Enjoy Shoalstone Pool ... one of the few remaining sea water swimming pools inthe country ...
This pool is located on the stunning Berry Head peninsular on the South Devon coast and is the English Riviera's only open air 53m sea-water swimming pool. Enjoying excellent views across the bay you can experience a salt water swim, or simply relax by the sea in the safety of a unique family venue.
There are no charges but a Donation appreciated! The pool is managed by the community inspired Shoalstone Pool Ltd and supported by the Friends of Shoalstone Pool ...
MISSION STATEMENT:
We aim to work with the local community to preserve, improve and enhance the historic sea water open air Shoalstone Pool at Brixham, as an amenity for the benefit of the community and visitors to the town.
Shoalstone Pool is an outdoor 53 metre sea water swimming Pool situated in a stunning position on Brixham sea front. The Pool is one of only a fewleft in the country. It is built into a natural rock pool that in Victorian timeswas popular for bathing. As a salt water Pool, there is an abundant supply of water; however in 1896 two walls were built to retain the tidal waterthat flooded in. Thirty years later after the First World War and in 1926, the Pool took on its current design and had a lot of rock removed to make it deeper and add a shallow end and deep end, with a gently sloping bottom. The Pool was closed during the Second World War. In 1946, with the end of the war, the Pool was re-opened and used for many years by localpeople and holidaymakers alike. Shut throughout the winter the Pool wasopened each season by a local lady, Minnie Bowman, who jumped offthe diving board wrapped in a Union Flag!
In early 1979 a severe storm badly damaged the Pool and its concretestructure. Torbay Council considered closure but the local popularityshone through again and it was repaired and kept open. The Pool whenrepaired had a new wall on the seaward side built to protect it further. In 2004 Torbay Council could no longer afford to support the Pool. Apublic meeting was convened and a decision taken to create a workingparty to look at keeping the Pool open. This subsequently became "TheFriends of Shoalstone Pool" who worked with Torbay Council to maintainthe Pool thus reducing the cost to Torbay Council.
When setting its budget in 2014 Torbay Council drew up plans to close Shoalstone Pool. Following prolonged negotiations Brixham Town Council (“BTC”) entered into a lease under which Torbay Council leases Shoalstone Pool, together with the land and buildings surrounding the Pool to BTC. Torbay Council remains the freeholder.
Shoalstone Pool is managed on behalf of BTC by Shoalstone Pool Limited (“SPL”). The Pool has been successfully run for one year by SPL. The Pool is funded from donations, grants, fund-raising, sponsorship, advertising on site, car park revenue and the hire charges for beach huts and beach furniture. Shoalstone Pool is much used by local people and is very popular with tourists. The number of visitors per year depends upon the weather but several thousand people use the Pool each year, mainly, of course, between May and September. A few hardy souls use it all the year round. The pool is also available for hire to clubs and for parties.
The Pool is free for use. If you enjoy a splash please give us some cash. We depend on donations from visitors to the Pool.
Access: Limited - There is an access ramp to the promenade, but steps down from the car park to the Pool and onto the beach. The Pool area is level.
Access is from the main road to Berry Head. There is a local bus service nearby.
Facilities / Equipment: Café, deckchair and sun loungers hire. You can relax on the large open areas surrounding the Pool. Near by public toilets (open April to Oct), including disabled facilities.
There are currently no showers at the pool.
Adequate parking at the back of the Pool in Shoalstone car park. A picnic area above the Pool.
Supervision: Lifeguards are on duty at the Pool during the summer season.
Safety: First aid is available during the summer season. Lifeguards are on duty have buoyancy aids and other safety equipment.
Dogs: are not allowed onto the Pool surround at all. Dogs on the promenade above the Pool must be kept on their leads.
For up to date news and events check the Facebook page
