Aqua Vale Swimming and Fitness Centre

I wanted swimming lessons with my toddler so I booked onto the parent and toddler swimming lessons. The teacher was nice enough and was good at explaining but unfortunately the facilities were a real let down. I went to 2 session to give it a go but really couldn’t continue. The changing area really smelled like wee. The baby changing rooms had a nappy bin that was overflowing both times I went. Bear in mind the toddler swimming session is right in the morning so the nappy bins obviously don’t get emptied often. People were walking poolside with outside shoes? The receptionist was extremely rude and didn’t bother explaining where I had to go when I came in the first time. On top of that, I had to take on a monthly contract rather than pay as you go. After my first two sessions, I cancelled the direct debit but apparently this does not cancel the membership and was charged another month plus £15 for ‘paying late’. When my payment didn’t go through I immediately got an email saying I’d be referred to a debt collection agency if I didn’t pay the £40 🫠. So hostile! It seems like that is their way to make money as people are obviously not returning with such bad facilities.

· via Google

Haven't been here for at least a year and it was definitely not as good. Most of the showers didn't work. The flumes were closed for most of the session. The lazy river wasn't working nor the jacuzzi bubbles. When I asked a lifeguard why, he didn't know but said he'd heard an alarm go off so it might be connected. On arrvial, neither receptionist looked like they wanted to be there so there was no point talking to them at the end. Very disappointing. On the plus side, there was 4 hours free parking (need to register at reception) but would have been helpful to know that before I paid for parking.

· via Google

Really disappointing experience. Paid for parking and you don’t see until you are inside you get it free for 4 hours. Receptionist was rude when I asked questions and was booking in. It was our first time and they were very short. The pool was filthy with lots of sharp bits at the bottom of the pools, mould around the equipment and rust. Lots of items were broken too. The changing rooms were dirty and the showers were extremely hot - not suitable for a toddler. My toddler was very sick after which I think was due to the pool water.

· via Google

We visit Aqua Vale regularly as the kids absolutely love it. It’s great value for a family of four. My 8-year-old enjoys the rapids and slides, while my 3-year-old prefers the smaller pool and clings to us on the rapids. The centre is well managed, and the café is always a nice spot to grab a snack after a long swim. Some areas of the pool are starting to look a bit tired and could do with renovation, and the changing rooms aren’t always as clean as they could be. That said, this seems largely due to people not using shoe covers or removing their shoes, which brings dirt inside. Overall, it doesn’t put us off visiting. If the kids still have energy afterwards, there’s also a great playground outside. Bonus: parking is free when using the facilities, just remember to enter your registration when you check in.

· via Google