Always on
This project successfully funded on 12th January 2026, you can still support them with a donation.
Help us get a new thermal pool cover!
Buckfastleigh, Devon, United Kingdom
Aim
Replace our damaged thermal pool - reduce heat loss, reduce energy costs, and secure a warm, sustainable future for Buckfastleigh Pool
Buckfastleigh Open Air Pool has been at the heart of the community for generations. As a charity-run facility, we rely on a small but committed team of staff, trustees and volunteers who work throughout the year to ensure the pool remains a safe, welcoming and affordable space for everyone. Our mission is to provide accessible swimming opportunities that support physical health, mental wellbeing and social connection.
The pool is used by a diverse range of people: early-morning lane swimmers, local families, schools, youth groups, older adults, and individuals recovering from injury or illness. For many of our visitors, the pool is far more than a recreational facility; it is a place of comfort, connection and routine.
However, our thermal pool cover, which plays a critical role in retaining heat, is no longer fit for purpose. The cover is heavily damaged, and structurally compromised. Currently the pool is losing a substantial amount of heat, resulting in significantly higher energy usage. This not only increases operating costs but also challenges our environmental responsibility and our ability to direct funds into community programmes, training and essential maintenance.
Our vision is to secure the long-term sustainability of Buckfastleigh Pool by ensuring it remains warm, energy-efficient and financially resilient. A new thermal pool cover is essential to achieve this; reducing heat loss, preventing unnecessary evaporation, and improving the overall efficiency of pool operations. By replacing our worn and ineffective cover, we will be able to:
- Reduce heat loss, keeping the water at a stable and comfortable temperature
- Lower energy consumption, allowing us to redirect funds into community sessions and other projects
- Decrease the pool’s environmental impact by reducing wasted heat
- Safeguard the pool’s future so it can continue serving the community for years to come
To deliver this vital upgrade, we aim to raise £18,000, which includes the full cost of the new thermal cover and its installation, along with a contingency of approximately 10% to account for potential unforeseen expenses. This investment will have an immediate and long-lasting impact on the financial and environmental sustainability of the pool.
Every donation, whether large or small, represents a direct contribution to the future of Buckfastleigh Pool. With your support, we can protect this much-loved community facility, reduce our running costs, and ensure that people of all ages and backgrounds can continue to enjoy the health, wellbeing and social benefits that the pool provides.
Thank you for helping us safeguard the pool for today, tomorrow, and the generations to come.
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made