The Commie Pool

I hadn't been swimming in ages and today had a bit of free time after a work directorate event (we finished at 3 today - woohoo). So I decided to check out the newly refurbished commonwealth pool.

Apparently, the Royal Commonwealth Pool is a Category A Listed building by Historic Scotland. The refurbishment work has been undertaken with them to ensure that original features of the building have been retained.

It seemed like it had been closed for ages, and I'd heard, on the grapevine, that not much had changed as a result. So it begged the question, what were they up to?

Well today I found out.

The main entrance is pretty similar to what it used to be, and this lulled me into a false sense of security. The changing room set up is a bit confusing - am I supposed to go to family changing or group changing? I opted for family, which turned out to be the right choice.

When I was changed and stepped into the pool area, I was really taken aback. It looked so different! I couldn't quite put my finger on why though! As I got in the pool, I realised that in fact it was pretty similar to before. So why had I been so surprised?

The pool has an altogether more professional feel to it. It seems to be set up for serious swimming and sporting endeavour. As it should be! I'm sorry but I can't abide people who go swimming to stand at the end of a lane and talk. I feel like shouting at them to tell them to bloody well swim! (sorry rant over!)

The new diving boards also look awesome (and slightly scary). The configuration apparently now meets with international requirements for major diving events...such events as the Commonwealth Games Diving 2014... Now we see the cunning plan!