Onehunga War Memorial Pool

Having spent the first 18 years of my life living in Onehunga, Jellicoe Pools were our local. Sheesh were they rough though. Happily, Jellicoe has had several makeovers in the intervening years between my own childhood and my children’s, and is the current most favourite due to its «really high» diving board. Ain’t nothing makes a bigger bomb than a «really high» diving board. I couldn’t tell you just how high it is but suffice to say you won’t see me jumping off it.
This summer we have really taken advantage of the outdoor pool. Sure, it’s not heated and for me that’s the whole point. The new generation of kids is so used to having the chill taken off that they risk missing out on that heartstopping moment of diving into a properly cold pool on a hot day — bliss. The outdoor pool is also where the diving boards are at (there’s a low one too), along with picnic tables sheltered under nice big brollies, a slide and a little baby pool.
I really appreciate that the bulk of the outdoor pool is for frolicking and none of this serious going up and down business that can take the fun out of public pools (although yes there are some lanes where you can go up and down if you want to). Inside there’s a heated pool, an even warmer toddler pool and then behind a gate an adults-​only area with spa, sauna and steam room.
The changing facilities are pretty basic in the usual public pool not-​flash way so it’s not the kind of place you want to be getting ready for work post-​swim in the morning. There’s the typical swimming related stuff for sale and a small shop with a hot drink machine that sells treats and snacks including hot chips which just taste so much better after a swim.
There’s also a gym attached which allows members access to the pool as part of their membership. It’s not expensive to go just for a swim anyway and if your kid likes to bomb big-​styles, this is the place!