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

[the_hermit]

I would support bringing back some sort of sanction for not turning up (if it's not still in force).  But I think a sanction that reduces your ability to book in advance (say you go from 7 to 3 days advance) rather than a fine would be more effective and easier on the staff who work there.  It would also be more effective for rich people who might not care about paying the fines.

Or you could just fine say the top 5 worst offenders in a month, which would probably take out those who had a genuine one-off emergency so couldn't turn up.

Edited yesterday at 16:33 by the_hermit

[NewWave]

I find it goes on in all council leisure centres that people book places the moment they become available on the app then cancel in the 3 or 4 hours before the reserved slot so as not to incur a pentalty fine..

Its annoying but thats what happens...

I just keep checking my emails and the app and sure enough a places often open up the night or a few hours before.

[Pugwash]

We now go to the Forest Hill pool - more expensive (we are silver swimmers at ED)  but much easier to book in person. Can book and pay for several swims in advance. Better and cleaner facilities. 

[the_hermit]

Maybe there could be a cancellation quota to prevent the behaviour NewWave describes.

[NewWave]

9 hours ago, Pugwash said:

We now go to the Forest Hill pool - more expensive (we are silver swimmers at ED)  but much easier to book in person. Can book and pay for several swims in advance. Better and cleaner facilities. 

I agree that Forest Hill is MUCH cleaner, used to be awful but since Better took over running it its become a really well run centre.

Its just a shame the gym is so small there but the pool and classes are great and staff are lovely.

[CPR Dave]

Maybe they need to extend the cancellation period out 48 hours to stop people booking speculatively?