Sun cream forces pool to close over water quality

Pells Pool in Lewes has been forced to close for a day over water quality concerns

A community swimming pool has been forced to close for the day to stop sun cream and sweat affecting water quality.

Pells Pool near Lewes says it will have to close on Monday as the volume of swimmers in recent weeks has led to sun cream and lotions having an effect on the pool water.

A spokesperson for the pool said its team was "doing everything we can to mitigate the effect on the water" but needed to close for the day to allow water quality to improve.

The pool has seen 40% more swimmers this year than at this point in 2024, it added.

In a social media post, the pool team said: "We will be monitoring water quality continually and this decision is subject to change at short notice.

"If the water improves, we will look to reverse this decision and reopen on Monday.

"Alternatively, if the water clarity worsens, we will be forced to close earlier as ultimately your safety is our number one priority, and if our lifeguards are unable to see under the water this puts all of you at risk."

Customers who had booked for Monday would have their bookings transferred to the same time in two weeks, it added.

First opened in 1861, Pells Pool is the oldest freshwater outdoor public swimming pool in the UK.