IF you fancy an outdoor swim in this pool when it reopens then you had better be quick.

When the Guardian announced last week that new members would be welcomed at Marbury Open Air Pool this summer, the response was probably not expected to be as it proved.

Work has commenced to fix some major and expensive leaks in old water pipes supplying the historic pool in Marbury Country Park and dedicated volunteers are painting, pruning, chopping, varnishing, fitting and cleaning to get the facility and its gardens looking spick and span for next month’s planned reopening.

“The response to the article has been really positive, so much so that it’s looking like we’ll have sold out of memberships by the end of this week,” said Jonathan Wills, secretary of Marbury Park Swimming Club, the volunteer-run, not for profit club based at the outdoor pool.

“This will, I believe, be the first time the club has sold out of memberships before the pool has opened for the season.

“We’re so lucky to have this piece of local history and I know that the committee feel it is a privilege to be able to keep the story of Marbury pool going.”

He added: “Judging by the reaction to your article and our own social media posts I think there are going to be a lot of disappointed people.

“There still appears to be a broadly held misconception that people will be able to come along and visit for the day, but unfortunately, unless they are a member or are being signed in as a guest by a member, this isn’t going to be possible as it’s a condition of our lease that we can only operate as a members-only club.”

The Guardian understands the committee are currently looking at ways in which they might be able to hold some ‘open days’ across the summer for those who want to try the pool out might be able to do so.

Groups can still book the pool for private hire, usually between the hours of 7pm to 9pm.

“We are also considering offering private hire slots from 10am to noon. More information for that can be found at our website marburyparkswimmingclub.co.uk.”

The pool did not open last summer because of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Attracting people and groups to enjoy the facility has been a key part of the club’s focus moving forward.

“We’re always on the lookout for new members to keep this important (and fun!) piece of local history up and running, and we know that outdoor swimming has become more and more popular over recent years,” said a club stattement.

“The private members pool has been here since the 1930s. Originally built as part of Marbury Hall Country Club, the pool went on to be owned for many years by ICI, for the use of its employees.

“Since the early 1970s, the pool has been operated by Marbury Park Swimming Club, a volunteer-run members’ club, whose aim is to keep this wonderful leisure facility and piece of local history open for the community (and those from further afield) to enjoy!

“Marbury is a different experience to a modern-day, mod cons leisure club!

“It’s very much a day out at a lido from another era!

“It’s beautiful, private garden setting is quite exquisite with a well-stocked tuck-shop to boot.

“The full length pool is unheated and totally invigorating and the benefits of cold water swimming are incredible.”