Swimming pool
The University swimming pool has six lanes and a moveable bulkhead, creating a competition-length main pool, alongside a comfortable teaching pool for lessons. The pool is available to students, staff and the community for lane and casual swimming, or lessons, on a membership or pay-as-you-go basis.
View the main swimming pool timetable
From 15 April to 21 July 2024. Lane and casual swim sessions available 7 days a week.
About the pool
The University of Bristol swimming pool is 32 metres long at full length. The pool has a moveable bulkhead which enables us to create two distinct area for activity; a larger area is a 25-metre competition length swimming pool, and a smaller teaching pool for lessons and casual swimming.
During lane swimming sessions, the main pool is split into six lanes. Casual swim sessions will feaure one narrow lane in the main pool, and swimmers in this session will also have access to the smaller teaching pool.
The depth of the pool ranges from 1.2 metres at its most shallow point to 3.8 metres at the deep end.
Accessibility
There is no car park available at the Swimming Pool. However, there is metered on-street parking all around the facility and there is a multistorey car park just a short walk away. If you are a blue badge holder, there is disabled car parking spaces behind the Richmond Building.
Changing rooms
Our changing facilities are equipped with lockers, showers, hairdryers and costume drying facilities. Our lockers require a padlock (these are available to purchase from reception). There is a female changing room and a male changing room. The disabled changing facility is also a gender neutral changing space. If accompanied by a parent/guardian, a child under the age of 8 years can use any of our designated changing facilities.
Swimming lessons and courses
We offer a range of swimming lessons and courses which follow the Swim England swim stages, including adult swimming lessons. We also offer various aquatic sport activities for juniors and teens. If you are bringing a child to the pool for a lesson or course, please read our guidance for parents and guardians.
Prices
You can access the pool for casual or lane swimming sessions with one of our flexible membership options or on a pay-as-you-go basis.
University of Bristol students and staff non-members benefit from discounted pay-as-you-go prices.
Mission Inflatable
Take on the Mission Inflatable for the ultimate children’s pool activity. Have fun, play and race each other on the inflatable course during one of our bookable sessions.
Free swimming during pregnancy
University of Bristol students and staff are eligible for free swimming during their pregnancy.
Download and return our application form to sports-members-admin@bristol.ac.uk along with a scanned copy of your NHS prescription exemption card as proof of eligibility. No membership is required.
Hire the pool
The pool is available to sports clubs and community groups for commercial hire. Contact our bookings team for availability.
Health and safety information
Health and Safety guidelines
- Please ensure a 1:1 adult-to-child ratio for children under 4 years.
- Please ensure a 1:2 adult-to-child ratio for children age 4 - 8 years.
- Babies should wear leak-proof water nappies.
- All swimmers should shower before entering the pool.
- We recommend not swimming within 48-hours of having any sickness.
- Please inform lifeguards of any medical conditions before entering the pool.
- Speak to a member of staff if you have any concerns.
Pay as you go
Many of our facilities can be accessed on a pay as you go basis.
Student group or community club hire
If you are a student group or community club please fill in our enquiry form.