Stonehaven Heated Open Air Pool is a unique attraction offering
splashy, healthy fun for all ages from babies to grannies - and grandpas! Its
sheltered sun terraces surround an Olympic-size pool filled with seawater which
is filtered, treated and heated to a balmy 29°C or 85°F. For most of the
summer, that’s warmer than the Mediterranean and certainly a lot cleaner and
safer.
The Pool opens each year at the end of May and is then open daily
until early September. Early and late in its season, it opens 1pm - 7.30pm on
weekdays and 10am - 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays. In high season, which always
coincides with the local (Aberdeenshire) school holidays, it opens 10am -
7.30pm on weekdays and 10am - 6pm at weekends.
There are quiet swims when there’s no music and no unaccompanied
kids, lane swimming, Aqua Zumba and also loads of fun, with play floats
available for all and, for swimmers only, a fast chute/slide and inflatable
assault course. A paddling pool is also usually available for the youngest
‘swimmers’ with its own dolphin water spout - and its own lifeguard. In high
season there are weekly ‘aqua disco’ midnight swims, live music sessions and
kids’ entertainment. Please check the website for times and
prices.
Tickets are valid all day so you can come and go as you please to
enjoy Stonehaven’s other attractions and return to the Pool. Or you can stay
all day - there’s an on-site café serving hot and cold drinks and snacks and
picnics are welcome. Poolside furniture is available at no additional cost so
you can laze the day away on the sun terraces.
But the Pool is also great fun in poor weather - we say it’s
cool when it’s hot and fun when it’s not! There’s nothing quite like
swimming in the rain, ducking down into that balmy warm water. Although it is
salty, the seawater is also very ‘floaty’ and buoyant - ideal for kids or
anyone wanting to build their swimming confidence.
The Pool is located at the north end of Stonehaven Bay, adjacent
to the beach and caravan park. It is easily reached by public transport and is
well signposted from the main roads and within the town (SatNav AB39 2RD).
Parking is free.
The Pool is easily accessible for spectators and swimmers with a
range of disabilities. There is also a hoist from poolside to water - and
friendly assistance - for anyone who needs this. Toilet and changing facilities
for people with disabilities are also available. Otherwise, there are separate
male and female changing rooms where use of the hairdryers is free. You will
however need a £1 coin for the coin-return lockers. Please note that the café
only accepts cash payments.
Stonehaven Heated Open Air Pool is owned, staffed and operated to a high standard by Aberdeenshire Council, working in partnership with a local charity, The Friends of Stonehaven Open Air Pool, to maintain enhance and promote the Pool.
