Answers to some Frequently Asked Questions: (Spring)

What time do you open / close?

We open at 7:30am and close at Sunset. The exception to this is when there is an event on, such as a full moon swim, when we open for longer. Monthly pass holders may access the lakes from 6:30am. During the lighter months we close at Sunset or 9pm whichever is earlier (use Google to fins out when sunset is!)

Can I have a look around the lakes?

No. For the privacy of those using the lakes, we do not allow people to look around.

Im new to Wild swimming what do I do?

If you are an inexperienced cold water swimmer then do not swim on your swim on your own, please come with friends or join our Social swim group Fridays’ 9am, or arrange to meet another swimmer. We have a Facebook group called Pool Bridge Farm Swimmers and this is a great place to find a friendly swim buddy. You could also book a lesson with our fabulous coach Carrine (Find her details on the friends of PBF section). Another alternative is book a sauna and have an immediate group of new friends.

Are dogs allowed on site?

No, with the exception of assistance dogs. This is for the protection of the wildlife that lives on site as well as for health & hygiene reasons.

Can I bring non-swimming friends to the lake/lakeside?

Yes, providing they have purchased a ticket/pass. If people do not have a valid ticket/pass they are NOT permitted by the lakeside.

Can I get a refund on my ticket / Can I change the date/time of my booking?

No. We have chosen to make all tickets are non-refundable or changeable due the amount of admin time this was taking, therefore please make sure that your booking is correct at the time of making it. You can however give your ticket to others if you can no longer attend in person. Anyone asking for tickets to be refunded or times/dates changed will be ignored (as we do not like saying no!), therefore please do not ask.

What are the benefits of getting a monthly pass?

If you are swimming 5 times or more per month then a monthly pass will save you money. Monthly pass holders also get a £5 discount on the sauna. Full moon swims and SUP / Kayak (once the Big lake is open) are included with a monthly pass.

Can I start my monthly membership halfway through the month?

You can purchase a monthly membership at anytime but the only membership we offer is per calendar month (i.e. it runs from the first day of a given month to the last day of that month). For some, it may still be worth buying a monthly pass well in to the current month, as they will still make savings, for others, it may not be worth it. We do NOT offer memberships spanning 2 months.

What do I need to bring for swimming?

Your swimming togs and a towel are the only things necessary. Anything else is personal preference, though gloves, boots and a wooly hat do make swimming much more comfortable during cooler times.

Can I book a table in the cafe?

Please contact Ian and Alison on 07751 542928 or email poolbridgecafe@gmail.com for anything relating to the cafe.

Can we camp?

The campsite is open May-October Please see the camping page for more information.

Is it safe to swim in the lakes?

As with most things in life, there are always risks, swimming is no different. However, the shape of the lakes makes them safer than many other lakes as you will always be relatively close to bank. We ask that every swimmer does their research before coming to the lakes

How good is the water quality?

We continually monitor the water quality through visual inspection as well as through a 3rd party specialist water quality tester. There are also no water run-offs in to any of the lakes. To help prevent algae, the lakes are dyed using a natural colouring, which give the lakes their colour. The dye is safe with more than 60 times the amount of dye per given volume being found in a popular energy drink than in our lakes!

Does the Sauna price also include swimming?

Yes! Please feel free to swim for as long as you you wish, before during and after your sauna.

Can I go for a run at Pool Bridge Farm?

Members and those swimming may also go for a run from the farm.

Do I have to pay? But I’m not swimming!?

Yes you have to pay to use our lake and lakeside facilities even if you are not swimming.

How do I pay?

You can either book a ticket online or pay in cash at the signing-in hut. Please note - if you have not purchased a ticket online before hand - you will need to bring the correct amount of cash with you. Not change or card machine is available onsite.

Online Booking is essential from June-September and the only way to get a ticket during these months. Anyone found at the lakeside without a ticket will be asked to leave immediately and will not be able to use our facilities again.

How should we contact you?

Please only use phone or email. Any contact through social media platforms or other may result in a significant delay to your reply, if at all. We also respectfully ask that you do not contact any owners or team members through their personal social media platforms please.

Do you hire out Paddleboards or Can we bring our own?

We do not hire out paddleboards, if you book to paddleboard you must bring your own. Our Big lake will be open for SUP sessions May/June onwards an the times and prices can be seen in the online booking section. Andy our SUP instructor is running sessions with all kit included, his information can be seen on the friends of PBF section.

What is the Water Temperature?

It varies…from Freezing to “not too bad”. As a rough guide 2-5 in the coldest months, later winter into spring 5-10 and spring/Autumn 10-15. In summer it generally stays over 15 reaching 20+ if we get a heat wave. For comparison for average leisure pool runs at 29 and your bath is prob 38!

Can I bring Children?

In the winter season (October-April) no its too cold. Children are not permitted in the water until it reaches a consitant12 degrees and this is probably still too cold, but if you’ve hardy older children in wetsuits they maybe ok. Once the temperature rises Children’s swimming tickets will available. Please be mindful and do your research about children swimming outdoors before bringing them. All children must be able to swim 50m (with or without a life vest) and all under 10’s and non swimmers should have an adult in arms length of them with the water and all under 18s must be supervised closely from lakeside. Under 18’s are not permitted at the lakes without a responsible adult with a maximum ratio of 1 adult to 3 u18s. Parent’s and Guardians must agree to the T and C’s on their child’s behalf. From April 1st onwards children area allowed to the lakes with a lakeside pass. To enter the lakes they need a swimming ticket. No one under the age of 16 is allowed in the sauna.