New swimming pool Castlebar

AllForIt · 03-04-2019 11:20pm

Asmodean wrote: »

Nail on the head there. I've said it myself and heard from a good few others that its not a gym for the average punter looking to get started. They definitely only seem to cater to the elite and comes across as intimidating if you're not already fit. Looks like he's keeping the same mentality with the new facility, which is a big shame.

https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/leading-a-new-movement-to-boost-public-fitness-31399922.html

"Our motto is 'Movement changes everything' and we pride ourselves on having a gym where there are no machines. Our focus is on movement and that's what we want to get people doing."

The above is a report on the opening of the original The Movment gym when it opened in 2015.

The thing I want to know is 'TM' bringing the same philosophy to the new gym?

The idea they wouldn't have machines in a public gym is absurd.

Edit: Also personally, I was looking for a new gym option, I don't swim. From what I've read there doesn't seem to be a gym only option. Even if there were in time I couldn't now see it being priced less the the original TM gym. So after all this what's the point? Just a change of location.

Hal3000 · 03-04-2019 11:23pm

10 quid for a dip ? Are there mermaids in it or something ? Disgrace.

Westernyelp · 03-04-2019 11:26pm

They have machines in the Gym

Dudda · 04-04-2019 9:34am

AllForIt wrote: »

https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/leading-a-new-movement-to-boost-public-fitness-31399922.html

The above is a report on the opening of the original The Movment gym when it opened in 2015.

The thing I want to know is 'TM' bringing the same philosophy to the new gym?

Do they really not have machines in the original gym? No treadmills for example?

Edit: full price list and opening times now available

https://www.mayo.ie/news/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/128438_Movement_PriceList_A4_V5.jpg

Xenji · 04-04-2019 2:12pm

They are going for a €7 swim and spa only rate, but you have to buy a book of 10.

yop · 04-04-2019 2:17pm

Xenji wrote: »

They are going for a €7 swim and spa only rate, but you have to buy a book of 10.

Could be tight for low income families forking out? Then again maybe not.

PARlance · 04-04-2019 2:46pm

yop wrote: »

Could be tight for low income families forking out? Then again maybe not.

At least it's a bit of an improvement. Still seems on the high side.

Despite investing a significant amount in this facility, it's still just a Gym and Pool at the end of the day. It's in direct competition with a lot of hotels in Castlebar & Westport.

It's a real shame that the climbing wall didn't go ahead or that they didn't have the vision to include some slides etc into the swimming side.

Millions spent and nothing really to differentiate it between what people could get in the Castlecourt or Breaffy House. That's a waste of public money if you ask me.

Great to have something new, just really disappointing that it could have been so much more.

yop · 04-04-2019 2:48pm

PARlance wrote: »

At least it's a bit of an improvement. Still seems on the high side.

Despite investing a significant amount in this facility, it's still just a Gym and Pool at the end of the day. It's in direct competition with a lot of hotels in Castlebar & Westport.

It's a real shame that the climbing wall didn't go ahead or that they didn't have the vision to include some slides etc into the swimming side.

Millions spent and nothing really to differentiate it between what people could get in the Castlecourt or Breaffy House. That's a waste of public money if you ask me.

Great to have something new, just really disappointing that it could have been so much more.

100%
Was in the UK lately and the local pool has a water shoot and a board and a slide. That was 6 pounds to use.
There is no "X factor", just the new smell which will dissipate.
Hopefully its a success but this has been controversial from start to finish and now this.

woody1 · 04-04-2019 6:14pm

the "aura" pool in drogheda and navan are 7.50 euro for a swim.. but i dont be in them much so i can live with it every now and then,

for someone that swims a lot 7euro ( on the package deal ) is too expensive, il be in ballina pool twice a week at least for a lot of the summer , its 4 euro for an adult swim,and cheaper if you buy a book for stamping,

i know castlebar is a new building is all flashy but at the end of the day its still a 25m pool, its not gonna magically make anyone a better swimmer ..
i dont know what the options are for swimmers / triathletes etc in castlebar but at 7 euro a go i can see a lot of people going elsewhere

Cosmo Kramer · 04-04-2019 9:37pm

Can't help but wonder if the swim only multi ticket option was a late addition as a result of the bad publicity on the CT Facebook page and on Midwest during the week. It's a bit of an improvement, but the absence of a pay as you go one off swim admission (without the gym add on) is poor form and should be raised with canvassing councillors. I'll probably give it one go to have a look inside but beyond that, unless it's amazing, I'll go elsewhere.

