Hinksey Outdoor Pool reopening but expect bracing temperatures in first week

The much-anticipated Hinksey Outdoor Pool reopening is set for Monday 29 March, but the first week of a return to outdoor swimming will be in bracing temperatures while final repairs are made.

Hardy swimmers can enjoy the beautiful Hinksey site next week, but the pool will initially be unheated for the first week. This is due to a problem with the water heating system – the heating system could only be tested once the pool was cleaned and heated for opening.

Instead of the expected 24 degrees, the pool will be around nine degrees, around the same or a little warmer than wild swimming. The heat exchanger repairs are expected to be completed for the water to be up to 24 degrees by 05 April.

Bookings have already been made for the first week, but those that feel the temperature is too low will be able to request a credit to book a future session. Anyone wanting to rebook should email info@fusion-lifestyle.com.

Repair work has been underway this spring to fix a major leak as the winter conditions warmed up. Repairs finished last week, and cleaning and reheating the pool began. As part of this work, a problem with the heat exchangers emerged, requiring more repair work before the pool can be heated.

Ian Brooke, head of community services at Oxford City Council, said: “We know from our swimming stakeholder group that people are keen to get back in the water. The pool will be open from Monday 29 March at ambient temperature, and we are working with Fusion to make sure the repairs are made as quickly as possible. We aim to have the pool heated before the end of the Easter school holidays.”

Other leisure centres – Ferry Leisure, Barton Leisure, Leys Pools & Leisure, Rose Hill and the ice rink – remain closed, and will reopen on 12 April, at the earliest, in line with government roadmap.