Thebarton Aquatic Centre

I’ll admit, after reading the preceeding two reviews, I was a bit concerned about going here. But as this is the only central-​ish pool with a hydropool that’s *open* (Adelaide Aquatic’s is closed for renovations), I bit the bullet and with my two companions, braved the cold Friday night to venture forth to swim.
I was delighted and surprised by how good this place is. There is no reek of chlorine; the pools are all clean and the staff are friendly and helpful. The non-​slip floor covering is great for those who have trouble walking, and the disabled facilities are plentiful and spacious. Everything was very clean and tidy, and there were swimming supplies – noodles, rings, aids – for those who wanted to use them. The hydropool was, in short, terrific. The water was deliciously warm and not too deep, deep enough to swim but not to dive into.
All in all, a very pleasant experience and this will certainly be my pool of choice during the winter and colder evenings. My only gripe is that it’s not open later on a Friday night, but that’s a very small thing.

I agree with Chloe on this one, it’s not worth the entry cost. The Thebby pool is my closest place to swim, but I’ve gone here twice and am not going back. Initially, the lady at the desk mistook me for one of the local students, who get in a a heavily discounted entry for $ 3. However, the next time I went, they charged me the standard concession, which is around $ 6.
Pay the same and get into the Adelaide pool — it’s a lot nice, a LOT cleaner and the children are contained to the paddling pool.
Overall, the Thebby pool and change-​rooms are old and not very clean, and it’s always busy with school groups and mums with toddlers. I’ve always been able to get a lap lane, but had to vacate after a while for a school group, or share the pool with a lot of splashing.

Although I live just around the corner from the Thebarton Aquatic Centre, I’d prefer to do a twenty five minute ride to the beach than pay seven bucks to get in. That seems like a lot of money just for a some laps or a quick dip! Maybe I’m just stingy. The pool is nice enough, but it does smell quite strongly of chlorine.
If you are a committed swimmer, it is probably worth getting a membership here. Likewise if you have kids, or want to do water aquatics, or stuff like that Thebarton Aquatic Centre is for you. That said, if you’re really into aquatic centres, you’re probably better off going to the newly renovated Adelaide Aquatic Centre. Helpfully on their pricing pamphlet they let you know of quiet times for laps — mostly early on weekdays or before 4pm.