Ystalyfera Open Air Pool

A proposal for a swimming pool at Ystalyfera started in 1936 following indications that the local rivers were contaminated and no other location was available for children to learn to swim. The local council agreed to adopt the provisions of the Baths and Washhouses Act (1846) in order to obtain a loan from the Ministry of Health, for the construction. Tenders were received by October 1936  and the MoH sanctioned the loan in February 1937.

The pool was opened on 29^th July 1937 by Mr D W Davies of Ystalyfera, one of Swansea Valley’s greatest benefactors and Dr W J Lewis medical officer to the Pontardawe area. Mr Oswald Williams of Ystalyfera, took the first dive into the pool.

The pool was fed directly from the water main and filtered.

The pool lasted through the 1937 season, but leakage was apparent and the pool did not open in 1938. In July of that year, the Parish Council reported that the pool had been refilled after repairs but was still loosing water. 200,000 gallons of water (more than the total capacity) had already been lost, at a cost of £70 from the local council. This, in addition to the loss of revenue was a real threat.

The final payment to the contractor of £165 was withheld until the problems were fixed.

Images appear to show that the dog leg diving section was separated into a shallow childrens pool at some point but no details can be found.

In 1990, the windows were replaced at a cost of £1,257.

The pool is stated in local history reports to have closed in 1991, but the South Wales Daily Post was reporting in May 1993, that lifeguards, Karl Hopkins and Keith Huxley would be taking up duties at Ystalyfera for the summer season.

The pool was demolished and filled in by 1997 but in 1999 it was still a waste ground despite funds being raised locally for some sort of community facility. Eventually a hockey pitch was built on the site.