Shoalstone Seawater Pool is an outdoor 53 metre seawater swimming pool situated in a stunning position on the Brixham coastline and beloved by generations of Brixham people.
The Pool is one of only a few tidal-fed pools left in the country. Built on the site of a natural rock pool that has been popular for bathing since Victorian times,
Used by generations for swimming galas and family fun days, it continues to be a social and sporting hub with large sun terraces and green surrounds. The form of the pool and its immediate area have changed little in 100 years, although there has been some supportive development. Services include changing cubicles, lifeguard base, beach shop and snack bar, beach huts and bistro restaurant.
Timeline of Shoalstone Pool History
1896 Shoalstone Seawater Pool north wall was built by Upham’s shipyard on the site of a natural rock to retain the tidal water that flooded in.
1926 Following continued use in Victorian and Edwardian times of the natural sea water pool at Shoalstone, in 1926 Brixham Urban District Council saw the potential to create a real tourist draw with the construction of a permanent pond not so reliant on the tide. In 1926 bedrock was removed and the pool base built. Brixham Amateur Swimming and Lifesaving Society was formed, now Brixham Swimming Club at Admiral Pool.
1934 The pool was expanded to more or less the shape and size that you see today. A lot of rock was removed to make it deeper and add a shallow end and deep end, with a gently sloping bottom.
1946 After WW2, the pool reopened in 1946. Shut throughout the winter, the Pool was opened each season by a local lady, Minnie Bowman, who jumped off the diving board wrapped in a Union Flag, a tradition that continued for many years.
1960s Part of the roof to the concrete cubicles was used as a foundation for the construction of a clubhouse for Brixham Swimming Club. The rectangular single storey building under a concrete flat roof was then handed over to Brixham Urban District Council conditionally that Brixham Swimming Club had the right of use in perpetuity.
1979 In early 1979 a New Year northeasterly gale damaged the pool, dumping most of the surrounding concrete into the pool itself
2004 The Friends of Shoalstone Pool (FoSSP) was formed by the local community after a public meeting in the town called by Mark Portwood to discuss the pool’s uncertain future. The pool was run very successfully by the group for many years in partnership with its owner Torbay Council. A combination of fundraising and volunteering activities at the pool by FoSSP kept the pool open.
2005 A gale ripped down all the new fencing installed by Torbay Council and hurled large chunks of concrete and rocks into the pool.
2012 Torbay Council announced that financially it was no longer able to run the pool and threatened to concrete it over.
2013–14 Brixham Town Council took over responsibility for the site and set up a not-for-profit organisation to run it, working with FoSSP.
The pool opened fully every summer season again and employed lifeguards. May–September opening continues to date, with additional out of season events increasingly added to the annual timetable.
2015 The old poolside meeting room was converted into Shoals Restaurant.
2018 Storm Emma resulted in serious damage to the pool and its surrounds, totally washing the existing kiosk away.
2021 FoSSP and the not-for-profit company officially merged into one independent charitable organisation, Shoalstone Seawater Pool CIO which manages and maintains the pool.
2023 Brixham Town Council agreed a 125-year lease of Shoalstone site from Torbay Council.
2024 Shoalstone Seawater Pool agreed a 30-year sublease of the Shoalstone site from Brixham Town Council.
2025 Active fund raising and grant applications have resulted in a £550,000 Community Ownership Fund grant appilication beubg aoproved to repair the seawall and maintain the pool for future generations.
Further information at shoalstonepool.com