The people of Harpenden had been trying to get an outdoor pool for many years, starting before WWII. It seems that, whilst it came up regularly on the agenda, it was put off time and time again, with the costs rising each time. The Harpenden Free Press reported, in 1953, that the latest estimate of cost was in the region of £40,000.
The council agreed that it would provide the land, in Rothamsted Park at no cost to the group. The location was on the site of the Ladies Lacrosse Pitch. This was relocated elsewhere in the park.
The Harpenden Swimming Pool Committee was formed, and a series of fundraising events took place including a weekly lottery, jumble sales, raffles and dances. Children had to bring a small amount to school every week towards the effort.
Eventually a loan was given, secured by the council but with the committee being responsible for the repayments.
In June 1959 a procession through the streets led to the park where the first earth was dug.
The pool opened on 7th May 1960.
Shortly after opening, local newspapers reported that the council had banned the use of snorkels, masks, flippers and balls! It is a shame that they did not do anything about the swarms of wasps; a regular feature according to locals.
You could buy season tickets that were a small blue fold out cardboard book that was stamped on each visit.
In 1962, heating equipment was added to make the pool even more popular. A swimming club was organised by local women to have exclusive use of the pool when the staff were at lunch, and the pool was normally closed.
In 1964 the pool was used by Harpenden Evangelical Church for baptisms.
During the 1970’s a learner pool was added at the eastern end, opposite the original paddling pool to the west.
Despite the popularity, there were calls for the pool to be covered quite early on and by the mid 1990’s, when the pool was showing signs of wear and tear, the axe fell and a new covered pool was built. It opened on 2nd January 1999. The outdoor paddling pool remained until 2018.
Many thanks to members of the “Old Harpenden, Years Gone By” Facebook Group for data and memories.
| Name | Harpenden Open Air Swimming Pool Rothamstead Park, Amenbury Lane, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2HU, England |
| Coordinates | 51°48’47.1″N 0°21’29.1″W |
| Built / opened | 7th May 1960 by Councillor Fred Putterill |
| Cost | £20,000 of which £5,000 was raised by locals |
| Dimensions | 100′ x 75′ |
| Capacity | |
| Water type | Freshwater |
| Depth(s) | 3′ to 9′ |
| Diving | 2 fixed platforms and one springboard |
| Changing facilities | |
| Second pool | Separate paddling pool at one end. |
| Spectator seating | |
| Designers and contractors | |
| Date closed | c1998 |
| Status | Demolished |
| On site now | Indoor pool and sports somplex |
| Last updated | 6th April 2026 |
Credit Kevin Shepherd
