Swimming pool to be closed again

CASTLE Douglas pool will be closed to swimming activities once again later this month.

A “short planned temporary closure” is in the works so that Dumfries and Galloway Council can proceed with the first stage of a major £1.4 million upgrade.

Customers are to be contacted regarding payments and membership plans in light of the disruption.

The official report states: “There remains a commitment of £1.4 million earmarked towards capital improvements at Castle Douglas Pool and phase one of these works is currently scheduled to begin on Monday, March 30.

“This will focus on replacing swimming pool circulation pumps and the pool filter plus installation of a new chlorine dosing unit therefore improving the performance and reliability of the pool operations.

“This will require a short planned temporary closure of the ‘wetside’ pool activities, and communication will be issued to customers in advance regarding payment and membership plans which recognise this disruption.”

Phase two improvements are still at the design stage and are anticipated to begin in summer 2027.

The upgrades are essential at the pool, but another inconvenience for users of the leisure facility, who were denied entry for much of January due to repairs being carried out.

Last year, the ageing building had issues with the plant room and other “challenges”. The fitness suite had to be closed from August 27 to September 15 due to a significant roof leak into this part of the facility.

The council report acknowledges that “further plant breakdowns” occurred after the Christmas 2025 break, delaying the reopening of the swimming pool until late January, although the fitness suite remained open as normal.

The effects these closures have had on attendance figures at the pool have been revealed, showing there were 5000 less visitors as a result.