HELP US RAISE FUNDS FOR ONGOING CRITICAL REPAIRS

What we are asking for:

We urgently need your help to raise £70,000 to complete critical repairs to Brixham’s unique and beautiful seawater pool making it safe to open to the community in May 2026.

2026 is Shoalstone Seawater Pool’s Centenary year. Making a donation today will ensure that we can complete the work we have started as well as create a legacy for future generations who will benefit from this wonderful community asset over the next 100 years.

Who we are:

Shoalstone Seawater Pool is one of only a few naturally tidal fed outdoor pools in the UK. The pool is free to access and used by hundreds of people each year including local people and visitors to the area. It is well loved and has been so for generations, with many who use the pool now able to talk of times when their grandparents learnt to swim in it.

What is happening at the pool:

In 2023/24 it became obvious that urgent work was needed to the the Northwest corner and the deep end of the pool. After determined fundraising efforts through our Save Shoalstone From the Waves Campaign and a large government grant from the Community Ownership Fund, with support from Torbay Council and Brixham Town Council, work began in August 2025 on the repairs. The pictures show the extensive work carried out to date.

However, the project had to be paused in December 2025 due to the current weather conditions and unforeseen but significant issues in the middle and shallow end of the pool. This has caused delays to the project and has significantly increased the cost of the work, beyond available project funds and the contingency we had within our project budget.

Why save this pool?

The pool was first established in the Victorian era and in 1896 two walls were built to retain the tidal water that flooded it naturally. In 1926 the local council developed the pool, removing the bedrock to create the deeper, shallower, and sloping-bottomed pool we see today.

Torbay has many areas of deprivation, with some wards falling into the top 10% in the country, and the pool offers an opportunity for free fun and physical activity during school holidays and is a favourite facility for local families.

It is used by many local organisations such as the diving club, the canoe club and cold water swimming groups. Not only that but Shoalstone Seawater Pool partners with a many of our local wellbeing practitioners to provide a range of activities on the deck and green space surrounding the pool. These include Tai Chi, Yoga, Sound Therapy and dance.

The purpose of our registered charity, who manage the pool, is to provide facilities for recreation, participation in swimming and wellbeing activities for the benefit of local people and those visiting South Devon’s lovely coastline.

Join with us today to save this unique and beautiful facility on the Brixham coastline in South Devon. Give what you can! We will be profoundly grateful for all the donations we receive.

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