Update February 2026

How do we begin to thank our community who have far exceeded any expectations we had when we launched our “Save our Hydropool” appeal in September 2025.

We set our initial target at £35000, in the hope that we could raise sufficient funds to cover the most essential repairs and upgrades required to keep the pool open, but only providing minimal funds to complete the internal refurbishments. The support from grant bodies, including the Discovery Fund (administered by the Somerset Community Foundation) and St Austell’s Brewery, and the tremendous support from local companies and individuals, means that we have now way exceeded our initial target, standing just shy of £50000 raised to date.

This means that work to replace our dehumidifying and fresh air intake equipment will take place at the end of February, and work to replace the roof will commence soon. Once we have the building watertight, and humidity levels controlled appropriately, we can commence on the internal refurbishment.

We have reset our target to £70000 to enable us to fully refurbish using the highest specification materials and equipment possible. This will include investment in a new hoist system and hydraulic changing bed, which will be much more user friendly and able to withstand the unique environment of a Hydropool. A complete sensory lighting set up, which will enhance the Hydropool experience for many who use the facility, who have complex disabilities and spend a lot of their time on their back looking at what is currently a white, uninspiring ceiling. Redesigned and replacement cubicles, floors, walls, fixtures and fittings will improve the flexibility of the facility, improve access and allow more room for those who need it, and a provide a facility that is easier to clean and maintain, providing the optimum experience for all users at all times.

Any funds remaining once the refurbishment is complete will be used to cover the lost income caused due to closures during the refurbishment, Costs will still be incurred due to the utilities, chemicals and staff time that will still be required to keep the water quality at optimum levels during closure, meaning that we can reopen quickly and safely as soon as possible. Closures will be kept to a minimum but will be unavoidable to allow the essential works to be completed and we believe that some short-term pain will provide some much-needed long term gain for all pool users.

Keeping the Hydropool in optimum condition for as long as possible is our main aim once the refurbishment is complete. This will require a planned, preventative maintenance and servicing schedule in the years ahead so that we do not find ourselves in the position we are currently in for many years to come. With that in mind all funds raised as a direct result of our “Save our Hydropool” appeal, over and above what is needed for the refurbishment and loss of income costs, will be ringfenced and used to help fund the maintenance and servicing plan in the year ahead.

Again, we want to thank everyone who has contributed to our appeal so far and implore you to keep giving so that our much loved and needed Hydropool can be the facility that our community deserve for many years to come.

Having been open since 2017, our hydrotherapy pool is badly in need of repairs and updating and is at risk of closure if we are not able to raise the funds to carry out critical repairs!

Despite the desperate need for the refurbishment our pool remains incredibly busy due to the lack of alternative facilities locally. On average, 94 people use the hydrotherapy pool each week, including disabled and/or neurodiverse children and adults, adults with profound and multiple learning disabilities, and older people. Some use it for physiotherapy to increase muscle strength, mobility, and pain management and swelling. For others, it offers a complete sensory experience where they can relax and enjoy freedom of movement in a way that is simply not possible for them outside the water due to their impaired mobility.

Public pools can be overwhelming for many neurodiverse children and adults due to the large crowds, pool temperature, echoing sounds, and expectations around behaviour. Our hydrotherapy pool offers an environment where all can thrive and grow in water confidence. Here, they can feel safe and free to be themselves– just learning to float can be lifesaving!

To keep the hydrotherapy pool open, we need to replace essential equipment needed for its operation and update the worn-out fittings and fixtures in the changing rooms and showers. Funding will enable us to replace our roof to keep this purpose-built area watertight and help cover the replacement of the clapped-out AHU unit, and fresh air intake fan. We further want to redesign the space to make it even more open and accessible, replacing our tired ceiling track hoist, updating our manual adult-sized changing bed to a hydraulic one , replacing rusty shower fixtures and fittings with higher-quality alternatives and damaged changing room panels with safe, easy clean alternatives. We would also love to enhance the sensory experience for our pool users with the introduction of new sensory lighting.

Please help us keep this much needed facility open for those who benefit so much from visiting our Hydropool and have no other options locally.