Pooling Power
Embrace the invigorating benefits of a North Sea swim in Stonehaven – without the chill
THERE is undoubtedly something special about swimming outdoors, feeling the sun on your face, with a soft breeze rippling the surface of the water. But unless you’re prepared to wear a wetsuit, or restrict your swims to the few hours of the year in Scotland that are warm enough, outdoor swimming is usually best enjoyed abroad, preferably in the Mediterranean.
Unless, of course, the freezing water of the North Sea is heated up to a balmy 29C (warmer than the Med!), which happens to be the case at Stonehaven’s open air pool.
This stunning art deco building, which opened 90 years ago this month, houses an impressively large Olympic-sized swimming pool, 50m (164ft) long and 18m (59ft) wide, surrounded by sun terraces and changing rooms.
Stepping into it is almost like entering a bygone era, when Scots holidayed locally, and people seemed immune to the cold.
Perhaps we have all been spoiled by too many foreign holidays. Despite the increasing popularity of wild swimming, there’s no denying that, for many, the idea of swimming in the sea in Scotland still seems like a particular kind of madness. Which is why heated outdoor pools are so exciting.
Stonehaven is the northernmost open air swimming
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Night disco swims with a DJ providing the music. They run from 10pm until midnight during peak season. Booking is advisable!
pool in the UK and is located on the seafront of the picturesque town, meaning it’s possible to do an invigorating “compare and contrast” exercise, immersing yourself in the sea before running across the road and jumping into the warm embrace of the pool.
The idea of an open air pool in Stonehaven was first conceived in 1933 following a poll carried out in the community.
At the time, sea pools and lidos were increasingly popular in the UK and it was hoped that building one in Stonehaven would boost visitors to the north-east of Scotland.
The pipework was laid in December that year and, following an industrious building programme, the pool opened in June 1934.
It was filled with 1,450,000 litres (320,000 gallons) of seawater in under three hours, and although it was a great success from the start, the decision was taken after the opening season to install a water heating and filtration system.
This led to a huge jump in attendances and turned the pool into one of the most popular attractions in
Aberdeenshire. For a few seasons, the pool was actually filled with fresh water because of problems with the sea inlet. However, seawater – one of the pool’s unique selling points – returned in 1982 and has been used ever since.
Although the pool’s popularity dwindled as more people holidayed abroad, it has enjoyed a rejuvenated period of success lately, and is now run jointly by the Friends of Stonehaven Pool and Aberdeenshire Council.
The season starts each May and the pool stays open until early September, offering everything from quiet swims to flumes and exercise classes.
There is also an on-site café serving the perfect “shivery-bite” (post-swim snack) of chips and cheese!
One may be so bold as to even describe Stonehaven Pool as a destination venue, meaning it’s worth making the long journey just to enjoy a dip.
The salt of the seawater increases buoyancy, meaning it doesn’t take much to stay afloat, and the seagulls wheeling overhead just add to the atmosphere.
A trip to Stonehaven open air pool is pure, quirky fun. Immerse yourself in the experience.
“Stonehaven fun” pool is pure, quirky