Swimming is great. It’s fun and it’s beneficial for body and mind. A few lengths in the pool relieves stress, builds self-esteem, improves sleep, and tones muscles.
We have 2 swimming facilities across Ipswich where you can enjoy getting your feet wet. Our lane swims and public swims are popular with swimmers of all ages and abilities. It’s inspiring to turn up and see people just like you are putting in the lengths. Everyone works at their own pace, in their own style. Because it’s so popular, it’s likely you’ll find yourself sharing lanes. If this is the case, it’s good to know about swimming etiquette – a set of informal rules that swimmers abide by to keep it enjoyable for everyone.
Choose the right lane
Before you enter the pool, look at the lanes and choose one that has swimmers working at the same pace as you.
Wait your turn
Give swimmers the chance to turn and push off before you enter the lane. Dangle your legs in first to let others know you’re there. If the lane is clear, you’re okay to enter the water to start your session.
Switch lanes if the pace isn't right
If swimmers are swimming faster or slower than you, be willing to switch to a more suitable lane.
Be respectful of space
The beauty of public swims is the varying skill levels of swimmers. Always be respectful of others’ abilities and allow plenty of personal space.
Leave room when pushing off
Don’t push off right behind another swimmer. Give them a good 5-10 yards of space first. Likewise, don’t push off directly in front of a faster swimmer.
Go with the flow
Always follow the direction of other swimmers. It’s a bit like the rules of the road: swim on one side going down the lane and the other side coming back.
Give way
Rest in the corner of the lane when taking a break so that other swimmers can turn and push off.
Overtaking
If a swimmer wishes to overtake, let them do so. If the lane is too busy to allow someone to pass, let them overtake when you reach the end of the pool.
Proceed with caution
Always overtake with caution. Take care to avoid collisions. Never try to swim over another swimmer.
Crown PoolsÂ
Monday 17th August – Monday 24th August
Please Note: Last Entry is at 20.45 Weekdays and 16:30 Weekends. Booking is not required.
Monday 17th
 Public lane swimming
- 07:30 – 20:35
- Part Pool between 09:25 – 10:05 (During this time no recreation lane)
- Adults only Lane Swimming
- 12:00 – 14:00
Thursday 20th
Public lane swimming
- 07:30 – 21:30
- Part Pool between 09:25 – 10:05 (During this time no recreation lane)
- Part Pool between 10:55 – 13.00 (During this time no recreation lane)
- Adults only Lane Swimming
- 12:00 – 14:00
- Aqua Fit
- 14:40 – 15:25
- Part Pool between 18:40 – 20:05 (During this time no recreation lane)
Sunday 23rd
Public lane swimming
- 07:55 – 16:55
Tuesday 18th
Public lane swimming
- 07:30 – 21:30
- Part Pool between 09:25 – 10:05 (During this time no recreation lane)
- Adults only Lane Swimming
- 12:00 – 14:00
Friday 21st
Public lane swimming
- 07:30 – 21:30
- Part Pool between 09:25 – 10:05 (During this time no recreation lane)
- Aqua Fit
- 12:00 – 12:45
- Part Pool between 11:55 – 12:50 (During this time no recreation lane)
- Adults only Lane Swimming
- 12:00 – 14:00
- Part Pool between 11:55 – 12:50 (During this time no recreation lane, please note there will be one fast lane, medium lane and a double slow lane)
Monday 24th
Public lane swimming
- 07:30 – 20:35
- Adults only Lane Swimming
- 12:00 – 14:00
Wednesday 19th
Public Lane swimming
- 07:30 – 09.45
- 12.05 – 21.30
- Adults only Lane Swimming
- 12:00 – 14:00
- Aqua Fit
- 12:30 – 13:15
- 13:15 – 14:00
- Part Pool between 12:30 – 14:05 (During this time no recreation lane, please note there will be one fast lane, medium lane and a double slow lane)
- Part Pool between 15:55 – 20:00 (During this time no recreational lane or fast lane)
Saturday 22nd
Public lane swimming
- 07:55 – 08:55
- 14:00 – 17:00
- Part Pool between 07.55 – 08:55 (During this time no recreation lane or fast lane)
- Junior distance event (Pre book)Â
- 14:00 – 16:00
- Part pool between 14:00 – 16:00 (During this time no recreational or fast lane)
Monday 17th
Public lane swimming
- 07:30 – 20:35
- Part Pool between 09:25 – 10:05 (During this time no recreation lane)
- Adults only Lane Swimming
- 12:00 – 14:00
Tuesday 18th
Public lane swimming
- 07:30 – 21:30
- Part Pool between 09:25 – 10:05 (During this time no recreation lane)
- Adults only Lane Swimming
- 12:00 – 14:00
Wednesday 19th
Public lane swimming
- 07:30 – 09.45
- 12.05 – 21.30
- Adults only Lane Swimming
- 12:00 – 14:00
- Aqua Fit
- 12:30 – 13:15
- 13:15 – 14:00
- Part Pool between 12:30 – 14:05 (During this time no recreation lane, please note there will be one fast lane, medium lane and a double slow lane)
- Part Pool between 15:55 – 20:00 (During this time no recreational lane or fast lane)
Thursday 20th
Public lane swimming
- 07:30 – 21:30
- Part Pool between 09:25 – 10:05 (During this time no recreation lane)
- Part Pool between 10:55 – 13.00 (During this time no recreation lane)
- Adults only Lane Swimming
- 12:00 – 14:00
- Aqua Fit
- 14:40 – 15:25
- Part Pool between 18:40 – 20:05 (During this time no recreation lane)
Friday 21st
Public lane swimming
- 07:30 – 21:30
- Part Pool between 09:25 – 10:05 (During this time no recreation lane)
- Aqua Fit
- 12:00 – 12:45
- Part Pool between 11:55 – 12:50 (During this time no recreation lane)
- Adults only Lane Swimming
- 12:00 – 14:00
- Part Pool between 11:55 – 12:50 (During this time no recreation lane, please note there will be one fast lane, medium lane and a double slow lane)
Saturday 22nd
Public lane swimming
- 07:55 – 08:55
- 14:00 – 17:00
- Part Pool between 07.55 – 08:55 (During this time no recreation lane or fast lane)
- Junior distance event (Pre book)Â
- 14:00 – 16:00
- Part pool between 14:00 – 16:00 (During this time no recreational or fast lane)
Sunday 23rd
Public lane swimming
- 07:55 – 16:55
- Part Pool between 16:25 – 16:55 (During this time no recreation lane or fast lane)
Monday 24th
Public lane swimming
- 07:30 – 20:35
- Adults only Lane Swimming
- 12:00 – 14:00
These scheduled timetables may change due to special circumstances or events.
