POOL HOIST OUT OF ORDER - UPDATE 20 December
We regret to advise our customers that our pool hoist is out of order and cannot be repaired. We are very sorry for the inconvenience caused to those who rely on this equipment to enter and exit our pools; we have ordered a replacement and our suppliers advise this will take 6-8 weeks. In the meantime, our pool pod is still operational but this can only be used to access the dive pool and unfortunately this means that we cannot facilitate assisted access to our main and teaching pools until further notice. Please keep an eye on our website and app for updates. Apologies again for any inconvenience this may cause.
Pool Programme Changes: School Holidays Monday 23 December – Monday 6 January inclusive
As always, we are making some changes to our regular pool programme during the school holidays. This allows us to offer additional Aquadash and family fun swimming sessions (prebooking for these activities is strongly recommended) and public diving. We also have extra shallow water casual swimming (25m) suitable for all abilities, so Relaxed Swim sessions will not run during the holidays. Unfortunately, the changes mean a reduction in 50m swimming, and also that the Main Pool will be closed for a short while in the mornings and afternoons to allow for set ups. Please check our online timetable and changed opening hours before visiting us, to avoid any disappointment. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused.
Festive Opening Hours
As the year winds down to a close, many of our venues will experience changed opening hours to give our incredible team a much-deserved rest. Please check out our festive opening hours from Tuesday 24th December 2024 to Tuesday 7th January 2025.
Please note: All venues will be closed on 25th & 26th December, and 1st & 2nd January (excluding Royal Commonwealth Pool). The venue opening hours listed on our venue webpages reflect typical opening hours, not those during the festive period. Some venues, though open, may have shorter opening hours than normal. Please make sure to check the above webpage for further information day by day.
Welcome to the Royal Commonwealth Pool
Now over 50 years old, the Royal Commonwealth Pool is among Scotland’s most iconic leisure centres. Delivering a host of swimming and diving events, the Commonwealth Pool was built in 1970 to host the Commonwealth Games then again in 1986 and 2014, it is the only venue to host three Commonwealth Games events. Additionally, the FINA World Series and European Championships were held in 2013 and 2018 respectively to showcase the best aquatics from around the world.
The Commonwealth Pool plays an integral role in keeping Edinburgh active on a daily basis. We're proud to have a top-spec gym, the city's only 50-metre pool and a whole host of other spaces you can stay active. We also run a successful coaching programme for swimming, diving and gymnastics. Read more about this here.
For kids The Royal Commonwealth Pool is home to one of our three soft play venues across Edinburgh. The pool also hosts our thrilling inflatable assault course AquaDash and AquaDash Extreme, bookable during weekends and school holidays.
Don't forget to drop into our on-site Cafe Refresh for hot and cold food, drinks, snacks and treats.
The Royal Commonwealth Pool is also home to a 'Poolpod'. The submersible lift creates an inclusive swimming environment for people with long-term health conditions, disabilities and rehabilitation needs.
Bookings at the Royal Commonwealth Pool
*New for October 2024* Due to popular demand, Family Fun Swim Sessions will now be available to book in advance, with first bookable sessions starting from Monday 14th October
There is no booking needed for Swimming or a Gym session (for over 16s) - just drop in as a member or a visitor.
All Fitness and Gym classes and Coaching lessons require pre-booking. See our timetable for more information. Under 16s must also pre-book a gym session.
You can book online or via our mobile app for Android or iOS by creating or logging in to your booking account. Any problems see our step by step guide to booking an activity. Please read our Booking Terms & Conditions before booking.
AquaDash and AquaDash Extreme sessions must be pre-booked via the website.
What's on at the Royal Commonwealth Pool?
The Royal Commonwealth Pool hosts events and competitions throughout the year which can impact on the availability of our facilities.
Find out the latest updates, events and goings on in the venue here - What's On at RCP.
Make sure to check out our social media on Facebook and Instagram
Festive Multi-Activity Camps
Our ever-popular Festive Camps are returning to the Royal Commonwealth Pool this December and January for a limited time only - so be sure to secure your spot!
Join us for an action-packed Multi-Activity Camp, where each day is filled with a variety of fun activities. Enjoy daily swim sessions, a range of sports, exciting games, soft play for the little ones, festive arts and crafts, and outdoor adventures (weather permitting, of course!).
- Monday 23rd December 2024
- Friday 3rd January 2025
- Monday 6th January 2025
Adult Festive Dive Sessions
Join us for Adult Festive Dive Sessions on 23rd and 30th December!
Designed for ages 16 and up, these sessions combine dry land and pool training, and are suitable for beginners
through to intermediate levels.
Bookable by day, from £14.00 per session.
More Spaces Available Now in Our Swim Programme!
Starting this January, we are expanding our Learn to Swim programme with more classes and spaces citywide, creating even more opportunities for everyone to get into swimming.
Whether you want to master the basics, refine your strokes, help your child start their swimming journey, or switch to a class that fits your schedule better, now's the perfect time to go for it!
Find the right class and book online below!
Already in a class but found one that suits your schedule better? Complete a movements form here.
We are proud to be a Scottish Water Learn to Swim Provider of The Year 2024 Finalist!
