One could be forgiven for wondering what month we are in. It is still August (just) but the weather has been decidedly unstable of late, and I have had several unplanned swims (whilst on two wheels) this week. This afternoon provided some welcome respite, although time spent on the tennis court was by no means guaranteed. Better still, I swam outdoors today - it was somewhat bracing, but terrifically exhilarating. Whilst still in a swimming pool, I believe I can identify what it is that open water swimmers get off on. Swimming anywhere you are able to see the sky is a truly magnificent experience. I haven't swum al fresco for a while, and this afternoon was a wonderful reminder of the many happy hours I have spent in swimming pools on holidays in warmer climes. Indoor pools will always occupy a special place in my heart (provided they be a minimum of 25m) but there is nothing quite like the liberation to be felt whilst recreating in a lido. The weather and temperature may shortly become rather less accommodating, but whilst the sun continues to make even occasional experiences, there is much to be said for keeping it in the day and taking full advantage every bright day as we move towards the close of our so-called 'summer'.
Outdoor / Open Water / Wild Swimming pages
Other guides to UK Outdoor Swimming Pools
Holidays I have yet to plan to pools that look worth the journey...
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| Close enough for a day trip, the Thermae baths have been rejuvenating swimmers for over 2,000 years (Bath) |
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| The magnificent pool at Gellert (Budapest) is one I have already visited and would happily return to |
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Wellness in the moutains at The Cambrian, Abeldoben (Switzerland)
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Ok, so it's not technically a swimming pool but it looks awesome
Blue Lagoon Geothermal Resort at Grindavik (Iceland) |
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Take a deep breath
Nemo 33 (Belgium) is the world's deepest pool at 33m / 105ft |
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The sky's the limit
The SkyPark at Marina Bay Sands (Singapore) boasts spectacular views of the skyline 200m above street level |
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| A truly infinite experience at the Hotel Villa Mahal Infinity Pool (Turkey) |
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| A beautiful pool I am unlikely to see (let alone swim in) during this life time at Hearst Castle (California, USA) |
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| The pool on the 23rd floor of the Habour Plaza Hotel (Hong Kong) |
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| Another view of the skyline from the Intercontinental (Hong Kong) |
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The uber-cool Badeschiff or 'Bathing Ship' is an old container that has been converted into an outdoor pool on the River Spree (Berlin)
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| I think the overhanging pool on the 10th floor of the Joule Hotel which was designed by Adam D. Tihany in 1927 probably wins the prize for my most coveted swimming experience (Dallas, USA) |
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Bigger really is better at San Alfonso del Mar the world's largest pool (Chile). It's dimensions are impressive all by themself: 1,013m (3,324ft) long, 19.77 acres of water pumped from the Pacific
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The 3 tiered pool at the Amankila Resort is set into a cliffside overlooking the Lombok Strait.
I'd take to this 41m pool like a fish to water (Bali) |
One could be forgiven for wondering what month we are in. It is still August (just) but the weather has been decidedly unstable of late, and I have had several unplanned swims (whilst on two wheels) this week. This afternoon provided some welcome respite, although time spent on the tennis court was by no means guaranteed. Better still, I swam outdoors today - it was somewhat bracing, but terrifically exhilarating. Whilst still in a swimming pool, I believe I can identify what it is that open water swimmers get off on. Swimming anywhere you are able to see the sky is a truly magnificent experience. I haven't swum al fresco for a while, and this afternoon was a wonderful reminder of the many happy hours I have spent in swimming pools on holidays in warmer climes. Indoor pools will always occupy a special place in my heart (provided they be a minimum of 25m) but there is nothing quite like the liberation to be felt whilst recreating in a lido. The weather and temperature may shortly become rather less accommodating, but whilst the sun continues to make even occasional experiences, there is much to be said for keeping it in the day and taking full advantage every bright day as we move towards the close of our so-called 'summer'. 
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