Scheduled changes
The Competition pool at Crown Pools will be closed due to galas/events or other circumstances on the following dates. These changes will also be shown on the weekly pool timetable.
Crown Pools Scheduled changes 2026
Scheduled changes to the Competition Pool and Health Suite opening times
Saturday 5th September| Competition Pool closed from 08:55 | Health Suite open as usual
Saturday 26th September | Competition Pool closed from 08:55 | Health Suite closed from 13:30
Fore Street
Monday 17th August – Monday 24th August
Monday 17th
Public lane swimming
- 07:00 – 09:00
- 12:15 – 13:15
- 17:30 – 18:30
- 20:45 – 21:45
- Family Swim Slots available to book: Welcome to myIpswichFit – Leisure Hub
- 09:30 – 10:30
- 10:45 – 11:45
- 13:30 – 14:30
Thursday 20th
- 07:00 – 09:00
- 12:15 – 13:15
- Family Swim Slots available to book: Welcome to myIpswichFit – Leisure Hub
- 09:30 – 10:30
- 13:30 – 14:30
Sunday 23rd
Public lane swimming
- 11:30 – 12:30
Tuesday 18th
Public lane swimming
- 07:00 – 09:00
- 12:00 – 13:15
- 20:45 – 21:45 (Session Cancelled)
Friday 21st
- 07:00 – 09:00
- 12:00 – 13:15
- Family Swim Slots available to book: Welcome to myIpswichFit – Leisure Hub
- 09:30 – 10:30
- 13:30 – 14:30
- 20.30 – 21.30
Monday 24th
Public Lane Swimming
- 07:00 – 09:00
- 12:15 – 13:15
- 17:30 – 18:30
- 20:45 – 21:45
- Family Swim Slots available to book: Welcome to myIpswichFit – Leisure Hub
- 09:30 – 10:30
- 10:45 – 11:45
- 13:30 – 14:30
Wednesday 19th
Public lane swimming
- 07:00 – 09:00
- 12:00 – 13:15
- 15:00 – 15:55
- 20:45 – 21:45
- Family Swim Slots available to book: Welcome to myIpswichFit – Leisure Hub
- 09:30 – 10:30
- 10:45 – 11:45
- 18:15 – 19:15
- 19.30 – 20.30
Saturday 22nd
Public lane swimming
- Female only session
- 10:00 – 12:00
- 12:30 – 14:30
Monday 17th
Public Lane Swimming
- 07:00 – 09:00
- 12:15 – 13:15
- 17:30 – 18:30
- 20:45 – 21:45
- Family Swim Slots available to book: Welcome to myIpswichFit – Leisure Hub
- 09:30 – 10:30
- 10:45 – 11:45
- 13:30 – 14:30
Tuesday 18th
Public Lane Swimming
- 07:00 – 09:00
- 12:00 – 13:15
- 20:45 – 21:45 (Session Cancelled)
Wednesday 19th
Public Lane Swimming
- 07:00 – 09:00
- 12:00 – 13:15
- 15:00 – 15:55
- 20:45 – 21:45
- Family Swim Slots available to book: Welcome to myIpswichFit – Leisure Hub
- 09:30 – 10:30
- 10:45 – 11:45
- 18:15 – 19:15
- 19.30 – 20.30
Thursday 20th
- 07:00 – 09:00
- 12:15 – 13:15
- Family Swim Slots available to book: Welcome to myIpswichFit – Leisure Hub
- 09:30 – 10:30
- 13:30 – 14:30
Friday 21st
- 07:00 – 09:00
- 12:00 – 13:15
- Family Swim Slots available to book: Welcome to myIpswichFit – Leisure Hub
- 09:30 – 10:30
- 13:30 – 14:30
- 20.30 – 21.30
Saturday 22nd
- Female only session
- 10:00 – 12:00
- 12:30 – 14:30
Sunday 23rd
Public lane swimming
- 11:30 – 12:30
Monday 24th
Public swimmingÂ
- 07:00 – 09:00
- 12:15 – 13:15
- 17:30 – 18:30
- 20:45 – 21:45
- Family Swim Slots available to book: Welcome to myIpswichFit – Leisure Hub
- 09:30 – 10:30
- 10:45 – 11:45
- 13:30 – 14:30
Memberships
Giving you the best option to access what you want to do.
Range of choices
No joining fees
No forced contract
Facilities on your doorstep
*Appropriate swimwear includes the following: swimming trunks, swimming shorts (including knee length shorts e.g. board shorts), swimming costumes, swim-dress, bikinis, tankinis, burkinis, Hijoods (or other similar swimwear). Under certain circumstances close fitting plain t-shirts may also be worn at the discretion of the Pool Supervisor.
