The 10 best swimming pools in Birmingham locals can’t stop splashing in
If you’re on the lookout for cool and fun things to do, diving into one of the many swimming pools in Birmingham might be just what you need. A splash session is always a good idea, whether it’s summer heat or just an excuse to avoid chores.
Good thing the city has something for everyone, from family-friendly leisure pools to sleek lap lanes for serious swimmers. Some even come with slides, waves, and spa areas—basically, mini vacations without the airfare.
So, if you’re tired of feeling bored and staying dry, it’s time to grab your goggles. Pools here offer fun and fitness in one refreshing dip.
1. Santai Spa at Genting Hotel
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Website: https://www.gentinghotel.co.uk/santai-spa
Location: Genting Hotel Resorts World, Pendigo Way, Marston Green
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 7 AM – 10 PM
Pricing: £££
This luxurious spa pool is part of the Genting Hotel, tucked inside Resorts World Birmingham. We found the vibe here impressively quiet for a venue close to shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
It’s not a big pool, but it’s temperature-controlled and surrounded by ambient lighting, comfy loungers, and an outdoor hot tub with lake views. You can book packages that include massages, facial treatments, and private relaxation time.
The hydrotherapy features are a real highlight—jets, bubble loungers, and an herbal steam room are included in most spa access passes. Upon arrival, you’ll also receive robes, towels, and slippers.
However, they limit the number of guests to preserve the peaceful setting, so booking is strongly recommended.
Pro Tip:
If you’re booking a spa package, call ahead and ask for a ‘lakeside hydrotherapy slot’. These are limited and not always visible online, but they offer access to the outdoor hot tub with scenic views (ideal at sunset).
2. Edgbaston Priory Club
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Website: https://edgbastonpriory.com/
Location: Sir Harrys Rd, B15 2UZ
Hours: Monday to Friday: 6:15 AM – 10 PM | Saturday: 8 AM – 8 PM | Sunday: 8 AM – 7 PM
Pricing: £££
Known mostly for its tennis courts, Edgbaston Priory Club also offers an upscale indoor and outdoor swimming experience. The heated indoor pool is a solid 25 metres, with a more laid-back hydrotherapy pool attached.
We love that it also has an outdoor vitality pool surrounded by garden views, perfect for those who want fresh air. The indoor section feels more wellness-centred, with a steam room and sauna nearby.
Non-members can only access the pool through their day spa packages or guest passes, which makes it feel exclusive. Spa days start at around £90 and include a treatment, lunch, and pool access.
Their changing facilities are spotless, and there’s even a thermal experience zone for those wanting more than a basic swim.
Pro Tip:
Access for non-members is only possible through spa days or event invites, but fewer members use the pool on Tuesday mornings and Friday afternoons. Staff can sometimes accommodate limited day access if you call in advance.
3. Ladywood Leisure Centre
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Website: https://www.birminghamleisure.com/ladywood-leisure-centre
Location: Ladywood Middleway, B16 8TR
Hours: Monday to Wednesday: 5 AM – 10 PM | Thursday: 6 AM – 10 PM | Friday: 5 AM – 9 PM | Saturday and Sunday: 7 AM – 5 PM
Pricing: £
Ladywood Leisure Centre is a modern public facility with a clean, 25-metre swimming pool that caters to all ages and skill levels. We like that the timetable includes general swim, lane swim, and women-only sessions for added flexibility.
There’s also a teaching pool for beginners and young swimmers, ideal for family visits. Changing rooms are well-kept and offer individual cubicles and lockers.
The pool area is bright, thanks to large windows and updated lighting from the recent refurbishment. Plus, it’s located near Edgbaston Reservoir, so it’s easy to incorporate outdoor walks.
Pro Tip:
Download the Everyone Active app to check live pool schedules and book ahead, especially during peak swim times or school holidays.
4. The Sir Doug Ellis Woodcock Sports Centre
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Website: https://www.aston.ac.uk/sport
Location: Aston University, Woodcock St, B4 7ET
Hours: Monday to Friday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM | Saturday and Sunday: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Pricing: ££
Located right by Aston University, this sports centre features a well-heated, 25-metre pool that’s popular among students and city residents alike. The pool offers lane sessions and public swims throughout the week.
We appreciate how streamlined it is—simple, but clean and efficient. It’s usually quiet outside of university term-time or early mornings.
The venue also houses a fitness gym and sports courts, adding variety if you’re looking for a full workout day.
It’s also centrally located and easy to get to via public transport. But one of the things that keeps us going back is that the staff are friendly and happy to help first-timers with booking or access queries.
Pro Tip:
We recommend avoiding late weekday afternoons, as Aston University students pack it out during term time. Mornings are your best bet for a peaceful swim.
5. The Elms Hotel & Spa
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Website: https://theelmshotel.co.uk/
Location: Stockton Rd, Abberley, Worcester WR6 6AT
Pricing: £££
The Elms Hotel & Spa offers a greenhouse-inspired wellness space within a country manor hotel with a heated indoor-outdoor vitality pool. The spa facilities include a Himalayan salt sauna, steam room, experience showers, and tranquil gardens.
The glasshouse design creates a bright, airy atmosphere, with lots of natural light and plants. It’s a quiet venue focused on wellness and retreat, not a high-volume leisure centre.
