Leisure World Colchester — Local services in Colchester

Mixed Experience at Aqua Spa: Declining Standards, Discriminatory Practices, and Accessibility Concerns My recent experiences at Aqua Spa have been deeply disappointing, marked by a noticeable decline in facility standards, frustrating membership issues, and concerning accessibility shortcomings. What once seemed like a potentially relaxing escape has, unfortunately, devolved into a source of considerable stress and frustration. Upon renewing my membership, I was dismayed to discover it had been inexplicably disabled. Further inquiry revealed a discriminatory policy limiting entry times, making it virtually impossible for me to utilize the facilities given my 4:30 PM work finish. This not only negates the very purpose of a membership but also unfairly targets disabled individuals who, like myself, are employed and rely on a spa's flexibility. It's a baffling decision that completely disregards the diverse needs and schedules of your patrons. Beyond the administrative headaches, the physical state of the spa is concerning. The facility appears to be "falling apart," indicating a severe lack of maintenance and investment. Even more disturbing are the conditions within the disabled changing rooms, which on multiple occasions have been plagued by a "strong smell of urine," rendering them unpleasant and unhygienic. This is simply unacceptable for any public facility, let alone one purporting to offer wellness services, and raises serious questions about the spa's commitment to basic cleanliness and accessibility for all. Furthermore, reports of "money stolen from lockers" and "other items" add to a growing sense of insecurity and distrust. When combined with the general disrepair, it paints a picture of a facility that is significantly "going downhill." I am particularly confused as to why the council continues to support a facility that is so demonstrably not disabled-friendly. It's imperative that Aqua Spa understands that not all disabled people are unemployed; many, like myself, work and struggle to balance their professional lives with their personal well-being. A spa should be a place of respite, not another hurdle. Aqua Spa urgently needs to address these multifaceted issues. The rooms are in desperate need of updating, and the discriminatory membership policies must be immediately revised to accommodate working disabled individuals. Most critically, the spa must prioritize cleanliness, security, and genuine accessibility for all its patrons. Until these fundamental problems are rectified, I cannot recommend Aqua Spa, and I urge potential visitors and the council alike to consider these serious...

I am writing to express my extreme dissatisfaction and concern regarding the recent events and ongoing issues at Colchester Leisure World, particularly concerning the fitness pool and the overall standard of service. Incident on December 9, 2024: On December 9, 2024, I was swimming in the fitness pool when I became entangled in the flag cords. This incident caused me significant distress and could have had serious consequences. Furthermore, I witnessed several children also experience similar frightening situations with the flag cords. This is completely unacceptable and poses a serious safety hazard to all pool users. General Deterioration of Facilities and Service: Staff Cuts and Service Decline: I have observed a significant decline in the quality of service at Colchester Leisure World, which I believe is directly linked to recent staff cuts. This is particularly evident in the frequent late arrival of lifeguards, resulting in delayed pool openings and a generally poor customer experience. Unsanitary Conditions: The poolside area is consistently dirty and unhygienic. The changing facilities are in a deplorable state, with an overwhelming and persistent odor of urine and excrement. These conditions are not only unpleasant but also pose a significant health risk to users. Safety Hazards: The missing section of the swimming pool rail in the deep end has been an ongoing issue since August 27, 2024. This creates a potential safety hazard for all swimmers, particularly children. Staff Attitude: Many staff members appear disengaged and lack enthusiasm. This creates a negative and unwelcoming atmosphere for customers. Call to Action: I urge Colchester Leisure World to take immediate action to address these serious concerns. I demand: Immediate removal of the hazardous flag cords. Thorough cleaning and sanitation of all poolside areas and changing facilities. Urgent repair or replacement of the missing pool rail section. An investigation into the impact of staff cuts on service delivery and the implementation of measures to improve staff morale and customer service. A commitment to maintaining a safe and hygienic environment for all users. I have been a loyal member of Colchester Leisure World since 2010. I am deeply disappointed with the current state of the facility and sincerely hope that these issues will be addressed promptly and...

warning DO NOT LET YOUR KIDS GO DOWN THE RAPIDS! AND IF YOU DO KEEP YOUR EYES ON THEM AT ALL TIMES!!! My 9yr old nearly drowned, she was so lucky I was with her otherwise I wouldn't known what would of happened. And as I was in front of her I had to fight against the ridiculous what they call RAPIDS but I'd say death trap! She's a really strong swimmer but she hit the 1st so called "wall" before turning upside down bashing her head then going under. I litrally struggled to get back to her as she was upside down with feet in air when I had to try grab her by foot and pull her to safety! Then loads of kids came down and litrally pushed her back under again so i then had to push through the kids to get to her and free her again. God knows what the "SO CALLED LIFEGUARDS" would have done as they were too interested in flirting with each other and no one paying any interest in what was actually happening. I'm totally and utterly disgusted in the way the SO CALLED LIFEGUARDS can just stand there without doing there job properly . Since this happening we've also found out this is a common problem and soo many people have had the same issues. We followed all the rules stated but they are so and dangerous and something needs to be done before someone doesn't come out the other end...... I'm putting a massive complaint into the local council to get a health and safety officer to look at this massive issue. The rest of the pool and shoots are fun but the issue is with the kid lifeguards and the actual deathtrap rapids. 1st as you go down it feels like you hit a solid brick wall then scrape yourself or in my case smash yourself as you skim over the top with less than an inch of water, then in my little girls case "bash and tumble upside down until someone can save them". The SO CALLED KID LIFEGUARDS WOULDNT HAVE EVEN KNOWN as only 1 at the top! None at the bottom... "Beware" if your own kids, or even the parents go down with your children as they are just so dangerous! If this also has happened to you or your kids, make sure you put a complaint into the local council as the actual pool staff don't even care! There kids themselves, and probably hear it so much it's the norm..... Check out the reviews left about the "SO CALLED RAPIDS" DONT LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU GUYS AND YOUR LOVED ONES!!! And now they've deleted most of the "warning/dangerous"...