Dulwich Pool Discussion

[barbercat]

It is indeed for lessons - young people start to come in around 8. I swear there used to be a 7 and an 8. Now it’s just 7, there’s no spreading out over the two hours.

[Nigello]

On 20/01/2026 at 11:56, ctovey said:

Booking becomes available 1 week in advance. - I can book for a Tuesday swim at 10pm on the Monday one week prior.  Even at 2 mins past 10pm, there are sometimes only 15 places left out of 30, so speed is of the essence!   I don't think you necessarily have to book a certain lane i.e. slow/med/fast.  How are they to know what lane you swim in when you get there??

Exactly this - and at least 10% of those don’t turn up and don’t get fined? Only those obsessed with the idea of efficiency (at the expense of humanity) can applaud a 100% bookable system. It stinks of top-down bureaucracy and goes against how most people want to live their lives. (Specific needs (preferences, really) can still be accommodated with a booking/set aside system but a totalitarian approach just isn’t realistic or human). 

[missyelliott]

"Only those obsessed with the idea of efficiency (at the expense of humanity) can applaud a 100% bookable system. It stinks of top-down bureaucracy and goes against how most people want to live their lives. (Specific needs (preferences, really) can still be accommodated with a booking/set aside system but a totalitarian approach just isn’t realistic or human)"

WOW - this seems a bit extreme.  Most things in life you need to book. Yes it can be a bit of a pain but thats the way it is.  You could try the other pools in the area- we are very lucky to have 3 + pools in our area

[ctovey]

2 hours ago, Nigello said:

Exactly this - and at least 10% of those don’t turn up and don’t get fined? Only those obsessed with the idea of efficiency (at the expense of humanity) can applaud a 100% bookable system. It stinks of top-down bureaucracy and goes against how most people want to live their lives. (Specific needs (preferences, really) can still be accommodated with a booking/set aside system but a totalitarian approach just isn’t realistic or human). 

I think you do get charged if you don't turn up and don't cancel