The Royal Commonwealth Pool in Edinburgh, Scotland, is an iconic landmark with a rich history and a reputation for offering world-class swimming facilities. Originally opened in 1967, the pool has undergone significant upgrades and refurbishments to remain at the forefront of aquatic sports, fitness, and leisure. As a key venue for international competitions and a beloved community resource, the Royal Commonwealth Pool continues to be a hub for swimmers of all ages and skill levels.
This article will explore the history, facilities, events, and current status of the Royal Commonwealth Pool, while answering common questions that people have about the venue. Whether you’re planning a visit, training for a competition, or just interested in learning about this landmark pool, this guide covers everything you need to know.
A Brief History of the Royal Commonwealth Pool
The Opening and Early Years
The Royal Commonwealth Pool was opened in 1967 as part of the celebrations for the Commonwealth Games held in Edinburgh. Its design and construction were ambitious for the time, with the building featuring modernist architecture that incorporated large glass panels and a distinctive curved roof. At the time of its completion, the Royal Commonwealth Pool was considered one of the best swimming facilities in the world, featuring an Olympic-size swimming pool, diving platforms, and ample spectator seating.
The venue was designed with the aim of providing Edinburgh with a premier aquatic facility, both for competitive swimming and for public use. Over the decades, it hosted numerous important swimming events, including national and international competitions, and was a major training ground for many successful athletes.
Major Refurbishments and Modernization
The Royal Commonwealth Pool underwent extensive renovations starting in the late 2000s, which helped it maintain its reputation as a top-tier facility. The pool was closed for significant refurbishment in 2012, with the goal of modernizing the venue to meet the needs of contemporary swimmers and sports enthusiasts. The renovation was also intended to prepare the pool for hosting the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where the venue served as a training site for several national teams.
The renovations included upgrades to the poolside facilities, a complete overhaul of the diving area, and the installation of new spectator seating. A modern gym, improved changing facilities, and a refreshed café were also added, ensuring that the pool remained a community-friendly space while still catering to professional athletes.
The Royal Commonwealth Pool Today
Today, the Royal Commonwealth Pool is a state-of-the-art facility that continues to serve both recreational swimmers and elite athletes. It is managed by Edinburgh Leisure, a nonprofit organization that oversees various sports and leisure venues across the city. The pool offers a wide range of activities, from casual swims and family sessions to fitness classes and professional training. The venue’s high-quality facilities, combined with its rich history, make it one of Edinburgh’s most popular destinations for both locals and visitors.
Facilities at the Royal Commonwealth Pool
The Olympic-Sized Swimming Pool
At the heart of the Royal Commonwealth Pool is its Olympic-sized swimming pool, which measures 50 meters in length and has 10 lanes. The pool is equipped with modern features, such as electronic timing systems and adjustable water temperature controls, to accommodate a wide range of activities, including competitive swimming, training, and recreational use.
Public Swimming: The pool offers a variety of public swimming sessions throughout the week, with designated times for lane swimming, family swims, and leisure swims. This ensures that swimmers of all abilities can enjoy the facility, from beginners to seasoned athletes.
Training and Competitions: The pool’s size and professional-grade equipment make it an ideal venue for competitive swimming events. It has hosted numerous national and international competitions, including the 1970 and 1978 Commonwealth Games, and regularly serves as a training ground for athletes aiming for national and Olympic-level competitions.
Diving Facilities
In addition to its swimming pool, the Royal Commonwealth Pool is renowned for its high-quality diving facilities. The diving area features multiple springboards and platforms, including a 10-meter platform, making it suitable for both recreational divers and professionals.
Diving Lessons: The pool offers diving lessons and courses for both beginners and more experienced divers. These lessons focus on technique, safety, and building confidence in the water.
Diving Competitions: Over the years, the diving facilities at the Royal Commonwealth Pool have attracted top-level diving competitions. The venue has hosted events like the British Diving Championships, providing a platform for talented divers to showcase their skills.
The Gym and Fitness Facilities
As part of its ongoing efforts to provide a comprehensive fitness experience, the Royal Commonwealth Pool is also home to a fully-equipped gym. The gym offers a range of cardiovascular and strength-training equipment, as well as free weights and space for functional fitness.
