Pontypridd Lido will be opening its doors to swimmers this autumn and winter for its first ever cold water swimming sessions. Due to popular demand, the much-loved outdoor swimming pool will be open over four weekends this winter.
The decision was made after fans of the Lido urged Rhondda Cynon Taf Council to keep the pool open for the remainder of the year despite knowing it will mean swimming in colder temperatures. The pool will be heated to 15 degrees as opposed to its usual 26C so regular swimmers will notice the temperature drop.
The pool has proved immensely popular again this year, and has welcomed 112,000 people throughout the main 2022 season. Boxing Day and New Year's Day swims will also happen this year. You can read more stories from Pontypridd, here and subscribe to our dedicated newsletter here.
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Unlike the summer sessions, due to health and safety reasons the pool will only be open to over 16s. As always there will be an expert lifeguard team on the pool and the heated indoor showers and changing rooms will be open.
For those who are feeling brave, the outdoor changing booths and showers can also be used. The sessions will cost just £2 and will run for an initial period of four weeks, from October 29. Sessions will be 8am to 9am, 9.15am to 10.15am and 10.30am to 11.30am on Saturdays and Sundays. Swimmers can book their space on the session and stay for as long as they like.
Councillor Ann Crimmings, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure said: “It’s been another record-breaking year for the National Lido of Wales, Lido Ponty. We have welcomed more than 112,000 people for early morning swims and family fun sessions throughout the main 2022 season – more than any other year to date.
“We know it is always a disappointment when the main season comes to an end, but we look forward to welcoming every back for more of the same Lido Ponty fun in 2023. In the meantime, we look forward to trialling the Winter swim timetable and getting ready for Boxing Day and New Year’s Day swims.”
Tickets for the cold swim sessions will go on sale from 9am on Monday, October 24. You can purchase those here. Tickets for Boxing Day Swim and New Year's Day Swim will go on sale in December.
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