Water Meadows Leisure Complex — Attraction in Mansfield

Was so disappointed with our visit on . We booked two sessions of the pirate pool family fun because you only get an hour per session which is just not enough time. There was a half an hour gap between the first session and second. When we were checking in for the first session, I asked if we could take our band for the second one, to save us having to come out to reception again in wet costumes. Although the pool was closed for half an hour, we wanted to sit upstairs and grab a snack and drink from vending machines or cafe before the next hour slot. The lady on reception refused and insisted that I come back afterwards to get the new wrist band. When I came up to get it, we paid for some goggles too and I tried to walk back in to sit at the tables so that my son could eat something. She refused point blank to let us through. I said I just needed my son to sit at a table to grab some food. I was told to wait in the tiny, busy reception, standing up with the rest of the people booked onto the 4pm session. Absolutely no common sense, courtesy or leanetsy. We had to eat into our hours time for him to get some food. I tried to voice my frustration to a manager on shift and quite frankly, he was a waste of time. Working in the hospitality industry for over 20 years myself, I know how customers should be dealt with, he had zero people skills. No apology just argued back. We were ready to walk out by this point. I had to swallow my pride and let me son go back for his second session. We went back down to find other people who had done the same as us, in booking two sessions, sitting and waiting by the pool side! This is after the manager insisted that people don't usually book two in a row. The organisation is terrible, the hour sessions do not work, it is causing more traffic and a busier pool as everyone is flocking in and out at the same time. No changing rooms available either. We will certainly not be returning, such a shame as I've been bringing my son since a baby for...

Regrettably leaving a negative review after speaking to a rude manager this morning.

Firstly I want to say that with the exception of one, all of the instructors my two girls have had have been good. A few of them exceptionally so. My oldest has been swimming with them for over a year now.

Unfortunately, the management is terrible. Lately the constant swapping of instructors isn't good for the service we are paying for. This morning we turned up for a new session and the instructor didn't turn up. I went to get a refund for the session and the manager said there was an alternative instructor. There wasn't. Either it was move down a group or move up two groups.

After asking why they have different stages and trying to explain we why moved to the different group, the bloke rudely cut me off and said let's not do this down here. 0 social or reasoning skills, clearly very unhappy that I didn't want to waste my time and money on a swimming lesson that would not teach my child anything.

The toilets are often a state and the changing areas dirty. There's a constant smell of sewage. If swimming publicly, good luck trying to enjoy the place when it's busy. I understand they need to make money but sometimes there's just way too many people to do anything.

It's a shame I've had to leave a negative review but I've been forced to do it due to the rudeness and refusal by management to listen or reason with me. I wonder if the constant changing of instructors, people dropping hours and new instructors starting could perhaps have something to do with that too? Hopefully someone who actually cares might see this and have a word because you'll be losing...

The local leisure centre pool itself is perfectly serviceable—clean, with good lane availability and reasonable facilities. Sadly, the social environment leaves a lot to be desired. A small clique of older blokes has effectively claimed the space as their own, creating an unwelcoming, borderline hostile atmosphere for anyone not part of their little club. These men treat public sessions like their personal training ground, guarding lanes with passive-aggressive stares and muttered comments. If you’re not part of their circle—or don’t look the part—expect to be spoken down to, cut off mid-length, or outright ignored. It’s less like a community pool and more like a retired rugby squad reunion that never ended. A few days ago, a younger guy, clearly capable in the water—asked one of the regulars if they could share the fast lane during an adult swim session. The response? A sneering rude and hurtful comment followed by passive aggression. He’d done nothing wrong except be new and not part of the club. It’s clear other swimmers are either too familiar with the dynamic or too reluctant to challenge it. This sort of territorial behaviour is petty, exclusionary, and completely at odds with what a council-run pool should stand for. It discourages new users and creates a toxic hierarchy where being a “regular” trumps being respectful. Unless you fancy navigating this outdated, alpha-male pecking order every swim, you’re better off finding a pool with actual community spirit—this one’s all chlorine...