive the project forward and secure the pool’s future.
By combining community fundraising, environmental sustainability and dedicated volunteer support, Greystoke Swimming Pool is ensuring this much-loved facility continues to benefit local families, visitors and future generations for many years to come.
