What is a hydrotherapy pool and how is it different from a swimming pool?
A hydrotherapy pool is smaller than a swimming pool, much warmer and typically shallower. Hydrotherapy pools feature massage jets and mobility aids to improve the experience and safety of customers. The combination of warm water surrounding the body, movement and gentle exercise that achieves fantastic results for maximum health and wellbeing benefits.

What are the benefits of hydrotherapy?
There are many health and wellbeing benefits of hydrotherapy, including improvements in physical and mental health. The warm water eases the mind, relaxes muscles, detoxifies the body, and relieves anxiety and stress to give a real feeling of tranquillity.
Other benefits include:

• Mobilising and lengthening your muscles.

• Improve self-confidence.

• Reduce the fear of falling.

• A relaxing and calming experience.

• Improved independence and function.

• Improved circulation.

• Improved aerobic fitness levels.

• Improved balance and coordination.

• Increased strength of weak muscles.

• Increased range of movement of your joints.

• Improved walking technique.

• Supports rehabilitation.

• Improves muscle and skin tone.

• Relieving muscle tension and inflammation.

• Reduces stress and anxiety.

• Relieving pain.

Is hydrotherapy good for managing pain and aiding rehabilitation?
Yes, the temperature of the water relaxes the muscles and alleviates pain. The sense of freedom provided by the water offers a greater range of movement and the resistance allows for exercises that can strengthen the muscles.

What facilities does the PCP hydrotherapy pool offer?
The newly renovated PCP hydrotherapy pool has been specifically designed to increase accessibility to ensure maximum comfort, relaxation and enjoyment whilst using our hydrotherapy pool.
The hydrotherapy pool and surrounding area includes:

• Water massage fountain and water jets.

• Downgrade pool steps with railings on either side.

• Innova dipper chair hoist with the maximum load of 140kg (22 stone).

• Pool side showers.

• Individual changing rooms with vanity area.  

• Accessible toilet.

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What accessible equipment is available to make it easier for me to attend hydrotherapy session at PCC?
Three fully accessible changing rooms with each including:

• Ceiling tracking hoist - that allows individuals to safely transfer directly from the accessible changing rooms (max 31 stone) straight into the hydrotherapy pool.

• Changing bed.

• Adjustable height sink.

• Accessible toilet.

• Shower.

• Moveable screen to improve privacy.

Please remember to bring your own sling for the hoist.

What is the size and depth of PCP hydrotherapy pool?
PCP's hydrotherapy pool is a deck level with depth of 1.2m, and 9.6m long by 3.5m wide.

What is the temperature is the hydrotherapy pool at PCP? 
The temperature of the PCP hydrotherapy pool is at a minimum of 32 degrees.

What hydrotherapy sessions are going to be available?
PCP are going to offer a variety of sessions for maximum therapeutic benefit and enjoyment, please see below:

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Open hydrotherapy session

General hydrotherapy pool sessions are suitable for all ages and abilities, wanting to reap the many therapeutic benefits of hydrotherapy. PCP hydrotherapy pool provides a supportive, accessible and welcoming environment for individuals.

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Social Session

Social Session's provides a supportive environment for people to use the hydrotherapy pool, make new friends and feel the benefits of our hydrotherapy pool. Enjoy the movement through water whilst having a chat.​

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Parent and Toddler session

Parent and toddler session provides a welcoming and nurturing environment for parents and toddlers. Designed to enhance your physical and mental wellbeing as parents, and to promote your child's development and growth. Discover the joy of learning and playing together.

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Water Babies

Water Babies will be providing sessions every Wednesday, from birth to 3 years old. Sessions are designed to get your child water confident as early as possible, developing their natural instincts. To book your session with Water Babies you can email offtherail@waterbabies.co.uk or call 01642 711734.

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Learn to Swim (coming soon)

Adult and child lessons (3 to 4 years old):

Adult and child 3 to 4 years, children will develop water skills independence and water confidence (adult/parent is in the water to offer support). This will take you from Stage One to Four Swim England Ducklings awards. Outcomes include, entries, independently exiting water safety, floating with/without adult support, travel 10 metres, push and glide.

