Our History

A Greener, Future-Focused Shirley Pool

In 2023, Shirley Swimming Pool took a major step toward sustainability by installing solar panels to help offset rising energy costs and secure the pool’s long-term resilience. Today, the pool is managed by the third generation of the Perry family, with Luke Perry leading operations. He is supported by a capable and long-serving management team, ensuring stability, continuity, and high standards across every aspect of the business. We’re also embracing modern technology to improve the customer experience. A new digital portal now allows parents to manage lessons, track progress, and make bookings online — bringing Shirley Swimming Pool fully up to speed with contemporary expectations while retaining its personal, community-focused ethos.

Rebuild Complete & Unprecedented Growth

In 2013, the final phase of the major rebuild was completed with the addition of a heat
recovery system, making the facility more energy efficient.

By February 2014, Shirley Pool saw its busiest month ever, with 1,800 babies, children,
and adults participating in the teaching programmes.

Over these years, upgrades continued: newer pool liners, a redesigned plant room equipped
with advanced chemical controls and UV disinfection, and refinements to the changing
rooms and reception areas.

The pool’s reputation grew stronger, becoming one of the region’s go-to centres for high-
quality swimming tuition and community use.

Catastrophe & Revival

On 1 August 2009, the pool was forced to close after a leak was discovered.

In a remarkable turnaround, the entire structure was dismantled and rebuilt in just four
weeks: the roof and steelwork were removed, walls replaced, and internal systems rewired.

The revamped facility reopened on 1 September 2009. Project Manager Martin Birch led
the rebuild and located and fixed the leak.

During this physical renewal, new showers, changing rooms, reception, CCTV, security
shutters, and alarm systems were installed.

Planning permission for a two-storey extension had been secured in 2009, but construction
was delayed due to a last-minute withdrawal of bank funding amid the financial crisis.

Innovation and Investment

In 2003, Shirley Pool introduced a direct debit payment system, which proved highly
popular with families by offering flexible and affordable access.

Around this time, the business also purchased its leasehold land from the council, paving the
way for future upgrades and expansion.

A refreshed plant room was installed, with modern chemical controls, improved water
treatment, and UV disinfection systems.

Plans for a new roof and expanded facility began to take shape, marking a shift toward long-
term investment in infrastructure.

Transition & Succession

In 1992, Val Perry (co-founder) was diagnosed with cancer, which accelerated conversations
about the pool’s future and its ownership.

During assessments for a sale, severe corrosion was discovered in the steelwork,
complicating the transition.

In 1993, their son David Perry joined the business. Within three years, he secured funding
that enabled Val to step back from day-to-day operations.

Under this new leadership, the tradition of high-quality swim instruction and service was
preserved.

Staff like Chris White and Jane Read (who had been with the pool since 1988) deepened
the pedagogical culture, while baby and infant programmes (first pioneered in the 1970s)
expanded under teachers like Viv and Deborah.

Stabilisation & Continuity

In 1985, Frank Perry moved on to focus on coaching full time (joining Winchester Penguins
S.C.), leaving Val and daughter Ruth to carry on running Shirley Pool.

Over the next several years, the business gained considerable stability and modest growth.

Despite Val’s health struggles, the pool’s reputation for high-quality tuition continued to
attract swimmers across age groups.

Establishing Shirley Pool

In 1973, Shirley Pool’s land was leased from the council — a derelict patch on Kentish
Road, Shirley — and construction began.

Frank and Val Perry sold their West End home and relocated closer to the site, investing
everything into the new facility.

The original cost estimate of £25,000 soon escalated to £35,000. The oil crisis drove up
running expenses, making the first decade of operation financially challenging.

Although Shirley Pool was one of the country’s first purpose-built private swim schools,
public awareness and uptake were slow to commence.

Establishing Shirley Pool

The roots of Shirley Pool trace to 1969, when Frank and Val Perry set up a small pool in the
garden of their home in West End. Frank, a primary school maths teacher and county-level
water polo player, and Val, a committed instructor, launched the venture with minimal
fanfare.

At the time, there was only one main public pool in the city (Central Baths), which had a
two-year waiting list for lessons. Frank built his garage pool from a kit with help from
friends, and lessons began even before his daily teaching role ended.

On opening day, the heating unexpectedly failed, and the family had to carry buckets of hot
water from their home. But demand grew quickly, and the business soon leased other
facilities (such as the LSU Pool) and expanded into Horndean and community venues across
the city.