Romsey Rapids Sports Complex — Attraction in Test Valley

When my family and I recently visited this swimming pool, it reminded us of a typical facility you would find in the UK. Although it had a few signs of wear and tear, our overall experience was enjoyable, thanks to the friendly staff and the pool's appeal to kids.

The first thing that struck us upon entering was the slightly worn appearance of the pool. It was evident that it had seen its fair share of usage over the years, the facility was clean and well-maintained and we did see the staff continually keeping in to of it, assuring us of our safety and comfort throughout our visit.

One aspect that truly made our visit memorable was the exceptional staff. From the moment we walked in, they warmly greeted us and went out of their way to make us feel welcome. Their friendly and approachable nature fostered a positive atmosphere and added to the overall enjoyment of the experience. They were always available when we needed assistance or had any inquiries, ensuring a hassle-free visit.

The changing rooms are good, there is plenty of family changing rooms and the single changing rooms are larger and most of the pools we've been to previously, there are only three showers which are small. There may be family shower rooms that we didn't see, but this didn't really cause any issues, it's more of a nice to know.

The highlight, however, was undoubtedly the pool's appeal to children. Our kids absolutely loved it! The size and depth of the pool catered to different age groups, offering a safe and fun environment for everyone. The pool was equipped with various entertainment features like slides and a simulated river, ensuring hours of exciting play. We were delighted to see our children thoroughly enjoying themselves and making new friends in the water.

One thing worth noting, especially for first-time visitors, is the need for a pound or trolley token to secure the lockers. It's a small but important detail that helps keep personal belongings secure while you enjoy your time in the water. So, be sure to come prepared and save yourself any inconvenience.

In conclusion, while this swimming pool may appear a bit worn, it remains a welcoming and enjoyable facility for a day of aquatic fun. The friendly staff create a positive atmosphere, and the pool's appeal to children adds an extra layer of excitement. Just remember to bring your pound or trolley token for the locker, and you're all set to make lasting memories at this typical UK...

We love it here! Great value for money, plus the pool has so many different sections that it caters to so many abilities.

Changing rooms are always clean, although as with all popular swimming pools, there are never enough. I'd recommend getting out 10 minutes early if you can. We always have one adult stay in with the kids, whilst the other adult gets a locker, dressed, and then gets the smaller one dressed and saves a room for the older kid/s otherwise they can stand around cold.

Lockers are plentiful and a good size. Some do need new wrist holders for the keys, though, and you sometimes get turned around as to where you are. A map of the locker numbers and where they are might be useful if not already available.

If you are a carer, you can call up to book your space. This is a pain, as why it can't be added to the website as an option is beyond me, but the staff are always patient, although on the last two occasions, I have been given the wrong total over the phone and when I turned up, it was more as they were using the wrong days prices. It's not terrible, as the prices are very reasonable, but if carers were bookable online, this would be so much easier.

The Costa cafe is badly arranged, though, and the staff are often frustrated and look exhausted. I've had several visits where I've encountered errors or something missing, although they've always put it right. It's just annoying.

There are plenty of places to sit, though, both inside the pool area where you can watch if your kids are old enough to swim alone or inside the cafe area itself. This is much cooler, as you can imagine.

On our last visit, 2 of the vending machines didn't work, but that actually benefitted me in the end!

We always come back despite its downfalls, as the pool is just so much fun. We have a 14, 12, and 8-year-old, and they love it. We usually pop in the Southampton to make it a whole...

Used to love coming here as a child, heck we used to come every friday night with my dad for years! So decided to take my 6 year old step son and tbh was very disappointed! You really need to close the pool for a while and give it a huuuuge refurb!! The amount you charge and the way the gym and entrance are, you would think the pool itself (which you are more known for) would be well looked after and maintained. Instead its falling apart...theres holes in the tiles, theres cracks which have been filled with some putty stuff which has gone mouldy and it just looks old and dated! You've obviously closed it at some point to change the childrens pool into a pirate theme...its just a shame you didnt sort the rest in that section of the pool at the same time! And staying on the childrens pool...the sprays coming off the mast in the middle really hurt! Think you need to invest in something thats more gentle...and a warning sound for the bucket before it drowns someone whos not expecting it!!!! I also cant believe the state of the changing rooms...they are always filthy. I feel dirty walking from the shower to a changing room and getting changed in one is even worse...i always make sure we take an old towel to put down on the floor so we can get dressed without hooking peoples hair into our underwear as we put them on 🤢🤢

Im sorry romsey rapids but you really need to sort it out! Its starting to become a real health hazard and you, i & many others who visit you know that you can do better than this! Please sort it out and make it a magical place for this generation of children...lets help them to see why we loved it soo much when...