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• Stage 1: Stage 1 is for children 4+ years, this follows the 1st stage of the Swim England Learn to Swim awards criteria. Swimmers may use aids to complete this award. In a controlled group setting, classes are taught by qualified instructor assisting in the water without parental assistance. The focus is an introduction with a games-based approach. Children develop water safety awareness, basic movement and water confidence.​

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• Stage 2: Stage 2 is for children 4+ years and follows the 2nd stage of the Swim England Learn to Swim awards criteria. In a controlled group setting, classes are taught by qualified instructor assisting in the water. The focus in on developing safe entries, including jumping in, basic floating, travelling on front and back, rotating, and submerging. Aim to swim 5m.

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• Stage 3: Stage 3 is for children 4+ years and follows the 3rd stage of the Swim England Learn to Swim awards criteria. In a controlled group setting, classes are taught by qualified instructor on poolside. The focus is on developing safe entries, jumping in, travelling on front and back, basic skills on floating, rotating and submerging to regain an upright position. Aim to swim 10m. Additional award within Stage 3 is the Water Safety Award 1.

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• Stage 4: Stage 4 is for children 4+ years and follows the 3rd stage of the Swim England Learn to Swim awards criteria. In a controlled group setting, classes are taught by a qualified instructor on poolside. The focus is to develop an understanding of buoyancy and submersion through a range of skills including floating, sculling, rotating and push and glide. Kicking techniques will be refined, breathing practices improved and timing introduced for all strokes. Aim to swim 10m using at least 3 different strokes to a good standard.​

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• Adult: Adult (Beginner) lessons are about gaining confidence to enter the pool safely. It covers the ability to move around the pool with confidence and to achieve basic core aquatic skills. Outcomes include entries, exits, buoyancy, balance and aquatic breathing.

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How do I book?
You can book sessions a session by visiting our online booking system, book now and pay at the desk when you arrive for your session. You can also contact our reception team on 01325 321234 or you can visit the Pioneering Care Centre and book with our team in person.

What are the times of a general hydrotherapy pool session? 
We have a range of days and times that we offer our general hydrotherapy pool sessions this can be viewed on our online booking system which is going to be launched soon.

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How much will sessions be?

We have worked hard at keeping our charges affordable and low. Pricing will start from £9 for a single general hydrotherapy session, increasing from this for private hire, for now you can contact our reception team on 01325 321234 or you can visit the Pioneering Care Centre and book with

our team in person. See below price list.

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Single admission 16+ adult - £9

Parent & Child  (0-15) - £12.50 (additional child £4.50)

Concession over 60, means tested benefit and carers (25% less than single admission) - £6.75
Family two adults, two children - £25 (additional child £4.50)

How long do you get in the water for a general hydrotherapy session?
We will be offering 30 minute sessions with a generous 15 minutes changing time either side of this, so you do not feel rushed or under pressure.

 
Are private bookable sessions available? 
PCP offer private bookings enquires directly via email to our Pool Supervisor nenah.thorman@pcp.uk.net.

What age can I bring my baby to the hydrotherapy pool? 
You can bring your baby to the PCP hydrotherapy pool from birth as our pool will be a minimum of 32°C, as recommended by the NHS, STA, Swim England, and PAS 520 baby and toddler swimming guidelines.

What is your policy on managing incontinence for children and adults? 
At PCP we insist on a double nappy system to avoid any leaks into the pool. Allowing the pool to stay clean and open. Double nappy system consists of under nappy which could be reusable or disposable (designed not to swell in water), with a snug-fitting neoprene nappy over the top.  Each accessible changing room has sanitary waste bins provided to ensure safe removal of used incontinence items.

Will the hydrotherapy pool have an attendant?
Yes, the hydrotherapy pool will have an attendant on site during specific public sessions. Anyone needing physical assistance to access our facilities should be accompanied by a support person or carer who must stay in the pool area during the session.

Is there parking available? 
Yes, PCP have free parking spaces available along with disabled spaces. We also have two electric vehicle charging points available.

Can I take photos in the pool area? 
We appreciate that you will want to capture your enjoyment of the hydrotherapy pool with a photo, but we ask all customers to be respectful of others when accessing the pool area. To ensure the safety of children, we politely ask that photos are not taken whilst they are in the pool. For specific sessions and private pool hire photography may be allowed. Please check with the poolside attendant should you be unsure.