AllForIt · 04-04-2019 10:18pm

Dudda wrote: »

Do they really not have machines in the original gym? No treadmills for example?

I should have said I was talking about weights machines not aerobic machines such as treadmills etc. The original TM does not have any weights machines, they just have racks of so called free weights i.e dumbells etc. Which makes their gym a bit more specialized as they stock very heavy free weights which advanced bodybuilders prefer.

Anyway, a previous poster has confirmed the new gym has weights machines so that's something good at least.

recyclebin · 06-04-2019 11:15pm

Westport gym and pool is 8 euro so not a huge difference in price. Westport has adults only after 8pm and the pool will be almost empty on week nights.

I've never really tried any of the hotels in Westport or Castlebar. Do they have 25m pools with lanes for proper swimming? Or adults only after a certain time?

StudentDad · 07-04-2019 5:12pm

recyclebin wrote: »

Westport gym and pool is 8 euro so not a huge difference in price. Westport has adults only after 8pm and the pool will be almost empty on week nights.

I've never really tried any of the hotels in Westport or Castlebar. Do they have 25m pools with lanes for proper swimming? Or adults only after a certain time?

Not really the point though. Someone who has been paying 4 euros a swim in the old pool in castlebar, without a gym option and has no real interest in using a gym, suddenly has to pay a higher fee for something they didn't ask for.

The new facilities are probably very nice. However, the jump from 4 euros to 10 euros, is quite a leap. It forms an economic disincentive for someone to start swimming.

Purgative · 07-04-2019 5:50pm

StudentDad wrote: »

Not really the point though. Someone who has been paying 4 euros a swim in the old pool in castlebar, without a gym option and has no real interest in using a gym, suddenly has to pay a higher fee for something they didn't ask for.

The new facilities are probably very nice. However, the jump from 4 euros to 10 euros, is quite a leap. It forms an economic disincentive for someone to start swimming.

Exactly and that would be OK if this was a private venture - any gob****e councillors come looking for my vote better have something substantial to say.

Tell me - anyone that knows. Are these new facilities available to schools? Is there an aspiration / target that no one leaves school without at least basic swimming?

Green&Red · 08-04-2019 10:29am

StudentDad wrote: »

Not really the point though. Someone who has been paying 4 euros a swim in the old pool in castlebar, without a gym option and has no real interest in using a gym, suddenly has to pay a higher fee for something they didn't ask for.

The new facilities are probably very nice. However, the jump from 4 euros to 10 euros, is quite a leap. It forms an economic disincentive for someone to start swimming.

I don't think thats a fair comment. Whatever about the price increase, people complain all the time that things don't get improved and now you're saying the pool upgrade is something people didn't ask for.

I'd echo the point on schools having access, I'd hope that the existing arrangements remain

PARlance · 08-04-2019 10:42am

Purgative wrote: »

Is there an aspiration / target that no one leaves school without at least basic swimming?

Some details on that here https://www.swimireland.ie/get-swimming

Nothing mandatory afaik but my kid's school are involved.

StudentDad · 08-04-2019 11:28am

Green&Red wrote: »

I don't think thats a fair comment. Whatever about the price increase, people complain all the time that things don't get improved and now you're saying the pool upgrade is something people didn't ask for.

