Private swimming pool in Cornwall increases prices

The couple opened The Waiting Room Pool in March 2023

A couple in Cornwall who opened a private swimming pool last year have been forced to increase their prices due to rising costs.

Jacqueline and Tim Selwood opened The Waiting Room Pool on a former train station platform, where they also live.

Mrs Selwood said it was one of the few swimming pools left in the south west.

The Callington pool attracts customers across the south west which included families, medical professionals and veterans.

They have increased their prices by around 10%, but aimed to remain affordable.

'No days off'

Jacqueline said: "I think we are the only pool of this type in the local area. When we opened last year, we were told we could charge a much greater amount.

"We do not need to charge huge amounts of money because we are comfortable and it is only viable because we run it. It has taken us a year to really work out the running costs.

"I think one of the problems is that we opened this into an energy crisis, and the cost of living crisis. We don't want to be too expensive and we have informed people on social media of the price rise."

Jacqueline also said the pool offered visitors a unique and private experience. Its facilities included a heated pool, a hot tub, changing rooms with a shower that overlooks Tamar Valley and Dartmoor National Park.

"It has captured interest from all around, so we have not stopped. We considered opening just through the summer months, but we have managed to stay open seven days a week from early morning until late at night.

"I think we live in an area that needs to facility, and we want to make it available to all."