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

Gourock Outdoor Pool
Gourock Outdoor Pool in 2006
Map
55°57′40″N 4°49′21″W / 55.961057°N 4.822564°W / 55.961057; -4.822564
LocationAlbert Road, Gourock, Inverclyde, Scotland, PA19 1NQ
Opened1909
Operated byInverclyde Leisure Trust
Typesalt water
Length33.3 metres (109 ft)[1]
Width15 metres (49 ft)
Depth3.5 metres (11 ft)
WebsiteOfficial website

Description

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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 29 °C (84 °F). 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

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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.

 
Pool entrance before refurbishment (2008)

References

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  1. ^ Smith, Janet (2006). Liquid assets: the lidos and open air swimming pools of Britain. English Heritage. p. 183. ISBN 978-0-9547445-0-2.
  2. ^ "Inverclyde Leisure pool information". Archived from the original on 15 July 2009. Retrieved 23 September 2009.
  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. ^ Inverclyde Leisure pool history
  5. ^ "Inverclyde Leisure - Gourock Outdoor Swimming Pool". Retrieved 31 December 2010. Gourock's famous outdoor pool is now closed ahead of a massive £2 million refurbishment
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