I'd echo the point on schools having access, I'd hope that the existing arrangements remain

What I'm saying is that if you have been using the old pool and paying 4 euros a swim, with no interest in a gym, it's a bit of a stretch to bump up the price to 10 euros and combine the two. Effectively making people pay for something they didn't ask for. There ought to be a swim only option. As far as I know that isn't an option.

Green&Red · 08-04-2019 11:45am

Oh absolutely, there should be a stand alone price for swim

PARlance · 08-04-2019 12:15pm

StudentDad wrote: »

What I'm saying is that if you have been using the old pool and paying 4 euros a swim, with no interest in a gym, it's a bit of a stretch to bump up the price to 10 euros and combine the two. Effectively making people pay for something they didn't ask for. There ought to be a swim only option. As far as I know that isn't an option.

It's a huge jump but I think part of the problem is that €4 seems on the low side and any change look drastic.

Public pools are €7.50 for a swim in Dublin afaik. Not sure what the prices for PAYG are locally but I think that a €7 fee for swim only isn't too bad.
But they really need to have that pay as you go option for it to be a real public pool (in my mind anyway).

yop · 08-04-2019 12:35pm

PARlance wrote: »

It's a huge jump but I think part of the problem is that €4 seems on the low side and any change look drastic.

Public pools are €7.50 for a swim in Dublin afaik. Not sure what the prices for PAYG are locally but I think that a €7 fee for swim only isn't too bad.
But they really need to have that pay as you go option for it to be a real public pool (in my mind anyway).

4 euro was a steal. 7-8 euro seems to be more a standard.
Personally I'd never use the gym, membership isn't an option.

It will be a fabulous facility to have on our doorsteps, so small tweaks to the charging will onboard a lot of people who will enjoy the place for many years.

peter4918 · 08-04-2019 1:48pm

Claremorris leisure centre is €7.50 gym & swim afaik. There definitely should be a cheaper swim only option but also there should be a gym only option. To use gym/swim takes a lot of time and many people only want one or the other. The gym prices in Mayo are ridiculous for what you get.

Cosmo Kramer · 09-04-2019 11:34am

https://www.midwestradio.ie/index.php/news/30452-separate-swim-and-gym-was-the-call-of-castlebar-councillors-yesterday

Nothing like an upcoming election to keep the councillors on their toes. Meanwhile the Council officials appear to be openly lying about their pricing being comparable to other facilities around the country.

ClaptonBay · 09-04-2019 10:06pm

For the annual memberships,does it have to be a one off payment? Or can you direct debit monthly? I think that's one of the main issues if you can't DD. For families, who has 1k readily available for gym membership?!

Once the gym opens and some of the movements 3 for 2 memberships come to a finish (last offer was in January), I think it will start to get busy. It will be a success eventually. Don't understand the logic of some saying they would spend 40 mins in a car to save 2/3 euro to go to Westport with the facility on our doorstep.

naughto · 09-04-2019 11:13pm

ClaptonBay wrote: »

For the annual memberships,does it have to be a one off payment? Or can you direct debit monthly? I think that's one of the main issues if you can't DD. For families, who has 1k readily available for gym membership?!

Once the gym opens and some of the movements 3 for 2 memberships come to a finish (last offer was in January), I think it will start to get busy. It will be a success eventually. Don't understand the logic of some saying they would spend 40 mins in a car to save 2/3 euro to go to Westport with the facility on our doorstep.

The swim and food offer in the castlecourt is a very good offer

CtrlAltDelete · 10-04-2019 8:13am

ClaptonBay wrote: »

For the annual memberships,does it have to be a one off payment? Or can you direct debit monthly? I think that's one of the main issues if you can't DD. For families, who has 1k readily available for gym membership?!

Once the gym opens and some of the movements 3 for 2 memberships come to a finish (last offer was in January), I think it will start to get busy. It will be a success eventually. Don't understand the logic of some saying they would spend 40 mins in a car to save 2/3 euro to go to Westport with the facility on our doorstep.

