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The figures for use of the swimming baths give a good indication of the
type of weather prevalent during the summer months,, and it can be seen that the
use in 1957 was heavy, particularly in the open air pools where there was an
increase over the previous year of approximately 50%,
The summer of 1957 although a fairly dry one was not outstandingly sunny,
however and it seems likely that in the event of a long hot summer, the increasing
use of the swimming facilities may lead to overcrowding of the pools
Swimming is becoming increasingly popular as a recreation and is to be encouraged
for its health giving qualities. The fact that the river, which is so near,
cannot be considered ideal for bathing nowadays because of the pollution from
upstream probably means that more and more persons are deflected to municipal
pools for their swimming.
The purification of the water of these pools is by intermittent chlorination
and the amount of free chloride aimed at is 0 6 parts per million. Water
samples are taken daily throughout the season.
Early in July, a breakdown in one of the motors operating the filtration
plant at the open air swimming pools resulted in some pollution of the bath
water This breakdown occurred during a very hot spell of weather and emergency
action had to be taken to render the pools fit for the heavy use required of
them during that period. Fortunately the necessary repairs were quickly carried
out.
Following this breakdown, in addition to chemical sampling, bacteriological
sampling was undertaken both at the Chiswick Pools and at the Brentford Baths,
and the results showed the water completely sterile,
Paddling Pools - Duke's Meadows:-
Area (2 pools each 60'x 60' 7. 200 sq ft
Depth 6" to 1' in middle
These paddling pools are filled daily from the mains supply and ½ pint of
Chloros is added at each filling
They are open from approximately 1st April to 30th September each year,
according to weather condition
Other Facilities in the Borough for Open Air Recreation
Privately owned open spaces and sports grounds 111.71 acres
Council owned open spaces and sports grounds
leased to private clubs etc 67.94 "
School playing fields 50.50 "
Gunnersbury Park (owned jointly by Acton, Brentford
& Chiswick and Ealing Councils) 186.00 "
Public Baths and Washhouses
Brentford:-
In Clifden Road, Brentford, the Council maintains premises containing 21
slipper baths, 14 for men, and 7 for women. The total number using the baths
during 1957 was 24 738 persons
Chiswick:-
In Belmont Road Chiswick, the Council maintains premises containing 31
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