Gourock Outdoor Pool Explained

Gourock Outdoor Pool
Address:Albert Road, Gourock, Inverclyde, Scotland
Postcode:PA19 1NQ
Coordinates:55.9611°N -4.8226°W
Opened:1909
Operator:Inverclyde Leisure Trust
Type:salt water
Length:33.3m (109.3feet)[1]
Width:15m (49feet)
Depth:3.5m (11.5feet)

Gourock Outdoor Pool is a salt water public lido in Gourock, Inverclyde, Scotland. It is the oldest heated swimming pool in Scotland.

Description

The pool is heated and uses salt water taken from the Firth of Clyde. The water is filtered, cleaned and maintained at a minimum temperature of 29C. Facilities include a gym and a children's pool. The lido opens from May to the first week in September.

The pool is managed by Inverclyde Leisure.[2]

History

The lido was opened in 1909,[3] and the water heating system was installed in 1969.[4]

The pool was closed at the end of the 2010 summer season for a major improvement project, which was completed before the end of 2011. The existing changing accommodation was replaced with a more modern leisure centre, incorporating an enlarged gymnasium and lift access from the street level down to the new changing accommodation and the upgraded pool.[5]

A 2004 photograph of the pool by Martin Parr was used as the album cover for The Ballad of Darren (2023) by rock band Blur.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Book: 2006 . Liquid assets: the lidos and open air swimming pools of Britain . Janet . Smith . . 978-0-9547445-0-2 . 183 .
  2. Web site: Inverclyde Leisure pool information . 23 September 2009 . 15 July 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090715014245/http://www.inverclydeleisure.com/gourock-outdoor-pool . dead .
  3. Scottish Parliament motion S3M-04657, Ross Finnie: "Celebrate Gourock Outdoor Pool's Centenary — That the Parliament joins in celebrating the centenary of Gourock Outdoor Pool, the oldest and one of only two outdoor pools remaining in Scotland."
  4. http://www.inverclydeleisure.com/enterprise/GourockPool Inverclyde Leisure pool history
  5. Web site: Inverclyde Leisure - Gourock Outdoor Swimming Pool . Gourock's famous outdoor pool is now closed ahead of a massive £2 million refurbishment . 2010-12-31.