1k.... Sure it's only pocket change to the powers that be... How can you not see this ? The great divide is getting greater in our "modern" world.

As for 40mins in a car for a round trip to Westport from Lough Lannagh.. sure it won't take that long when the "mooted" new road is built ...

Shapers the lot of them.

ClaptonBay · 11-04-2019 11:55am

Just seen the advert in the Connaught telegraph,says direct debit option available for annual memberships. To me that doesn't make it such a bad deal. Andy's current gym only option is 50e a month. Here you get pool,gym,spa facilities,proper changing facilities for 40e a month..less if both of you are signing up. Plus yoga and other classes.

woody1 · 12-04-2019 12:23pm

probably a good deal if you plan to use / be a member of the gym, but the crux of the issue is the cost of going for just a swim.. without all the bells and whistles .. it is a swimming pool after all ..

12-04-2019 12:35pm

I actually think its not a bad price either.

Asmodean · 15-04-2019 9:00am

Any links for the prices going? 40 a month is definitely a very good price.

Xenji · 15-04-2019 10:45am

Asmodean wrote: »

Any links for the prices going? 40 a month is definitely a very good price.

That is only a special introductory price for the first month.

You can see the price list about half way down the page.

http://www.mayococo.ie/en/News/

yop · 15-04-2019 10:56am

What are peoples thoughts of the facilities now? I haven't been in with the kids yet but I'm hearing its v impressive.
I assume its nuts busy for the interim and newbie feel, so it will be interesting to see how it goes then.

irishgeo · 15-04-2019 3:11pm

yop wrote: »

What are peoples thoughts of the facilities now? I haven't been in with the kids yet but I'm hearing its v impressive.
I assume its nuts busy for the interim and newbie feel, so it will be interesting to see how it goes then.

its far from nuts, the gf was in and wasnt packed.

Xenji · 15-04-2019 6:48pm

It has been a bit slow going so far from what I have heard, a online petition has been set up as well over the pricing by former Councilor Harry Barrett according to the CT.

Petition

seligehgit · 20-04-2019 9:00pm

Xenji wrote: »

It has been a bit slow going so far from what I have heard, a online petition has been set up as well over the pricing by former Councilor Harry Barrett according to the CT.

Petition

Only for those on a low income,how's that going to work?

Bunny Colvin · 20-04-2019 9:07pm

seligehgit wrote: »

Only for those on a low income,how's that going to work?:rolleyes:

He's trying to make the point that people on low income can't afford it but there's plenty of people out there, earning a good wage, who probably think €10 for a swim is too pricey.

seligehgit · 20-04-2019 9:14pm

Bunny Colvin wrote: »

He's trying to make the point that people on low income can't afford it but there's plenty of people out there, earning a good wage, who probably think €10 for a swim is too pricey.

Exactly my point.

PARlance · 20-04-2019 10:53pm

Bunny Colvin wrote: »

He's trying to make the point that people on low income can't afford it but there's plenty of people out there, earning a good wage, who probably think €10 for a swim is too pricey.

The petition is proposing a €6 price for low-income families... not just a €6 fee for everyone.
It's a bit of a weird angle to approach it and how will they define low income.

yop · 20-04-2019 10:53pm

Sounding from a few that its not attracting the numbers expected. Good weather doesn't help of course, but wonder are people voting with their feet?
With the schools off I'd have expected a growth in numbers.

Bunny Colvin · 20-04-2019 10:58pm

PARlance wrote: »

The petition is proposing a €6 price for low-income families... not just a €6 fee for everyone.
It's a bit of a weird angle to approach it and how will they define low income.

I must have read it wrong. It is a strange angle alright, he should have petitioned it for across the board.

Cosmo Kramer · 21-04-2019 6:17am

I don't think he has worded it very well. Surely he means a €6 charge for everyone, which would be of benefit to low income families especially.

