I went to the unique lido named one of the UK’s best – with heated pool said to have unusual health benefits
WHEN it’s one of the hottest days of the year, a splash around in saltwater is just what the doctor ordered.
But if a dip in the sea isn’t on the cards, it might still be possible to bring on the brine, by heading to one of the inland lidos fed by natural springs.
We did just that when we headed to Nantwich outdoor pool in Cheshire, one of the last inland brine lidos in the country, to see why swimming in saltwater is making a splash.
Back in 2014, it was named one of the best lidos in country by the Telegraph, according to Great British Life.
Unlike the sea, the pool is heated to a constant 22C and could be even warmer on a sunny day.
This is a lovely little lido, with loungers and a sunbathing lawn at one end near an icecream and snack shack for getting your treats after your swim.
The modern changing village inside the leisure centre is large, with lots of cubicles for families and individuals, and there’s also an old alfresco toilet block for outdoor swimmers.
The water was refreshing and not too salty, with plenty of space for lane swimmers and families who just wanted a splash about.
One thing that really stood out at this pool was how friendly and welcoming the staff were.
One of the lifeguards took time to reassure my smallest boy about getting in the water and the lady working at the snack shack was lovely too.
It added to the chilled out atmosphere that all the best lidos have.
This pool is in the perfect spot if you’re driving to North Wales and want somewhere to take a break for a couple of hours as it’s just on the border between England and Wales.
Proposed benefits of saltwater swimmer
THERE are thought to be several benefits to swimming in saltwater, such as possibly reducing symptoms of hay fever and sinusitis, as well as other respiratory symptoms.
This is because the saline effect on the lining of sinuses may reduce inflammation – although the scientific evidence isn’t robust.
Medical charity Allergy UK claims people who live by, and swim in, the sea tend to have healthier respiratory systems.
They say seawater is cleansing and mimics the body’s own fluids in the lining of the airways.
The briny water comes from natural springs associated with the River Weaver and the town’s name is derived from the Welsh for the stream of the white salt pit.
From Roman times onwards, salt has been made here from the brine.
Swimming in saltwater is said to have health benefits, like reducing stiffness in joints and muscles, relieving stress levels and supporting immune and nervous systems.
The pool is open every day over the summer. You need to book in advance and the general swim sessions, suitable for families, are two hours long.
Entry costs £7.25 for adults and £5.85 for children, although youngsters who are signed up to swimming lessons here can get in free.
The local council has also recently announced a scheme allowing youngsters aged between 14-16 free access to leisure facilities over the summer if they’re on free school meals.
On arrival, pay for parking and then take the ticket to the reception desk to reclaim the parking charge.
If you’ve got any old swimming stuff that’s no longer fit for purpose, you can bring that along to drop in the recycling box as part of a scheme run by Leisure Loop.
Armbands, swim caps, goggles, flip flops, foam floats like pool noodles and kickboards and swim fins and flippers can all be recycled at more than 100 pools across the UK and it’s a great idea to stop pool plastics going into landfill.
Some will even be used to make more swimming gear like flip flops.
The outdoor pool first opened to the public in July 1935 and lots of locals remember having school swimming lessons there, when the water was apparently much colder than it is nowadays.
There’s only a handful of brine pools left around the country, with other examples in Walsall and Droitwich.
So it you fancy a saltwater dip this summer, why not make your way to Nantwich to find out what’s brilliant about swimming in brine?
Five new water attractions opening in the UK next year
- Therme Manchester will have 25 swimming pools, 25 water slides and an indoor beach.
- Modern Surf Manchester will be a surfing lagoon offering lessons to both beginners and experts.
- Chessington World of Adventures waterpark is set to have wave, infinity and spa pools as well as waterslides and cabanas.
- The Cove Resort, Southport is likely to have a water lagoon and a thermal spa with steam rooms and saunas.
- The Seahive, Deal plans to be the “surfing wellness resort” in the UK.
I previously visited Hitchen Lido, which is another favourite of my family’s.
And here’s another UK lido to add to the list this summer, which has even been compared to Australia.
