Stonehaven Open Air Pool

In 1930s Britain, lidos and open air pools were incredibly popular. Following a Poll of Stonehaven householders in 1933, the Pool was built the following year at a cost of £9,529 and opened on 4th June 1934. Stonehaven Pool was built to competition standards, which at that time were for races of 110 yards and multiples of that, so Stonehaven Pool was, and is, 55 yards long - just a touch over 50m and 20 yards - just over 18m - wide. It was emptied and refilled every few days - at that time, filling took only 2¾ hours. Even considering operating costs and loan charges, the first season brought a large profit. Customer feedback was not all positive and so, for season 1935, not only was the sea water circulated, filtered and disinfected, it was also heated!
Today it is heated to 29°C / 84°F and it can be quite a good place to see dolphins and sharks.