It wouldn't be possible to do it any other way as its not like you could have people turning up with their wage slip to get a €4 discount on a swim.

nuac · 21-04-2019 1:43pm

I think petitions such as this are populist virtue signalling.
It should not be a political football.
Soon someone will be claiming there should be free swimming for all
Suggest the charging structure can be reviewed from time to time depending on local conditions and competition.

ClaptonBay · 22-11-2019 10:07am

just an observation :rolleyes: been using the swimming pool a few times lately and most times i go up theres swimming lessons of some sort going on and that leaves only one proper lane along with another lane for paddlers basically open. Fairly annoying when you want to get a swim in not knowing whether half the pool is going to be used up or not.I asked for a timetable for the pool and was told there is none which i find a bit strange. What if I've travelled in 20 mins to go for a swim, then arrive and there's already 4 in the proper lane and theres paddlers in the other lane so cant get a proper swim in..

Then half the doors of the showers are completely off alignment and have to be lifted or forced to close before you can lock them or else you just have to go searching for one that actually closes.

Felt like a quick rant this morning. :pac:

UsBus · 22-11-2019 10:29am

ClaptonBay wrote: »

just an observation :rolleyes: been using the swimming pool a few times lately and most times i go up theres swimming lessons of some sort going on and that leaves only one proper lane along with another lane for paddlers basically open. Fairly annoying when you want to get a swim in not knowing whether half the pool is going to be used up or not.I asked for a timetable for the pool and was told there is none which i find a bit strange. What if I've travelled in 20 mins to go for a swim, then arrive and there's already 4 in the proper lane and theres paddlers in the other lane so cant get a proper swim in..

Then half the doors of the showers are completely off alignment and have to be lifted or forced to close before you can lock them or else you just have to go searching for one that actually closes.

Felt like a quick rant this morning. :pac:

Been meaning to try this place out soon. That's annoying not knowing when the pool is going to be taken over for lessons. Surely they should have a timetable set up by now..? I hope the place is being maintained, doesn't sound great when the fixtures and fittings are starting to give trouble already...

Dudda · 22-11-2019 10:33am

ClaptonBay wrote: »

just an observation :rolleyes: been using the swimming pool a few times lately and most times i go up theres swimming lessons of some sort going on and that leaves only one proper lane along with another lane for paddlers basically open. Fairly annoying when you want to get a swim in not knowing whether half the pool is going to be used up or not.I asked for a timetable for the pool and was told there is none which i find a bit strange. What if I've travelled in 20 mins to go for a swim, then arrive and there's already 4 in the proper lane and theres paddlers in the other lane so cant get a proper swim in..

Then half the doors of the showers are completely off alignment and have to be lifted or forced to close before you can lock them or else you just have to go searching for one that actually closes.

Felt like a quick rant this morning. :pac:

The pool opened early last year so in a few months it will be a year old.

When a builder finishes a building a percentage, usually 5-10% of the total cost, is retained to make him come back and finish snags or fix things that don't work right at a later date. Usually the architect goes around after 11 months and gives the snag list to the builder before the 12 months is up. Make sure you highlight the door issue to the pool manager and tell him that the 12 months retention will be up soon. If that manager is any good he'll start making a list himself he can give to the architect.

This is important as if no snags are reported and the architect doesn't notice (which is very possible) them then the builder get's his money and the problem will never get fixed.

As for lanes in use the only advice I can give is to ring them if you're thinking of heading for a swim.

22-11-2019 10:34am

ClaptonBay wrote: »

just an observation :rolleyes: been using the swimming pool a few times lately and most times i go up theres swimming lessons of some sort going on and that leaves only one proper lane along with another lane for paddlers basically open. Fairly annoying when you want to get a swim in not knowing whether half the pool is going to be used up or not.I asked for a timetable for the pool and was told there is none which i find a bit strange. What if I've travelled in 20 mins to go for a swim, then arrive and there's already 4 in the proper lane and theres paddlers in the other lane so cant get a proper swim in..

Then half the doors of the showers are completely off alignment and have to be lifted or forced to close before you can lock them or else you just have to go searching for one that actually closes.

