Great fun for all the family (Cardiff International Swimming Pool)

Member Name: mamib

Product:	Cardiff International Swimming Pool
Date:	04/08/09 (110 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Flumes for the (big) kids, warm leisure pool, olympic training pool, cafe, free parking

Disadvantages: location, mixed sex changing

This is the brand new international pool, which has finally opened in Cardiff after the old Empire Pool in the centre of town was demolished to help make way for the new Millennium Stadium back in the mid-nineties. It is run privately by a company called Parkwood Leisure, so is not council owned like the many others in Cardiff.

The location is a bit out of the way, being at the newly dubbed 'International Sports Village' situated between Cardiff Bay and Penarth Marina. Although there are some bus services now in the area, by far the easiest way to get there is by car. A new white water canoeing centre is currently being built next to it, and the temporary ice rink is next door..which will eventually make way for a new permanent ice rink although I don't know when this will be.

The parking is good, and free, with plenty of space behind the building, although currently you have to walk all the way around the pool to get to the front door, which is a bit of a treck if you have kids and bags to contend with. I think they will be creating a car park to the front eventually but I'm not sure.

Design wise, from the outside the building is almost all glass, and has been designed I presume to look like some sort of wave. If you like modern buildings you'll be pleased with it I guess, but it's not a design masterpiece by any means!

Inside, the foyer consists of a cafe area which has drinks, snacks and meals, and part of which is a small area that overlooks the leisure pool area. I haven't bought anything here so I can't comment on the standard of the food, but the prices seemed reasonable.

They sell the usual swimming costumes and accessories opposite the paying desk, which has about 4 terminals with information on the pool temeratures etc. I have only been in the week as a family and it has been quite quiet and nice, however I have heard that on weekends it can get quite busy, especially during school holidays. But that's true of any swimming pool, especially if it's raining I suppose!

There is a creche facility on site, again haven't used this so best to check what this is like with others and to call them for details. I did have a look at the room however, and it looked nice and big, clean with plenty of toys and activities.

The changing area is multi sex, and consists of rows of cabins which can be shared or not as you please! The first row on the left are the family cabins, which have baby changing tables, and plenty of room for you and the kids to change together safely. I have yet to find any 'private' shower cubicles and could only find the open ones closer to the pool, so they're not very well sign posted if they are there! There seem to be plenty of lockers of various sizes, so storing your stuff shouldn't be a problem.

There are two pools in the complex, to your left as you go in is the leisure pool, which has three big slides which open at certain times each day (check to make sure they're open when you go as they're not all the time), and there's a smaller slide and play area for the younger kids. There is also a 'river' section which has a bubbles bit in the middle, which is a bit of fun. The far left of the pool, in front of the cafe is a 'beached' entry so you can play with the baby in the very very shallow bit, where there are also some water fountains to play with. You can then gradually walk in until you get deeper. I have been a few times, and haven't once had a problem with the water's temperature, which was important to me as I have been going there with my son from about 5 months old. There is a bit of a draft that comes through from the changing area in certain parts of the pool however, so keep your towel handy for when you leave.

Straight on and to your right when you go into the changing area is the Olympic sized training pool. I haven't used this myself, but it is your straight forward rectangle pool, with the water a little cooler than the leisure pool. There are lanes marked out and a spectator area overlooking the pool.

The toilets are also situated on the corridor to the training pool.

Other facilities in the building is a gym and a health centre, although I haven't used these myself so I can't comment on how good or value for money they are.

All in all a nice day out, especially if you have kids (or your are a big kid!) as the flumes make it a lot of fun. If you prefer it quiet, stick to the week days during school term, otherwise it could be a little busy and you may have to wait to get in.

Adults will pay £3.60 to get in and kids/over 55's will pay £2.60. They do have family deals as well, and there doesn't seem to be any restriction on how long you can stay in the pool for your money either. Enjoy your swim!

Summary: A good day out for all ages with plenty for kids to play with as well as adults