Fitness Classes: The venue offers a variety of fitness classes, such as spinning, aerobics, yoga, and Pilates. These classes are designed to cater to different fitness levels, and the facility is popular for both casual gym-goers and those training for competitive events.
SwimFit Program: The Royal Commonwealth Pool’s SwimFit program is a popular offering for swimmers looking to improve their fitness in the pool. This program includes coached swim sessions that combine fitness training with swimming technique.
Changing and Shower Facilities
One of the standout features of the Royal Commonwealth Pool after its refurbishment is the high-quality changing and shower facilities. The venue offers spacious, modern changing rooms that are equipped with secure lockers, showers, and accessible facilities for people with disabilities. There are also family-friendly changing rooms, which make it easy for parents to visit with children.
The Café and Viewing Area
After a swim or workout, visitors can enjoy the café at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, which serves a variety of snacks, drinks, and light meals. The café offers a relaxed environment where you can unwind while taking in the views of the pool area. Additionally, the venue features a spacious viewing gallery for spectators to watch swim meets, diving competitions, or training sessions.
Hosting Major Events
The Commonwealth Games
The Royal Commonwealth Pool has played a significant role in Scotland’s history of hosting major sports events, most notably the Commonwealth Games. While the main venue for the 2014 Games in Glasgow was the Tollcross International Swimming Centre, the Royal Commonwealth Pool provided essential training facilities for athletes. The facility was used by teams from across the Commonwealth in the lead-up to the event, cementing its place as an important national asset.
National and International Competitions
In addition to the Commonwealth Games, the pool has hosted various swimming and diving competitions at the national and international levels. These events continue to be an essential part of the pool’s calendar, attracting top athletes and spectators from around the world.
Notable events include:
British Diving Championships: The pool regularly hosts high-profile diving events, including the British Diving Championships, where some of the UK’s top divers compete for national titles.
Scottish Swimming Championships: As one of Scotland’s premier aquatic venues, the Royal Commonwealth Pool is home to several competitive swimming events, including the Scottish Swimming Championships, where the nation’s best swimmers battle it out for top honors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to swim at the Royal Commonwealth Pool?
The cost of swimming at the Royal Commonwealth Pool varies depending on the session type, age, and membership. For adults, a single swim usually costs around £4 to £6, with discounts available for children, seniors, and members. A variety of memberships are also available, providing unlimited access to swimming and other fitness facilities at discounted rates.
Is the pool accessible to people with disabilities?
Yes, the Royal Commonwealth Pool is fully accessible to people with disabilities. The facility has accessible changing rooms, ramps for wheelchair access, and adapted equipment for swimmers with mobility issues. The staff is also trained to assist visitors with specific needs to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Are there swimming lessons for children and beginners?
Yes, the Royal Commonwealth Pool offers swimming lessons for children and adults of all skill levels. These lessons are taught by qualified instructors and cater to beginners, intermediate swimmers, and those looking to improve their technique. Swimming lessons are available as part of term-based courses, with options for private lessons as well.
Can I hire the pool for private events?
Yes, the Royal Commonwealth Pool offers the option to hire the pool for private events, including parties, corporate events, or special occasions. Private hire can include exclusive use of the pool, diving facilities, or fitness areas, depending on the event requirements.
Does the pool offer other sports facilities?
In addition to swimming and diving, the Royal Commonwealth Pool offers other fitness services, including a gym, fitness classes, and a range of health and wellness programs. The venue is designed to support a variety of physical activities, catering to those who want to stay fit and healthy beyond the pool.
Wrap Up
The Royal Commonwealth Pool remains one of Edinburgh’s most beloved and iconic attractions, with a long-standing reputation for providing exceptional swimming and diving facilities. Whether you’re an elite athlete preparing for competition, a casual swimmer, or someone simply looking for a fun and healthy way to spend the day, this venue offers something for everyone.
With its modern amenities, rich history, and commitment to supporting both recreational and professional swimmers, the Royal Commonwealth Pool stands as a testament to the city’s dedication to sports and fitness. Whether you’re diving into the pool for a quick swim or enjoying a fitness class, a visit to this world-class facility is an experience not to be missed.
To read more, Click Here
