


In May 1962, it was reported in the Bristol Evening post, that Portishead Urban Council plan to heat their new open-air swimming pool by pouring in boiling water – 3,000 gallons at a time.
On 24th May 2024, the pool was granted £140,000 to become more sustainable with the addition of solar panels.
Name | Portished Open Air Pool Esplanade Road, Portishead, BS20 7HD |
Built / opened | 21st April 1962 by Lord Mayor of Bristol, Aiderman Charles Smith |
Cost | £45,000 2009 refurbishment £200,000 |
Dimensions | 110′ x 40′ |
Capacity | |
Water type | Freshwater |
Depth(s) | 3′ to 8′ |
Diving boards | Pair of concrete fixed platforms 3m and 5m now inaccessible |
Changing facilities | |
Second pool | Paddling pool approx 25′ x 12′ |
Spectator seating | Terraced concrete with some artificial grass |
Designer | 2009 refurbishment Mike Godfrey |
Date closed | 2008, re-opened May 2009 |
Status | Open |
On site now | The pool |
Notes | |
Links | Ty’s Great British Adventure – Portishead Open Air Pool refurbishment |







