Will ‘iconic’ pool float, unlike Titanic

Unfortunately, the planners who have tried to design a horse have come up with a camel – almost the right colour, too.

The problem appears to be that in attempting to please the spectrum of users, they have gone for the middle ground and pleased no-one.

The best pools in the south (two of which are just half an hour away by car – and one of those has extensive free parking) cater for both recreational swimmers and those who are interested in fitness programmes and competition.

Families are best served by providing an interesting theme and various flumes, rapids, waterfalls and fountains.

Swimming clubs require a competition-standard main pool, ideally with an additional pool for warming up and swimming down.

I have a foot in both camps, but looking at the plans for the Worthing pool, I will certainly continue to take my young grandchildren to Burgess Hill.

On the competition front, I was surprised to read in the Herald that the pool is to have eight lanes – I missed that somewhere along the line.

But as I have written before, spectator provision is essential for the success of a competition pool and from my considerable experience of swimming pools, I would suggest that a good rule of thumb for a competition pool is around 50 seats per lane.

Then the pool will be used, attracting several large clubs throughout the area, hiring the pool at times when there is little demand from families.

That makes sound economic success.

The new pool has been described as “iconic”, as was the Titanic in its day.

Sadly, it would appear that the pool has a longer life, so we could be stuck with it for the next 50 years.

Mick Frayne

Strathmore Road

Worthing

Editor’s note: The Herald incorrectly stated last week that the application was for eight lanes. The report should have read six lanes.