It was an eventful and challenging 2022 for the Wild Atlantic Pool and it ended not with a bang but with a chilly squeak. However, they are a determined and resourceful crew at the Centre and this vital local resource is back up and running again.
2022 brought financial worries and the prospect of the pool closing down entirely. However, with a successful pledge run and having caught the attention of various local politicians and grant providers there was a renewed sense of optimism and determination. Many of the pledges were fulfilled and those outstanding are being encouraged to honour their promise to keep the pool operational. By December it looked as if they had weathered the worst of the storms but then it was the ice that caused new trials. The deep freeze at the end of December overwhelmed one of the heat pumps, an issue that affected a number of pools in the country. And so it was with great regret that the final lessons and the Christmas Party had to be cancelled. To make matters worse the necessary spare part was coming from the UK and few tradesmen were working over Christmas. Throughout the holiday season staff and volunteers tried to find ways to get the pool and building up to temperature; many of them with the flu. Finally and only a day later than promised, against all odds, they succeeded in reopening the pool for 2023.
The Pool is still waiting for the spare part and the juggling of energy sources means they have to retain the heat for the pool and building so there is no jacuzzi but the sauna and the steam room are up and running. While the pool was closed, the opportunity was taken to redecorate the men’s changing rooms, the reception area and part of the main hall ceiling. A new office area was also built and there are further plans for renewal and redecoration, including a fresh coat of paint outside when the weather allows.
School and public lessons have restarted together with the ever popular aqua aerobics and fit for life. There are toddler and adult swimming lessons or you can make use of the numerous private sessions. If you want to get on their waiting list for children or adult lessons email them on info@baltimorepool.ie
There are plans ahead for further gym sessions for both adults and children. Most exciting is the introduction of underwater hockey which will be launching shortly. Underwater hockey is an energetic and exciting sport only just beginning to become popular in Ireland and the Wild Atlantic Pool is ideal for it due to its size and depth. Once the elusive part has arrived the jacuzzi will be back open and combined with the sauna this is a wonderful way for even those hardy outdoor swimmers to relax after a Loch Hyne swim.
The Baltimore Christmas Swim was a great success raising over €600 and the staff would like to thank everyone for taking part. Throughout the year there will be a number of fundraisers, some more energetic than others! The Wild Atlantic Pool continues to be an important and vibrant centre of the local community and we all hope it remains so for a long time. Please do honour your pledge if you made one and you can find schedules and membership process at www.baltimorepool.ie
