GOUROCK Pool staff are putting the final preparations in place ahead the iconic local bathing spot’s big opening day next week.

Keen swimmers from across Inverclyde are set to take the plunge on May 5 when the much-loved Albert Road facility reopens for another season.

Staff have recently finished painting the pool and are now in the process of filtering in tens of thousands of litres of seawater to be heated and treated before bathers dive in.

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Marc McFarlane, facility manager, told the Tele staff had worked hard to get the leisure facility ready for 2023.

Greenock Telegraph:

He said: “The whole process of preparing the pool takes over a month to complete.

“We are really looking forward to opening for the 2023 season.”

The seawater used to fill the pool can only be drawn in from the Clyde at specific times to utilise high tides, with the process usually taking place over the course of a week.

The water is then brought up to the correct temperature and treated with chlorine, which further extends the preparation period.  

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Last year the pool opened without restrictions for the first time since 2019, after years of pandemic disruption.

It had a successful season, which saw it voted best lido in the UK in a national poll.

Greenock Telegraph:

While the 113-year-old facility has always been popular with locals, a considerable number of swimmers also come from further afield to use the pool.

It will officially reopen on Friday May 5, with swimmers taking part in the annual ‘big jump’ into the pool at 4pm.

Pool bosses say they have a busy calendar of events planned for this year, including the return of the popular starlit swims, a sports day, a triathlon event and doggy swim sessions.

Those looking for more details about the pool and its events should visit www.inverclydeleisure.com.