Central Swimming Pool

HONEST REVIEW!!!GOOD:Location in a pretty good placeBAD:Customer service was very depressed at least try smile.Old changing rooms and showers.Not a good view for young kids having to look at naked men.Its 2017 time to get some private cubicles for showering.So much for the diving boards to be open 4-5pm"Very reluctant to put head under water.Little bits of brown floating dont want to know what it was."

Stressed customer service and filthy changing rooms (mens have been undergoing changes for a year plus now? Staff couldn't say when they'd be fixed - forced to get changed in tiny box room).Suggest Reading Council take head from the wonderful public pool down the road in Henley, friendly staff, clean safe environment, individual changing rooms plus a steam room and sauna for the same price as Central.

Dated but functional, this 1960's template pool is still in fair order despite the council cuts. Recommended for its large charging area, clean water, good pool temperatures and separate 5m deep diving pool. Low points include the weak showers, paid-for parking over 1 hour, and municipal feel. Still, a great place to go for fitness or family swimming.

I have to agree 100% with the previous reviewer - the staff at reception is as unfriendly and unhelpful as can be. They have clearly no sense of customer service whatsoever, and it is a real shame considering this should be a welcoming community facility.The Reading Council website clearly states that the Swimming Pool is the place to get your passport issued and the receptionist at the Pool had a typical 'computer says no' attitude directing me to get it registered at the civic centre - considering my partner had it registered there a week ago, I think it's fair to say that she clearly just couldn't be bothered.It's hard to believe that our tax is funding these people's wages and I can think of plenty of other people who would happily take that place.

I like swimming here. Pool Water is clean, and there are a range of pools so you can always get a lane swim in, even when lessons are happening or there is aqua aerobics on. It looks tired structurally but don't mistake old with dirty. The staff work hard to keep it clean but in the end it is a centre in need of modernisation. But PLEASE RBC don't close and replace with some stupid small fun pool.

Pool is old , yes but well appointed with separate diving teaching and lane pools.Changing rooms have had an update (males) but the family changing needs one now.I have never had an issue with the staff. Lots if customers are pretty rude to the staff so I always wonder if those who complain have been getting a taste of their own medicine!Teaching staff are excellent.Parking is a bit dodgy. Be careful to put your reg number in properly

The pool and staff are great but the parking is likely to cost you £100 if you fall into the trap that the parking company lay for you. Make sure you don't make any mistake with typing in your reg no. or they will fine you. THIS IS JUST NOT FAIR OR GOOD ENOUGH FOR A PUBLIC SERVICE. Reading Council please wake up to this!I would rate the pool high if it was not for this issue - the decision to privatise the car park does not help promote the use of a good public amenity. I worry for families on a tight budget.

the pool is always clean and at a good temperature. The changing rooms and showers are exactly what you would expect for a public pool, I don't know what some of the other reviewers were expecting to be honnest. And every interaction with a member of staff has always been pleasant. I like swimming here!

It is a sad day as Reading says goodbye to it's only proper swimming facility. The Central Pool has limped on for nearly two decades, since it was first earmarked for demolition, but it remained the only pool in Reading capable of hosting galas and diving competitions. Now Reading's aquatic clubs will need to look to facilities in neighbouring towns, or simply die.

Its a shame that not more of the money raised through Reading's bus lane fines are not pumped into this essential service. The pool is nasty and dirty, the changing rooms are a straight out of the seventies.I was afraid that i would catch verrucas from the filthy floor in the changing rooms. The place has great potential as it is a real swimming pool with a great diving pool.The staff are uninterested and often rude. Think of it as a lucky day if someone makes eye contact when they serve you.This is one service which really needs some money pumped into it for a much required major overhaul. A lick of paint on the doors and the reception area is simply not enough.