FAQs
Why a natural pool?
A natural pool is easier to maintain so has lower running costs than a traditional indoor pool. It can be cheaper to build. This will make it easier to make the swimming pool sustainable financially.
Natural pools have very low energy use and provide a specialised habitat for many threatened species so are more sustainable environmentally.
Natural swimming pools are healthy. They have lower risks for certain infections than traditional pools and don't suffer from risks associated with chlorine such as asthma, cancer, reproductive issues and skin ageing. Cold water swimming had documented health benefits. Experience of swimming in a natural pool can help with prevention of drowning in open water.
A natural pool also has potential to help with rainwater management.
How will you ensure people don't drown?
Health and safety is our top priority and we will get professional specialist advice at every stage of the design and operation of the pool. Examples that we have thought about already include design to ensure that people cannot fall into deep water accidentally, a clearly visible real time water temperature display, supervision of swimming by qualified life guards, regular testing of water for pathogens, keeping the swimming area free of weeds, training sessions to help people swim safely in open water.
Will the water be heated?
The main pool will not be heated because this takes a lot of energy and would compromise our biodiversity ambitions. However we are considering inclusion of a sauna and potentially a wood or solar heated hot tub on the site. We'd be keen to hear your ideas about this.
How will you keep the water clean?
Natural pools use chemical-free, hydrobotanical processes to keep the water clean. There are several ways to do this which have been proven in hundreds of public natural pools in Germany, Austria and the USA. These often involve moving the water through a bed of pebbles; a "biofilm" forms on the pebbles and this cleans the water, helped by plants and certain aquatic algae.
How much will it cost?
The simple answer is we don't know yet. A domestic size natural pool can cost as little as £10,000 and a big, complex, public one over 10,000,000. The one we build will definitely cost more than the first and less than the second. One of our core values is to make the development financially sustainable so we will be doing some rigorous business planning. We'll keep our community updated on cost estimates.
Where will the pool be?
The HRDSPA is looking for a site at the moment. If you have an idea which you think could work, do get in touch. We're developing a set of criteria to prioritise sites before we go out to consultation on our top choice.
Why is it not in Mytholmroyd Community Centre car park?
Some years ago, before the new trustees joined the board, there was discussion about location of a traditional, covered pool in the car park of Mytholmroyd community centre. There are various issues with this location including flood management and noise for neighbours. The Mytholmroyd Community Association is unwilling to consider providing a home for the pool. These factors have led the HRDSPA to rule their car park out as a potential location.
Recent history of the HRDSPA
Following the decision of Mytholmroyd Community Centre not to host the swimming pool in their car park, COVID hit and two members of the board died, so there was very little progress. In the summer of 2023, Nick Wilding and Dorothy Sutcliffe (the two surviving trustees), called a small consultation meeting of around a dozen people with an interest in swimming. From that a vision and values statement was drafted. Three new people have been appointed as trustees (Clara Collett, Louise Heppleston and Maggie Smallwood) at an AGM held 14 November 2023 in Hebden Bridge Town Hall. Our two priorities for the coming six months are (1) to find a site and (2) consult with the local community.
Where is the money?
The money that has been raised over many years has been invested in low risk, responsible bonds and equities. The funds are being looked after by two experienced financial advisers, Eastwood Investments (2/3) and Andrew Heptinstall (1/3). Cresswells accountants are contracted to provide a financial report annually. These reports are publicly available on the Companies House website.
Who controls the HRDSPA?
The HRDSPA is run by a charitable company limited by guarantee, Hebden Royd and District Swimming Pool Association Limited. The Directors of the company are also Trustees of the charity. The Trustees are regulated by the Charity Commission and Companies House. The Directors are elected for a term of three years by the members of the company. Anyone aged over 16 can join as a member - just drop us an email. This is the same structure as Hebden Bridge Town Hall.
Will my children be able to have lessons?
We are keen to offer lessons to help children and adults to learn about swimming safely in open water. There are pools not far from Hebden Royd, at Sowerby Bridge and Todmorden which have excellent swimming lessons for beginners. This new pool would complement, rather than replicate the services and facilities offered by these indoor pools. We would also hope to offer introductions to outdoor swimming and a shallow paddling area for little ones.
How can I get involved?
The Hebden Royd and District Swimming pool is welcoming new members. We are also looking for volunteers to help in various roles especially people who have skills in any of the following: Public relations and marketing, legal affairs, wetland and water management, biodiversity, social impact measurement, planning, financial management, managing volunteers, fund raising, health and safety. Contact info@hebdenroyd.org