Forum Topic

Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre

Has anyone been swimming at the leisure centre recently?  I last went a couple of years ago and didn't think the pool or changing rooms were very clean.Has it improved?

Jennifer Long ● 7458d14 Comments

If I recall correctly there was some change to the cleaning arrangements a couple of years ago. This didn't really improve things so much as stem what was an alarming rate of decline. The pool and the changing facilities are usually tolerably clean but the place still does smell quite right.

Dan Evans ● 7458d

what is the gym like i am thinking of joining

Steve Fulham ● 7458d

I don't use it myself but having looked in it seems quite weights orientated so if that is what you are after it could be good.

Dan Evans ● 7458d

Even though I am no spring chicken I am a fairly regular attendee at the gym and regard it as excellent value. It's largely devoid of the poseurs one gets at the more expensive 'leisure lifestyle' clubs. There's a broad mix from both sexes of ages, sizes, shapes and abilities.  It is not purely weights, there are cardio machines etc and the staff will help you work out a circuit suited to your condition and aims.Word of warning, it gets very busy just after work until about 8.

John Wood ● 7457d

They did close the pool for a while to 'clean' it but once it was reopened all they had done was the ceiling - aparently this was to stop lumps of dust from falling into the pool! I go to aquafit every wednesday evening - the tiles are very grubby and the changing rooms can be dreadful - but I think that's more down to the people who use them. Why anyone has to leave soiled nappies on the floor, and rubbish strewn around when there are bins is beyond me (ah! feel better now!). The gym is excellent - they will give you a proper programme depending on your level of fitness - I agree, it can get very busy - Friday evening is usually quite good as is Sunday morning.

Liz Cudmore ● 7457d

Not that I would condone throwing nappies on the floor but the nappy bins certainly used to be in the family changing rooms which invariably seemed to be used by adults without kids or families with older children who didn't need the facility.

Dan Evans ● 7445d

Anyone been swimming at the Brentford Fountain recently - can they give me an update on cleanliness and facilities?

Jennifer Long ● 6583d

The last time we went, which was since the new contractors took over, there was no real noticeable improvement.

Dan Evans ● 6581d

Can you just turn up and use the gym, or do you need to take out a membership?

Brendan Keogh-Smith ● 6581d

You need to have an induction lesson first before using the gym, for H&S reasons. I think it's about £15 or so but comes off your first months membership. As an alternative to monthly membership (which also includes pool use across the borough) there's a pay as you go scheme. No, the changing rooms aren't the best and a bit grubby. But at least the gym has decent equipment and very few poseurs or body builders of the homo-erotic type that frequesnt some other gyms.

Ken Collins ● 6581d

The Brentford Fountain swimming pool reopened a few weeks ago after refurbishment although other areas of the leisure centre are still undergoing works.So have things changed?  Simply no.  They still have the rather bizarre mixed ladies’ and men’s shower area although there are separate shower cubicles in the changing rooms, but the whole changing room area is as filthy as ever with rubbish, used nappies, etc just left lying around. I would expect a bit more dirt and dust than normal due to the building works but then I would also expect them to clean the area more often.  All the dirt is walked around the shower areas and straight into the pool.  Two of four cubicles in the ladies toilets by reception had “Out of order” signs, I won’t describe the state of one other cubicle without a warning sign!The toilets in the ladies changing rooms – two of these have been out of order for over a week.  One of the others had unmentionable stuff oozing out and over the floor.  The floor that people walk on and then into the pool.  By the time I left last night the whole toilet area and been cordoned off meaning there were no available ladies toilets!The pool attendants still insist on keeping the emergency doors by the pool open.  These are the emergency doors that have new signs saying “Emergency Door.  Do not open for any other reason.” but clearly are left open most of the time and grudgingly closed if anyone complains of a draft.    So new changing rooms but same old problems.  I have written to the Council to complain and await their response.

Jennifer Long ● 6231d

I've been twice this week and thought the changing rooms were very clean and a vast improvement on the previous ones.Pleased with the new lockers which are clean and give you your £1 back meaning you can grab your shower stuff and lock your clothes etc back into the locker without having to pay twice as before.There are also free to use hairdryers and swimsuit drying machines.What time of day did you go?  I was there Tuesday early evening and Wednesday afternoon...

Lydia Fowles ● 6231d

I agree the space and new cubicles in the changing rooms are a big improvement, but whenever I go in the evenings the floor area is just absolutely filthy with hair and dirt everywhere.  Last night it was obvious the area had not been cleaned for many hours.The manager has advised me all the new toilets are to be replaced due to a problem with the manufacturer.  And despite him confirming that the fire doors should be closed at all times one is always open whenever I go.

Jennifer Long ● 6217d

The new gym is now due to open at the Leisure Centre and this weekend is an open weekend with free taster sessions.http://www.fusion-lifestyle.com/contracts/London_Borough_of_Hounslow/news/Open_Weekend_at_Brentford_Fountain_Leisure_CentreI think work is due to start at Chiswick & Isleworth leisure centres soon - hope that Brentford doesn't become too busy due to this.

Lydia Fowles ● 6189d