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 Thursday 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?

[Katherty]

Unexpected events can mean you can't attend a booked swim. I think a 4 hour cancellation period is fine.  It leaves enough time for people to be able to take the place after it's cancelled.  

[NewWave]

I think part of the problem lies in the fact that to the best of my knowledge Southwark abolished waiting lists for full classes (I'm certain I got an email stating this fact earlyish last year)..therefore one has to just keep checking to see if anyone cancels and a slot becomes available.

whereas before a message would be sent to tell you a slot had become available.

Edited 21 hours ago by NewWave

[Alec1]

Bit off-topic, but I am curious as to how you can book the silver swim at ED.  Every time I look on the booking system, it's full booked.  It seems to be booked further ahead than other swim sessions.  It would be really nice to be able to attend a non lane swim.  

[spider69]

Has the Canada Water pool opened following immediate close down after opening or still shut?

[ctovey]

21 hours ago, Alec1 said:

Bit off-topic, but I am curious as to how you can book the silver swim at ED.  Every time I look on the booking system, it's full booked.  It seems to be booked further ahead than other swim sessions.  It would be really nice to be able to attend a non lane swim.  

Silver swim is still a lane swim.  However, the slow lane is pretty relaxed. I have recently had a knee replacement, so I mostly walk in this lane exercising my leg on the way!  You can book a week in advance i.e. for a Tuesday swim, you can book on the Monday a week prior after 10pm.  Likewise for the Thursday swim, you can book on the Weds a week prior after 10pm.  It gets booked up pretty quickly, there often aren't any places the day after booking opens.  Other than that, keep an eye open for cancellations, especially a day prior. Good luck!

[Alec1]

4 hours ago, ctovey said:

Silver swim is still a lane swim.  However, the slow lane is pretty relaxed. I have recently had a knee replacement, so I mostly walk in this lane exercising my leg on the way!  You can book a week in advance i.e. for a Tuesday swim, you can book on the Monday a week prior after 10pm.  Likewise for the Thursday swim, you can book on the Weds a week prior after 10pm.  It gets booked up pretty quickly, there often aren't any places the day after booking opens.  Other than that, keep an eye open for cancellations, especially a day prior. Good luck!

each time I have looked to book a week in advance at the 10pm time, there is nothing. I will persevere!  I would like a more relaxed swim as no knee replacement yet, but not able to use my legs so much due to knees!   

[march46]

The most expensive membership they offer provides the ability to book 2 weeks in advance.