The Pells Pool in Lewes has had a fantastic start to its 2022 season, with hundreds of swims booked during the first three-week booking cycle.

The outdoor pool, run by a community association on behalf of Lewes Town Council, has proved as popular as ever. During its first fortnight in May more than 1600 individual swims had been booked and more than 350 Swim Saver Passes sold. The unheated water has reached 18 degrees centigrade and plenty of people are now swimming without wet-suits.

Conrad Ryle, chairman of the Pells Pool Community Association, says “All of us at the Pells Pool Community Association are so pleased that our lovely pool can be enjoyed for longer than ever this season; and that thanks to the popular support of all our swimmers we have been able to help families by reducing child prices to £1.50 and providing free admission for the under fives.”

This year, new garden planters have been installed, with Mediterranean-style plants that prosper in hot sun and are fairly drought-resistant. Eastwood Plants at Ditchling helped select the right plants and generously agreed to sponsor the planters. Stavertons at Halland were also helpful in providing good quality plants.

Other improvements made this year include new changing room floors and two extra ladders to help swimmers out of the slow lane area. The ramp in the shallow end, assisting disabled people into the water, is in full working order.

Tickets are released for sale on a three-week rolling programme and can be purchased at the kiosk if available, as well as online.