The area consists of three outdoor seawater pools and a horseshoe pool,
which as its name suggests, does not hold water. The pools are submerged
twice a day at each high tide.
The first pool to be purpose built for swimming was the Horseshoe. This
was completed in 1859-60. It became very popular with all bathers and a year
after its completion; ladies expressed an interest in using it as well.
In 1862, a plan was put forward to build a Ladies Private Bathing Pool in
the Vallette Beach area. This was to ensure modesty whilst bathing. The pool
was built by public subscription, the St Peter Port Douzaine and the States.
It was extended to its present length of 50 metres in 1947, two years after
the Liberation.
In 1876 female bathers demanded a second pool that was to be a ‘Public
Ladies Pool’. The scheme was not accepted until 31 December 1896. The pool
was built by Alfred Batiste and is now known as the ‘Children’s Pool’.
The administration of the Bathing Places has changed hands several times
over the years. St Peter Port Douzaine, the States Bathing Pools Committee
and the States Tourist Committee have all had the job at various times. The
responsibility currently lies with the Culture and Leisure Department.
The pools are operated as a free public facility. Changing rooms and
public toilets are located at the Ladies Pool. A kiosk selling refreshments
is located above the changing rooms. The roof of the changing rooms forms a
patio area with tables and seating where patrons of the kiosk can enjoy
their refreshments. The patio overlooks the Ladies Pool with superb views of
Castle Cornet and the Island of Sark.
