Jubilee Pool Penzance

Jubilee Pool is an Art Deco lido located in Penzance, Cornwall, recognized as the largest saltwater lido in the UK, with a capacity of 5 million liters and dimensions of 300 feet by 160 feet. The lido was designed by Captain Frank Latham, Penzance's municipal engineer, and opened on May 31, 1935, as part of the celebrations for King George V's Silver Jubilee. It was listed as Grade II in 1993, recognizing it as one of the best-preserved examples of Art Deco lido in the UK.

The lido is situated on a cliff overlooking Mount's Bay, offering panoramic views of St Michael's Mount and the Port of Penzance. Its unique triangular shape and distinctive architectural features make it an iconic attraction for residents and visitors.

Over the years, Jubilee Pool has suffered significant damage due to storms, including the one in 2014, which caused major structural damage. However, thanks to the dedication of the local community and external funding, the lido was restored and reopened in 2016, continuing to serve as a recreational and cultural center for the Penzance community.

The construction of Jubilee Pool was a political issue in Penzance, with local councillors needing to decide between building the lido and improving the city’s water supply. The design was developed between 1931 and 1934 by Captain Frank Latham, Penzance's municipal engineer, and opened on May 31, 1935, as part of the celebrations for King George V's Silver Jubilee. By August 1935, nearly 60,000 people had visited the lido, with revenues of nearly £700.

In the following years, the lido suffered significant damage due to storms, including one in 1962 that breached the lido's far wall. In the 1970s, the popularity of lidos declined, leading to its deterioration. In 1992, the lido was closed but was restored and reopened in 1994 following the formation of the Jubilee Pool Association, later called Friends of Jubilee Pool. The campaign gained support from Penzance, but maintenance and restoration costs were opposed by some local councillors from St Ives and Hayle, who felt their taxpayers were being forced to pay for something they did not use.

In 2014, the lido suffered significant structural damage due to winter storms, with changing rooms and terraces demolished and the pool floor destroyed. It was repaired at a cost of £2.94 million, raised by the local community and with grants from the Power to Change Trust and the Coastal Communities Fund. Jubilee Pool reopened in May 2016. In 2017, the operation was transferred to Jubilee Pool Penzance Ltd, a community charity, which launched a new community share offer to raise additional funds for renovation and innovation.

In 2019, with £1.4 million funding from the European Regional Development Fund, Jubilee Pool became the only lido in the UK heated by geothermal energy, after a 410-meter-deep geothermal well was drilled into the rock beneath the pool. In 2020, Parkdean Resorts named Jubilee Pool as the best lido in the UK.

Jubilee Pool is a saltwater lido that uses natural seawater, with no mechanical filtration and minimal chemical treatment. Water quality is maintained with a daily water replacement schedule, synchronized with incoming and outgoing tides. The water in the beginners' pool is typically replaced daily, with a small amount of chlorine added. This approach ensures a natural and healthy swimming experience for visitors.

In 2019, Jubilee Pool introduced a geothermal heated section, making it the only saltwater lido heated geothermally in the UK. A 410-meter deep geothermal well was drilled into the rock beneath the pool, extracting hot water that is used to heat the pool water to temperatures between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius. This system ensures a consistent water temperature year-round, providing a comfortable swimming experience even in the coldest months. Additionally, the use of geothermal energy reduces the lido's carbon footprint, making it an eco-friendly choice for visitors.

The combination of natural seawater and geothermal heating provides therapeutic benefits to swimmers, including improved blood circulation, muscle relaxation, and stress relief. Furthermore, saltwater is known for its healing properties, helping to disinfect and soothe the skin. The natural and relaxing environment of Jubilee Pool contributes to the overall well-being of visitors, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both recreational and therapeutic activities.

Jubilee Pool offers a variety of swimming sessions to cater to diverse visitor needs. Sessions include dawn swimming, main pool sessions, geothermal pool sessions, combined sessions, synchronized swimming sessions, front swimming sessions with Swim Cornwall, swimming lessons, and beauty sessions. These options allow visitors to choose the swimming experience that best suits their preferences and fitness goals.

For visitors looking to enhance their swimming skills, Jubilee Pool offers swimming lessons conducted by qualified instructors. Lessons are available for swimmers of all levels, from beginners to advanced, focusing on swimming techniques, endurance, and water safety. Synchronized swimming sessions and front swimming sessions with Swim Cornwall provide opportunities for those wishing to engage in group activities and improve their skills in a social and motivating environment.

For those seeking a comprehensive wellness experience, Jubilee Pool offers beauty sessions that combine swimming with relaxing and rejuvenating treatments. These sessions are designed to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance the overall well-being of participants. The lido’s tranquil and natural environment, combined with its therapeutic waters, creates an ideal atmosphere for recovery and rejuvenation.