The Quays ‘Eddie Read’ Swimming & Diving Complex, Southampton

Don't go here to use the sauna next to the swimming pools - a guy I met at David Lloyd's said he was sitting in the Quays changing rooms between sauna sessions when a member of staff came up to him and told him he had been reported for behaving suspiciously - ie hanging around too long.

Don't they know the correct way to use a sauna? He had been spotted doing it before, apparently. So what? Very unprofessional and insulting to anyone who is accused of weird behaviour without justification in front of other people.

Therefore if you use the Quays, be prepared to be taken to task just for chilling out. Better to go somewhere else though if you don't want to be embarrassed in public. Shame, cos in other respects it's pretty good.

I am about 3 months in to an annual “Active Nation” membership that permits me to use all the facilities at “The Quays” (and other – far less conveniently located - centres in Southampton).

It is very unlikely I will be renewing my membership.

My main gripes concern the swimming pool and its changing rooms.

1) Southampton Swimming Club (SSC) are allowed to monopolise the main pool. At the most popular times of day (i.e. early morning and early evening) they take over all but 3 or 4 lanes and everyone else is crammed in to what is left. I realise SSC have to train but do they really have to get all the best time slots on all weekdays? Can’t they go to Bitterne on some days?

2) The swim changing rooms are grubby, smelly and the showers are very poor (low water pressure, too hot, etc.)

3) There is far too little supervision of children at “The Quays” and in the swim changing room in particular. The amount of noise groups of rowdy, foul-mouthed boys can make is unbearable.

On 26 April 2011 I emailed "The Quays" to complain about SSC monopolising the pool and I have yet to receive ANY form of response. The reason I have gone to the trouble of writing this review here is that I am annoyed at having had to email them again today to prompt them for a response.

This place is amazing. The pool is perfect for swimming lengths, and sure, it gets busy at times. But nothing out of the ordinary. I completely disagree with the review with one star. I think The Quays is a very good and sociable place to be. I've been to the fitness suite which I must say is exceptionally good. The instructors are very helpful and know exactly what they're doing. They're very friendly and are always a helping hand when you need them. I was very surprised at how helpful the fitness staff was - they taught me how to use all the machines properly, what weights to use and also they sorted me out with a personal program. At no extra cost! You definitely pay the right amount and there are plenty of facilities to use so it is definitely worth visiting.

Avoid in the middle of the week on a half term or on saturdays sometimes if you are seeking a decent lane swimming experience, as you will get banded swim time only and loads of angry parents and screaming children. however, it is a very stylish place to swim, cheap for solent uni students :), and very very calm when not in crazy kid mode. has a gym as well which i havent been to yet. plus sexual health clinic downstairs should you need it.

I use the gym in The Quays from time to time because there is a no contract facility. Its not that cheap (for a council gym) to do it this way but serves a purpose. The gym is very well equiped with the latest weights centre. There are always knowledgable instructors on hand to help you should you need it. The swimming pools are good too, which I use from time to time. My child enjoys the fun pool particularly, its good to go in term time tho as it can get quite busy in the holidays.

Have to say that I’ve been to the Quays quite a few times and have found it to be an OK place to go. I do agree with the previous review about the load techno music. I mainly go there with my toddler and occasionally I have found it a headache with the blaring music. The kids bit can also be really cold so I go to Flemming Park in Eastleigh instead as it’s much warmer and quieter. It is expensive and you have to pay for parking - £1 is redeemable at reception. The previous review did make a reference to the people who frequent the pool. I did find the review funny but I have to say that if you go anywhere in the centre of a busy city centre then you are going to attract all sorts of people – it’s not always like that. Thursday and Friday mornings are a lot quieter – avoid a Saturday as the whole city seems to flock there. There should also be a rule that no teenagers should go in at certain times as it’s very unsettling to keep focus on your baby when there are 12 kids playing tag in front of you.
The changing facilities are good and the main pool is great for lengths. I have done some fitness classes too and been to the gym – all of which were well run and well equipped. However – it is a pain to get to if you live on the outskirts of the city but that’s doesn’t seem to stop anyone getting there.

Awful.
What sort of a city seeks to destroy any vestiges of community by putting of the most monstrous “retail parks” smack in the middle of its historic centre? Welcome to Southampton, a city that worships the car, ignores any architectural continuity and has a by-law that fat men must wear hooped earings and must not wear shirts once the thermometer hits 80f.

It is also the city that has come up with “The Quays”; a building of outwardly interesting architectural merit, but messes it up but putting it between medieval battlements and a pyramid-shaped hotel. Las Vegas for pikies.

Anyway, on with the review. When you get inside, you realise that they have an impressive diving pool, with a clever movable floor, a nice lanes pool covered by a beautiful wooden roof. But there’s no natural light. It’s stuffy. It echos off every surface. Awful.

Did I mention they also play techno in the baby pool? Loud techno. I couldn’t hear my 9 mnth old’s sweet gurgles for the Utah Saints.

Anyway, the baby pool. We went early on a Sunday. One the locals told me it was quiet. I reckon it was 40 metres square and had about 40 parents in it. And 40 babies. I think I was the only man in that pool who didn’t have a tattoo. I swear some of the toddlers even had them.

Finally, what amuses me about this is the concept. For example, I knew there was a pool in the centre of Southampon, so I called directory enquiries and asked for pools in Southampon. Nothing. “Swimming baths”? Nothing. “Health clubs”? sorry no. However if I’d have phoned and asked for ‘The Quays ‘Eddie Read’ Swimming & Diving Complex ’ I might have got their number. You can see the council meeting now. “Let’s put up striking building with bad ventilation and no natural light and no room inside. Let’s charge £4.30 for a half hour swim, more than even central london prices. However, we’ll brand it cleverly. That’ll get the punters in. That’ll create the wow factor our city so desparately needs.”

To it’s credit the changing was clean and fresh and the lockers were free.

But overall a real pity.