**Popular Welsh Swimming Pool Shuts Doors Over Structural Fears at Start of School Holidays**
A well-used leisure facility in Porth, Rhondda, has become the subject of concern after both of its swimming pools were abruptly closed at the dawn of the summer break. The move stems from recent safety fears, with council officials citing a “structural issue” involving the roofs above the pools.
Bronwydd Swimming Pool, which serves a wide community in Rhondda Cynon Taf, took the decision to close both its main pool and baby pool on Tuesday afternoon, 22nd July, following the discovery of a possibly hazardous fault. The closure comes at an unfortunate time, coinciding with the beginning of the summer holidays, a period when children, families, and local swimming clubs heavily rely on public pools.
The closure was confirmed by a Rhondda Cynon Taf Council spokesperson, who emphasised that the measure was “not taken lightly” and that the “safety of customers and staff” remains their highest priority. Officials acted swiftly after the concern over the integrity of the roof became apparent, illustrating the council’s commitment to upholding safety standards amid unexpected developments.
While the pools themselves have been closed, it is understood that the gym facility within the same complex remains operational and unaffected by the roof issue. This partial closure aims to minimise disruption for regular gym users, while pool-goers have been asked for patience as assessments and any necessary repair work get underway.
On the day following the initial closure, contractors were brought in to conduct a detailed inspection of the building’s structure. Their interim report enabled the main pool to reopen for swimmers seeking relief from the summer heat and to resume their routine activities. However, the baby pool will stay closed for the foreseeable future as further investigations and safety checks are carried out.
This recent disruption harks back to 2014, when Bronwydd Swimming Pool narrowly escaped permanent closure as the council explored options to save costs in response to budget pressures. Instead of shuttering the site, the council sought ways to make the facility more sustainable and appealing to residents. Their efforts led to a significant refurbishment of the premises.
In 2016, Bronwydd Pool underwent a £160,000 upgrade. This investment saw the gym double in size, new fitness equipment installed, and notable enhancements made to both the swimming and changing areas. Council leaders at the time saw these improvements as crucial steps towards ensuring the long-term viability of the centre, underlining its value as a community asset.
As the facility now faces a fresh challenge, local residents are being closely updated through council channels and local news outlets. While there is relief that the main pool has reopened so soon, frustration is evident among families with young children, for whom the baby pool remains an important resource, particularly during the school holidays.
The council has encouraged those affected by the partial closure to keep abreast of further updates via newsletters and official communications. Steps are being taken to assess the full extent of repairs required, with safety remaining at the centre of all decision-making. There is widespread hope that the baby pool will also be declared safe and returned to community use as soon as possible, underscoring the importance of safe, accessible leisure spaces for all residents.
As Bronwydd Swimming Pool staff and council engineers continue their efforts, the episode serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges facing community sports and leisure facilities amid tightening budgets and the need for continuous investment in public infrastructure.