New accessibility pods installed at Chelmsford City Council swimming pools
Both Riverside Leisure Centre and South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre now have swimming pool lifts, which enable independent, dignified pool access for people with physical disabilities.
Making Chelmsford’s swimming pools more accessible
Thanks to funding from Essex County Council’s Disabled Facilities Grant, one of the lifts (also known as Poolpods) was installed at South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre in June 2026, making the centre’s pool more accessible to people with physical disabilities and mobility issues. Riverside Leisure Centre, which already had one pod, gained a second in July, meaning both the main pool and learner pool are now accessible for disabled customers and anyone unable to use the pool steps.
Poolpods at Riverside Leisure Centre.
The Disabled Facilities Grant is designed to support projects providing major adaptations for disabled people and is usually granted to individuals or housing schemes to fund home adaptations. The funding proposal for Poolpods, put forward by Chelmsford City Council’s leisure team, was well-received by the grant’s board as it opens up access to the benefits of swimming to so many.
Removing barriers to physical activity
Swimming is particularly beneficial to people with limited mobility as water reduces impact on muscles and joints, making movement easier. These new Contenda Poolpods mean that many users can swim without any assistance, enhancing their independence and sense of freedom.
Councillor Jennie Lardge, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, says the Poolpods will remove barriers to swimming for many Chelmsford residents:
““We know that regular physical activity provides a range of health and social benefits, and it’s important that everyone has equal access to those benefits. The installation of these Poolpods at our swimming pools will make entering the pool far easier for many people, creating a more accessible and enjoyable experience.
Cllr Jennie Lardge, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure
“Chelmsford City Council is committed to improving health outcomes and reducing health inequalities for our residents and this is an important step forward in that work.”
The Poolpod at South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre.
How the Contenda Poolpods work
The pods are designed to make accessing swimming pools simple and dignified for all users. They eliminate the need to transfer from a wheelchair poolside to use the pod, as a submersible wheelchair can be provided. This allows users to go straight from the pod into the water, safely and without fuss.
The pod’s controls are illuminated and have tactile buttons, making them easy to find and use for anyone with visual impairments. There is also voice assistance available for visually impaired users, to guide you through how to use the pod, and centre staff will be on hand and happy to provide assistance.
Users also have the option to use the Poolpod with a care giver or a companion. The pod accommodates: two seated adults; one seated adult with two children; one wheelchair user with a care giver or; users who prefer to remain standing.
More information
The Poolpods are available for use during all public swimming hours at Riverside Leisure Centre and South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre; you do not need to contact either centre ahead of time to use them. If you would like to speak to someone about the pods before visiting, you’ll find each centre’s contact information on our website.
You can read more about accessible activities at our leisure centres here: https://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/leisure-centres/who/accessible-activities/