Felt like a quick rant this morning. :pac:

No your rant is justified. Here is mine, firstly it is a great facility and a wonderful addition to Castlebar. Just a few small niggles. The changing room doors and locks are going to be problematic. They are breaking.

My biggest issue is that there is nowhere to sit and relax after Sauna and Steam room use.

How the F**K did the architect / designer miss that one ? That is a fairly big miss bordering on funny !

ClaptonBay · 22-11-2019 11:22am

6541 wrote: »

No your rant is justified. Here is mine, firstly it is a great facility and a wonderful addition to Castlebar. Just a few small niggles. The changing room doors and locks are going to be problematic. They are breaking.

My biggest issue is that there is nowhere to sit and relax after Sauna and Steam room use.

How the F**K did the architect / designer miss that one ? That is a fairly big miss bordering on funny !

Yeah agree its great to have it and looks the part as well from the outside. Used the gym on a couple of occasion's outside of the busy periods and it seems fine equipment wise, just a bit narrow is all i would say but not much can be done about that. Though i wish they had included a plunge pool in the plans.

I don't think i should have to ring the pool if i want to go for a swim - were not in the 90's anymore mate. Why don't they have an app that's updated weekly (if necessary) of the times the pool will be in use. I should have the option of opting in to get an alert to say ''the pool timetable has been updated please visit the app etc etc''. The movement have an app already, surely they can work with the app developer to devise one for the pool..

One last bit - the temperature of the showers. About a month ago they were far too hot, now they've gone the other way and flip between lukewarm and cold.:rolleyes:

woody1 · 22-11-2019 1:24pm

ClaptonBay wrote: »

Yeah agree its great to have it and looks the part as well from the outside. Used the gym on a couple of occasion's outside of the busy periods and it seems fine equipment wise, just a bit narrow is all i would say but not much can be done about that. Though i wish they had included a plunge pool in the plans.

I don't think i should have to ring the pool if i want to go for a swim - were not in the 90's anymore mate. Why don't they have an app that's updated weekly (if necessary) of the times the pool will be in use. I should have the option of opting in to get an alert to say ''the pool timetable has been updated please visit the app etc etc''. The movement have an app already, surely they can work with the app developer to devise one for the pool..

One last bit - the temperature of the showers. About a month ago they were far too hot, now they've gone the other way and flip between lukewarm and cold.:rolleyes:

ballina have an online timetable on a basic website and paper ones that you can take with you from the building, its not a hard thing to do, there should be a certain number of hours allocated to each category, adult lengths being the one your probably looking for, its not a hard thing to do a timetable, theyl know at this stage what hours are taken up with lessons and schools and swimming clubs, allocate some of the hours that are free / less busy to adults

as for the architects and the sauna, as someone who works in the business, youd be amazed at how things get missed, or more likely taken out / cut back on whilst trying to cut prices / costs. in all likelihood the first version of the drawings had all the bells and whistles and then progressively things get cut and cut and important things get cut out that shouldnt..

Addle · 22-11-2019 2:45pm

No timetable is a joke.
Very bad management.

recyclebin · 23-11-2019 7:38pm

Was in there a couple of times since it opened. Bought the one month pass for €40. Swimming pool seemed okay but the steam room smelled of stale water and was flooded anytime I went in. They really should have put in a jacuzzi and plunge pool while the were at it.

I think I prefer the Westport pool for that reason alone. Westport also have an up to date pool timetable on their website. Sometimes you can have the whole pool to yourself after 8pm on week days so much better for a proper swim.

Westernyelp · 23-11-2019 8:05pm

recyclebin wrote:

I think I prefer the Westport pool for that reason alone. Westport also have an up to date pool timetable on their website. Sometimes you can have the whole pool to yourself after 8pm on week days so much better for a proper swim.

Having the whole pool to yourself is all very nice. But not a sustainable business model

New swimming pool Castlebar

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