The 2013 State of the UK Swimming Industry Report reveals that 84.1% of the UK population lives within 2 miles of a public or privately owned swimming pool with some public access.
The 2013 report from independent leisure market analysts The Leisure Database Company concludes that there are 3,296 swimming sites containing 4,670 separate swimming pools in the UK.
The report highlights that the industry has experienced a slight decline with a decrease of 0.5% in the number of swimming sites. In the public sector, however, brand new leisure centres with modern swimming facilities are often built to replace multiple, older standalone swimming sites in the same area. Therefore, despite closing more than one site the quality of overall swimming provision in an area improves, a trend that is likely to continue with 44% of the public swimming stock built pre 1980.
Summary of Key Facts:
There are now 3,296 swimming sites containing 4,670 separate swimming pools in the UK.
29 new public and private swimming sites opened in the 12 month period ending 31st March 2013.
15% of all swimming pools are located in the South East region.
Public pay and play swim fees have increased by 3% over the last 12 months.
31 sports centres in the UK contain an Olympic sized indoor pool (50m) in the UK.
Commenting on the figures, David Minton, Director of The Leisure Database Company said: “With swimming being the most popular sport in the UK, this report is invaluable in providing key intelligence about our swimming pool facilities to ensure the future growth of the market meets the high participation levels we are experiencing”.