Access is via half- or full-day packages, which include use of facilities and extras like robes, drinks, or light bites. The indoor pool opens into a garden-facing outdoor section, perfect for year-round dips.
Although the hotel serves overnight guests, spa-only visitors are welcome with prior booking.
Pro Tip:
On clear days, ask for a Greenhouse lounge near the pool’s glass perimeter. It’s warmer, quieter, and offers direct views of the Worcestershire hills that others often miss.
6. Bannatyne Health Club and Spa
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Website: https://www.bannatyne.co.uk/health-club/birmingham-brindleyplace
Location: 3, Eleven Brindley Place, 2 Brunswick Square, B1 2JF
Hours: Monday to Friday: 6 AM – 10 PM | Saturday and Sunday: 8 AM – 8 PM
Pricing: ££
This private health club offers a well-maintained pool geared toward fitness and relaxation. The water is warm, the air is fresh, and the setup includes a sauna and spa pool nearby.
We like that it’s adult-only and typically quieter than public leisure centres. Most guests are health-focused regulars rather than noisy groups.
Day passes give full access to gym and spa facilities, and you can often combine them with a treatment. You’ll get robes and towels if you’re doing a spa package.
It’s conveniently located in Brindleyplace and near good transport links.
Pro Tip:
The spa frequently offers mid-week ‘flash day passes’ via its app and social media. So, subscribing to email alerts or checking Tuesday mornings often reveals surprise £20–£25 offers.
7. Crystal Leisure Centre
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Website: https://www.dudley.gov.uk/things-to-do/leisure-centres/crystal-leisure-centre/
Location: Bell St, Stourbridge DY8 1AE
Hours: Monday to Friday: 6:30 AM – 10 PM | Saturday and Sunday: 7 AM – 6 PM
Pricing: £
Crystal Leisure Centre is about an 18-minute drive from Birmingham, but people love visiting this spot for its 25-metre pool that caters well to casual swimmers, families, and fitness users.
We like how they separate out different types of swim sessions to manage crowd levels. The water temperature is pleasant, and there’s a small pool for learners and younger swimmers.
It’s managed by Dudley Council, so prices remain affordable and facilities are regularly maintained.
There’s also on-site parking and a gym if you want to round out your visit. It’s especially popular with locals on weekends and after school hours.
Pro Tip:
For a quieter experience, book during their ‘Swim for Relaxation’ sessions on Fridays. It features soft background music and dimmed lighting. These are features not offered at other local centres.
8. The Floating Spa
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Website: https://www.thefloatingspa.com/
Location: 23-24 Hall St, Birmingham B18 6BS
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10 AM – 10 PM
Pricing: ££
The Floating Spa offers individual floatation therapy sessions in private pods filled with warm, Epsom salt water. These pods are designed to support the body in zero gravity and are known for stress relief, muscle recovery, and mental clarity.
Each float lasts 60 minutes and includes a private room with a shower, earplugs, and calming music if you prefer sound. The water is heated to skin temperature, and the space is light- and sound-proofed to promote sensory isolation.
The spa also uses natural, fragrance-free cleaning solutions and maintains rigorous sanitation protocols. And to help you ease into daily life, you’ll also have access to post-float herbal tea and a lounge area.
Pro Tip:
Become a member and, as soon as you activate your membership, pre-book your float sessions for the month. This way, you’ll secure your preferred time slots.
9. Sandwell Aquatics Centre
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Website: https://www.slt-leisure.co.uk/our-centres/sandwell-aquatics-centre/
Location: Londonderry Ln, Smethwick B67 7EW
Hours: Monday to Friday: 6:30 AM – 10 PM | Saturday and Sunday: 7 AM – 4 PM
Pricing: ££
Built for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, this is one of the most impressive public pools in the Midlands. It boasts a 50m Olympic-size pool with movable floors, meaning it can be sectioned off for casual swims and sessions.
It’s modern, spotless, and surprisingly peaceful during non-peak hours. The pool water is temperature-controlled—never too cold, which we always appreciate.
A learner pool and extensive sauna/steam room access are also available with a “Wellness Pass.” We recommend checking the online booking system to see what’s available that day.
Pro Tip:
The 50m Olympic pool often switches between 25m and 50m formats. If you prefer longer laps, call ahead or check the “Pool Configuration” on their app, as some public swim times only open half the pool.
10. University of Birmingham Sport & Fitness (UoB)
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Website: https://www.sportandfitness.bham.ac.uk/
Location: University of Bristol, Edgbaston, B15 2TT
Hours: Monday to Friday: 6 AM – 10:30 PM | Saturday and Sunday: 7 AM – 8 PM
Pricing: ££
The UoB Sport & Fitness Centre houses Birmingham’s only 50-metre Olympic-standard pool, which can be divided into sections using a movable boom. We found the water quality top-notch, with regular temperature and cleanliness checks.
It’s open to the public, not just students, so that anyone can book a swim session. Lanes are marked clearly for pace, and there’s room for beginners and serious swimmers alike.
The venue also offers lessons, aqua classes, and sessions accessible to individuals with disabilities. It’s more serious than your average leisure centre, ideal for those who want to improve their form or fitness.
Pro Tip:
External (non-student) bookings can only be made online 3 days in advance, and sessions fill quickly. So set an alarm to book at exactly midnight when the new day opens if you want early or evening peak slots.