Helmsley open air pool has invested in a state of the art pool cover thanks to the help of a charitable organisation.

The lido, Yorkshire’s only open air heated pool, has faced a difficult few months due to raising costs.

Paul Goodwin, pool trustee, said: “Whilst everyone is facing unprecedented increases in energy bills, when you are a charity running an outdoor swimming pool with 350+ cubic metres of water to heat, increases in the price of energy are particularly acute.

“The issue was further compounded by the decision of the trustees to cap the bather load by around a third.

“UK guidelines of 2m squared per swimmer, give Helmsley a bather load of circa 75 people – however, following huge demand following the lifting of Covid restrictions in July 2021 it was evident that the pool’s 20th Century plant couldn’t cope with those levels, so capacity had to be reduced.”

The existing pool covers consisted of four separate covers going across the pool, resulting in lots of gaps.

The pool trustees felt they were also a manual handling risk, as they had to be moved across the pool apron twice a day, along with being a trip hazard. In the storms at the start of the year – two of them had ended up in the pool.

Paul added: “After lifeguards, the pool’s biggest expense is heating the pool, this is done by an oil boiler and air source heat pump.

“The obvious solution to mitigate increasing energy costs and make the pool more environmentally sustainable was a new state of the art, one piece automated pool cover, however early indications were this would cost upwards of £20k.”

Paul said the pool has links to the Kirkby Foundation, a local trust, who advised on the satisfactory presentation of a business plan and financial accounts they would share half of the cost.

“The pool cover was ordered in May, there are only two manufacturers of these items, so with delays on lead time this meant the cover was installed by Covers4Pools based in York in September. The cover looks fantastic as is so easy to operate – the de-cluttered look of the pool apron is another bonus.”

Recently Stuart and Janet Brown from the Kirkby Foundation visited the pool to see the new cover in operation.

The couple met with Paul and fellow pool trustees Chris Parkin and chatted to swimmers participating in ‘cool pool’.

Stuart said: “The Kirkby Foundation were delighted to be helping the pool as they look to provide affordable outdoor swimming for all.”

Helmsley Pool is run as a Community Interest Company on behalf of Helmsley Town Council and receives support from Ryedale District Council.

This year’s heated season ran for more than 100 days from May to September, with more than 16,000 swimmers using the pool including many schools, community groups and charities. The trustees are looking at ways to upgrade the pool plant, changing rooms and use solar thermal energy to heat it.

If you could make use of the old pool covers or would like to volunteer at the pool email info@helmselyopenairpool.org